Govt to expand mother, child benefit programme: PM Tarique
The prime minister further noted that, as part of efforts to strengthen women’s economic empowerment, 37,814 families have already been brought under social protection measures
The government plans to expand the existing mother and child benefit programme steadily, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said in parliament today (29 April) in response to a written question.
He said the proposed expansion includes increasing both the amount of financial assistance and the number of beneficiaries. The programme is also set to incorporate antenatal and postnatal care, as well as vaccination and institutional delivery services.
The prime minister further noted that, as part of efforts to strengthen women's economic empowerment, 37,814 families have already been brought under social protection measures.
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"Female heads of these families are receiving a monthly allowance of Tk 2,500 through a family card scheme," he added.
Tarique also said there are plans to expand graduation-based models tailored separately for urban and rural areas, combining quality training with cash assistance and livelihood support to ensure women's social and economic security.
He added that the government aims to create more women entrepreneurs and strengthen marketing networks for them.
The prime minister also said the election manifesto places emphasis on establishing childcare centres (day-care facilities) at workplaces. It also highlights plans to introduce breastfeeding corners for working mothers in garment factories, as well as in all industrial establishments, offices, and courts.
Referring to coastal communities, he said projects to harvest rainwater for more families in Khulna and Satkhira are ongoing.
He added that the government has taken a number of steps to protect the lives and property of residents in coastal areas, particularly in Dakop and Batiaghata upazilas, including the construction of sustainable embankments and measures to prevent river erosion.
Tarique said, "The project document for the 'Rehabilitation of Coastal Polder No 31' in Dakop upazila of Khulna district is currently under review as part of efforts to address climate change risks. Once implemented, the project is expected to protect residents from severe river erosion."
