SOCIAL PROTECTION IN BANGLADESH THROUGH A SUSTAINABLE WAY

০২ রা ফেব্রুয়ারি, ২০১৬ রাত ৯:৪১

SOCIAL PROTECTION IN BANGLADESH THROUGH A SUSTAINABLE WAY
Md.Quamrul Islam Ph.D.

Abstract:

In Bangladesh more than three decades ago to now, several governments had undertaken various programs aiming at poorest of the poor literally to feed them keep alive. Those are Test relief, Food For Work, Vulnerable Group Development (VGD), Vulnerable group Feeding(VGF), and in recent decades allowance to elderly, deserted and destitute women, widow, orphans, disabled person and honorarium to insolvent freedom fighters. In recent years the term Social Protection had been adopted by developed countries and is introduced to developing countries. Bangladesh has a long practice of activities in absence of the definition what is called now social protection to alleviate poverty. In the context of the definition to form an index (Social Protection Index) the activities are scrutinized and distinguished from other basic human development programs which are in question in Bangladesh perspective. Since the inception of social protection concept in Bangladesh, statistically the country’s performance is average in Asia which is not reflecting in human development scenario of the country. The difference between SPI and HDI (Human Development index) is very low -12, though the number of coverage is very high according to todate data. The countries like Malaysia, Philippines, Fiji have less coverage but well above in terms of HDI than Bangladesh. In case of Bangladesh year after year bringing more and more population under coverage would not set up sustainable economical growth rather prone to uncertainty. Due to unwanted severe unfavorable climatic conditions such as cyclone, tidal wave, flood, drought, river erosion the number of vulnerable people may increase in a recurring cumulative way which is very much undesirable, serious threat to country’s economic growth and a jeopardy to social protection. This paper describes Bangladesh specific analysis of social protection identifying potential policy reforms, effective programs and execution of specific components. Labour market program in Bangladesh is the lowest which is only 6% compare to others included in ADB’S (Asian Development Bank) social protection program. Emphasis should give on this besides stable improvement of infrastructure, rural and urban development should carry out as a precondition or setting like persistent socioeconomic platform. The majority of the population is still so very poor that in true sense almost cent percent of them should brought under SP otherwise is like feeding them without any return in revenue and country’s economic growth. Which may cause serious havoc to the country once identified there is not enough fund flow due to recession worldwide. All on a sudden core of people would be prone to hunger unless there is stable employment environment. The country should reduce poverty level to a certain extent to ensure food security and nutrition. In order to have sustainable implications of SP, need to build well established base or foundation or benchmark in terms of human development to attain long term economic growth. New innovative efforts like Cluster Cooperative Approach (CCA), National Service Scheme already taken by present government, integrated voluntary effort for building long lasting communication, embankment in coastal area and excavating numerous small rivers, canals throughout the country could be incorporated alongside. In case of persistent substantial development through transparent institutional practice and commitment from political leadership, would automatically increase current SP level to dramatically high within years to come in Bangladesh. For transparency, details of any programs concerned should have access or open to public through online, for this Upazila Statistics Officer could be termed as Upazila Media Officer. He will responsible to make every programs open to public. Once alleviate or decrease the poverty level considerably that would reduce the number of people eligible for SP programs thereby enabling more fund to the extreme poor still remain targeted accurately. To increase SPI effectively in Bangladesh in terms of health, nutrition, calorie intake i.e. over all living standard introduction of open strong organizational operation, accountability, clarity should ensure also. The issues are discussed in details.

