Specific budgetary allocation for children stressed

RAJSHAHI, Jan 21 (BSS): Speakers at a discussion here today said there is a need for specific allocation for children in the national budget to facilitate adequate services for all children and establish their rights in a systematic manner.
They viewed although children constitute 40 percent of the total population in Bangladesh, but there is no specific budget for them in the national financial plan.
There are also major challenges towards establishing a child-friendly Bangladesh, as almost half of all children still live in poverty, denied of proper access to education, healthcare and legal services, they added.
The observation came at a press conference and roundtable meeting styled "Children Budget Thinking and Child Marriage" held at Metropolitan Press Club in Rajshahi city.
Durjoy Central Children Forum (DCCF) organized the programme in association with Paba Area Development Programmme of World Vision Bangladesh (WVB).
'Promoting better life for every girl and boy in Bangladesh' was the main theme of the event, where more than 10 boys and girls coming from the distressed and underprivileged families attended.
DCCF President Narju Khatun readout the written speech on children budget and Secretary of the organization Sarjina Khatun spoke on the child marriage issues.
DCCF Vice-president Asha Khatun and Diamond Ghagra, Liton Bala, Laurence Mondal, Chitra Chisim and Devashish Snul from WVB were present at the press conference.
Referring to various facts findings the discussants said that many critical issues, such as pre-school, child nutrition and children's entertainment, are not in focus in the budget. As many as 70 to 80 percent of all disabled children could be potentially cured if they were given enough attention, they added.
There is no comprehensive plan of action, and associated budgetary allocations, to translate the national child-related policies into effective, well-coordinated programmes.