More budgetary allocation for rural workers demanded

Bangladesh Khetmajur Samiti on Friday demanded that the government increase allocation for the advancement of rural labours and marginalised people in remote areas of the country in the upcoming national budget.
BKS leaders and economists made the call to the government at a discussion titled ‘Rural Labours Social Security: Upcoming Budget’ at Mukti Bhaban in the capital’s Purana Paltan.
They also demanded introduction of medical insurance for the rural farm labours at the view exchange meeting organised by BKS.
Eminent economist and Dhaka University professor MM Akash said the government has so far adopted 160 programmes over social safety net for the under-privileged under the umbrella of 23 ministries.
‘Allocation of Tk 16,000 to Tk 37,000 crore is not sufficient for six to eight crore people,’ he said.
He said the poor, on an average, get monthly allowance of Tk 300-400 in the social safety net programme, which is too insufficient.
BKS general secretary Anwar Hossain Reza urged the government to allocate need-based amount for the rural farm workers.
Communist Party of Bangladesh president Mujahidul Islam Selim said militant ideas were getting popularity in rural areas of the country. He asked the government to take stern initiatives against militant outfits.
Centre for Policy Dialogue executive director Mustafizur Rahman said one of the aims of a budget is to collect money from the rich and distribute it to the poor.
But in this country, the rich are evading taxes whereas the poor are compelled to pay indirect taxes.

News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net