Introduction:

After 40 years of independence Bangladesh still remain as one of the world’s poorest countries in terms of human development. Several governments put their effort to implement various programs (then those were not termed as social protection but now fall in to the definition) to improve the livelihood of its citizen but the index of human development is still well below. Certainly there are reasons behind for the very low achievement. Most of the money spent appeared drained in to unproductive channel. Whatever the little success achieved not stable, sustainable and replicating, rather bounce back the previous era as recurring way. Here lies the need to take initiative as pro Bangladesh specific manner for what we call now social protection. Bangladesh for long years practicing some traditional social welfare programs targeted at poor section of the society. The section includes the poorest portion of the population. Although the percentage of poor constitute more than 40% to the total population. If we out figured the number in digit that will surpass the total economically stable (livelihood ensured) population of many countries. In recent years breakthrough social welfare initiative has been taken by the government targeting accurately the maximum eligible section of the population. They include Disabled, Orphan. Widows, Deserted, Destitute Women and Elderly people. These are the most eligible portion of any country’s population should be guaranteed welfare or security by the concerned government. But unfortunately the background scenario of Bangladesh is quiet worse. That is actually almost 40% of its total population (all of them living below poverty level) should need to be protected or secured from hunger. Since the inception of the definition of Social protection in Bangladesh till now, number of individuals brought under coverage increased dramatically, whatever the money allocated for an individual. The increased coverage does not necessary mean that livelihood of the country increased to the same extent. The health, nutrition, calorie intake, living standard of the country is still at the bottom compared to many other countries. We need to focus on this thing to improve to a considerable level. Government cannot and should not provide cash or food to millions year after year to live on unless they generate their own in a persistent way. Thus there are huge potential remains to exercise policies in a Bangladesh specific way, the defined social protection incorporating country specific programs.

Bangladesh background scenario

Bangladesh is a tiny little country in terms of land area but with a robust population of government said around 160 million, hence one of the poorest country. Most of the people live in rural area and tend to depend on agriculture. But the harsh reality is almost fifty percent people are landless. It is a great miracle that having such a small land area the country is feeding the total population, unimaginable to many countries.
Beside land scarcity, topography is another reason of its long persistent poverty. Most of the country’s area is low lying and inundated by flood every year followed by river erosion. On the other hand in north western area prevail water scarcity to irrigate the crop. And in the huge coastal area influx of sea salinity is a major concern. Even after 40 years of independence the geo physical structure of the country is not well established to cope with the natural aggression. The consequence is millions of people of this country thriving simply on luck. If the weather, climate is good they somehow earn their livelihood subsistantly. But unfortunately that is not the case. Every year flood, cyclone, erosion, tidal wave, drought is a common feature singly or in combination.
So even though the people are trying hard to earn livelihood but due to natural calamities, progress of improving their living standard or overcoming poverty is very slow rather great risk always prevail to slide to deeper poverty level again. In fact that is happening in an unseen cyclic way subjected to natural disaster regularly. Increased population and poverty go hand in hand. Every year 2 million people newly fall in to food insecurity.

Bangladesh Social Protection Picture

Way long before, literally from mid seventy Bangladesh is trying to adopt many programs to alleviate poverty from the country. Initially there was much unnoticed success but from nineties marked by 1 &#xim;provement every year though meeting up in a minimum way the basic conditions of life. The various programs adopted are; are TR, VGD, VGF, FFW, RMG, and in recent years stipend to school girl, FFE, allowance to elderly and deserted, destitute people of the society. The programs which are already in practice in Bangladesh now falls under the definition of social protection as a whole initiated by Asian Development Bank (ADB). Whatever the efforts or name of the fact is 40 % ie 40 million people in this country still remain below poverty level. And overall Human Development Condition is very frustrating, at the bottom compared to many countries in this planet. Since the inception of the definition SP and SPI, statistically Bangladesh doing average in Asia and the coverage people increase substantially. According to Bangladesh Development Studies (BIDS) 10million people covered so far the number very short of the rest 30 million acute poor people to reach which is practically impossible. ADB’s interpretation of SPI in this country in relation HDI is at base level which if reflected in the developmental grouping of all countries. ADB’s definition excludes some broader elements of human development, though include labor market program and child education. Increasing head number, the amount (very less compare to many developing countries) of money or food transfer to them has very little impact on stable poverty eradication, living standard, persistent economic growth.
There is no instance of graduation from the programs except death, at the same time every year million of people fall below poverty line (against already existing 30 million people awaiting to be covered) because of loosing land due to increased population,
flood, drought, erosion, cyclone, tidal surge i.e. unexpected natural calamities but those are common in Bangladesh. This context needs to be addressed while adopting social protection strategy for Bangladesh. 40 % people in this country still have deficits of basic needs. So SP should aim at increasing living standard i.e. basic conditions of life and face the risk of abiotic stress. The Bangladesh field level should be leveled; the precondition should meet up first.

