The government has proposed a budget allocation of Tk1,36,026 crore for social security programmes in the upcoming fiscal year.
This allocation constitutes 17.06% of the proposed Tk7,97,000 crore budget and accounts for 2.5% of the GDP.
Expanding Coverage for Vulnerable Groups
Under this allocation, Tk4,351 crore has been earmarked to provide a monthly allowance of Tk600 to more than 60.01 lakh elderly citizens, representing an increase from the current fiscal year's allocation of Tk4,260 crore, which supports 58.01 lakh senior citizens.
Additionally, the government has decided to augment the number of beneficiaries among widows and abandoned women. In the next fiscal year, allowances will be extended to 27,75,000 individuals, up from 25,75,000 in the current fiscal year. An allocation of Tk1,844 crore has been proposed in the budget for this purpose.
Disability Protection Programme
The number of recipients under the Disability Allowance Programme will rise from 29 lakh to 32,34,000 in the next financial year. Moreover, the stipend for students with disabilities at the higher secondary level will increase from Tk950 to Tk1,050.
Mother and Child Support Programme
The government aims to broaden the scope of the Mother and Child Support Programme, increasing the number of beneficiaries from 15,04,800 to 16,55,280 in the upcoming fiscal year. Under this initiative, beneficiaries currently receive Tk800 per month for up to 36 months.
Inclusion of Marginalized Groups
Efforts are underway to extend support to marginalized communities, including the Hijra and Bede. Currently, 6880 individuals from the Hijra community receive allowances to improve their living standards. The government plans to increase this coverage to 12,629 individuals in the next fiscal year. Additionally, a total of 9832 individuals from other socially backward groups will be included in the allowance coverage.
Continued Educational Support
Education stipend programs will persist for all marginalized communities, including the Hijra and Bede, ensuring continued access to educational opportunities for these groups.