Potentials for Effective SP in Bangladesh

Forty million hard core poor people without meeting up basic conditions of life.
Subjected to food insecurity due to ecological damage, unexpected unfavorable weather condition, every year million of people added to the list.
The nutrition level is very low, only 7% people afford to uptake 1600 calorie out of optimum 1800. Ultimately the health status is miserable which is reflected while the nation participates in any sports meet with other countries.
Most important thing is the topography of the country is not well controlled subjected to natural disaster such as flood, drought, erosion, tidal wave to safeguard its land, crop. This is why the poor people is bouncing back to previous subsistent condition in a recurring way.
The adult literacy rate is also very low. Poverty accumulates more in illiterate family than literate.
Programs are not evaluated effectively. e.g. dressing of already existing rural roads for eye wash of public. Pilferage of certain amount of money or food during distribution.
Leakage, no transparency, lack of incoordination, Absence of strong political commitment.
Last not least countless population to be utilized to control nature and create enormous economic environment.

Thoughts for Bangladesh specific adoption of SP

From the preceding interpretation necessity arise to take in to account country specific adoption of the strategy i.e. improvement or reform of current program through designing renovated policy. So far SP within the definition of ADB practiced in Bangladesh doing very good among the Asian countries, ranked 17th in terms SPI with increased coverage and total expenditure. But the impact has a very little reflection in the society. High coverage and expenditure doesn’t mean there is certain extent of dramatic change in poverty line. In autopsy it may find whether large number of people receive small amount or less number getting large amount which is not the case in Bangladesh. Still 30 million people are eligible to enroll in SP program unless there is drastic change of them to get out from poverty. Covering all of them needs greater National Wealth but very low now. No need of magnifying glass what would be this country’s development priority. Establishing basic conditions of life will automatically generate required wealth to exercise effective SP policy. We have to keep in mind the poverty alleviation out of total number of eligible people, budget limitation of the government. SP for this country should be Bangladesh specific considering its financial and national development priorities that will lead to increased SP level.

Efforts to increase SP in Bangladesh

According to many in Bangladesh some programs of SP is wastage and doing little to enhance long term economic growth. In case of TR, FFW, RMG is truly applicable. The beneficiaries leaving very little or almost no contribution to national development. Off course the monitoring or supervising authorities can be blamed for that. The main cause of persistent poverty in Bangladesh is that the topography is not well controlled. In already existing Poverty Reduction Strategic Plan (PRSP), Polly Karma Shohayok Foundation (PKSP), this issue should take in to consideration. A nation wide project should undertake incorporating expatriate of all levels. The project will develop stable rural infrastructure as well as coastal embankment. Initially can start from a identified small scale area as pilot project. Integrated compulsory voluntary approach could be employ for that. Participants could be from Army, Local schools depended on Government grant, beneficiaries of some SP programs, and motivated interested community people of all ages. e.g. excavation of small river to ensure navigation round the year. This will improve communication, boost increased food production, food security, economy, make concerned people independent of any assistance, get rid of poverty in a large scale. Once the project has proven success, then can disseminate throughout the country and can be done altogether same time. This is kind of movement to develop the country for which need vision or strong will from political corner. The country’s labour market should improve by increasing scope of employment for both men and women to attain suatained economic growth. So many times I told about recurring crises in the form of natural disaster, climate change, recession. Poor families are susceptible to these which affect their living hood and jobs. There is question that much has not done in this employment and social protection by the policy makers. “Productive employment and decent work are the main routes out of poverty. Well-functioning labor markets and an enabling environment for local entrepreneurship are essential to increase employment opportunities for the poor. Policies that recognize and improve conditions in the informal economy, where most poor women and men earn their livelihoods, are critical to poverty reduction.” Increasing the employability of poor people, especially for women and youth, unlocks their potential to contribute to growth. Access to nutritious food is promoted through sustainable agricultural and rural development which creates employment and income opportunities for the rural poor.
It is never heard in the country that people graduated from SP program except death.
Once enroll in VGD, VGF program never stop to take the benefit rather more and more people added to the list every year. There should be program to exit successfully i.e. becoming solvent and independent self sufficient. Compulsory Cluster Cooperative Approach can be initiated among the beneficiaries. Certain portion of their benefit deducted would be their capital. The capital can be invested in a profitable way. A considerable amount of profit can be given to an individual conditioned will never enroll to regular assistance program.
So far Bangladesh governments expend the amount for different SP program; out of which the rate of stable sustainable success is not fairly reflected in the society. Whatever the improvement achieved could have been much better according to the amount of investment. The programs are not well managed, lack of transparency, accountability, clarity exists in institution or organizations concerned. As a result there is huge leakage
of cash, food or kinds reaching to the designate in a reduced amount than the actual.
It is very pessimism that the practice would change or stop all on a sudden unless there compulsory imposition which would be difficult to avoid. Access to information or right to know should established for being transparent. Everything should make open to public, the easiest way to which is through online. Already existing Upazila statistics office, social welfare office, women affairs office either one could be transform in to media office for that upazila. The office will responsible to know public, all public development programs in a clarified digitalized way. The media houses of the nation should broadcast more and more about rural development programs to alert the concerns, reducing the so called countless unfruitful “Talk Shows”. Besides government can open a nation wide second terrestrial channel solely meant for national development to have long persistent effect on our nation’s development. Initially this sounds costly but in the long run may proof out cost effective for various developmental programs of the government. Establishment of strong electronic media will not only check malpractice but also improve political culture as well. The people will be well informed about facts and figure of programs, lead to strong public opinion against anomalies. At the same time politicians will compell to establish their credibility of commitment, will and promise. Recently community radio installed in several upazilas of southern coastal Bangladesh. These can be incorporated to implicate policies of SP in broad sense.
In Bangladesh several ministries, at least thirteen and numerous organizations are engaged in aiming to help the poor to improve their livelihood. This creates anomalies, wastage of money, less success, increase cost. Those who are destined to the same target should brought under same roof in an coordinated way, which will reduce cost, better transaction, enhance greater benefit of the subjects, overall stable effective graduation from poverty.


Conclusions:

For effective social protection in Bangladesh the number of factors responsible for such huge individuals (at least 40 million) to be enrolled under coverage of SP programs should first addressed. The rest of the populations are also not enjoying the full scale of living standard. Still our main focus is on the need of basic conditions of life to be enjoyed by all the citizens. The efforts of successive governments paid off very slow rate success. Because the playing field is not leveled. The topography of Bangladesh susceptible to natural aggression should be stably controlled. For development of well protected topography, integrated voluntary approach could be incorporated. More focus should give on labor market i.e. persistent income generation to have broader, equitable growth in the society. National service program may be an example. There should be conditional successful passing out from existing SP programs. The beneficiaries through Cluster Cooperative Approach can graduate from assistance. Besides infrastructure, nutrition, health and education level of the country need to improve a lot. School feeding program should strengthen more with nutritious, tasty food, at least until secondary school passing out. This will ensure cent percent well conscious healthy literate people to safe guard against hardship of life struggle. The existing SP programs can be improve by effective, accountable governance to ensure transparency, legitimacy . Priorities should give on the dissemination of information’s SP programs facts and figure for clarity.


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