Impact of Disabled Allowance as Social Safety Net: A Study on Shibchar Upazila in Bangladesh

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VIII, Issue IX, September 2021 | ISSN 2321–2705

Impact of Disabled Allowance as Social Safety Net: A Study on Shibchar Upazila in Bangladesh

Shawon Mazumder Suman¹, Dr. Md. Nurul Amin^2
1Statistical Officer, Upazila Statistics Office Shibchar, Madaripur 7930, Bangladesh
²Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Public Administration Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh

Abstract: This present study explores the socio-economic impact of the financially insolvent disabled allowance as a social safety net program with reference to beneficiaries living in Shibchar Upazila of Madaripur District in Bangladesh. Data have been collected from the respondents who get disability allowance from Upazila social services office. The study also takes into account the social security concerned ‘key informant interviews’ for its analysis. The study finds that though the allowance money has increased the purchasing capability of the disabled people but it does not change their status in the households or in the society. But unlike before the disabled people are not thought to be burden in their families. Timely and regular distribution of the allowances by the Upazila social services office satisfies beneficiaries. The respondents recommend to increase the amount of allowance money. Mobile fund transfer system and introducing disability density map could enhance the credibility of the program. If the disabled people are given proper training along with allowance, they will be able to involve themselves in income generating activities and that would be an appropriate initiative for the socio-economic progress of the disabled people.

Key words: Social safety net, disabled allowance, social services, social security, Bangladesh.

I. INTRODUCTION

Disability-inclusive development refers to an essential condition for a sustainable future of the world (United Nations, 2019). One billion persons or 15% of the world population are suffering from disability and they are integral part of the sustainable development goals (United Nations, 2015, 2019). Hence, assistance or allowances to persons with various types of disabilities is an important issue of social security and development across developed and developing countries of the world.
Disability allowance is one of the important of social safety net programs of the government of Bangladesh (Department of Social Welfare, 2013). Article-15 (D) of the constitution of the Bangladesh supports the social security for its citizens including disabled (Government of Bangladesh, 1972). Bangladesh National Disability Policy 2015 endorses the rights and protection of the disabled people (Ministry of Social Warfare, 2015). The allowance program was started in the fiscal years 2005-2006 with monthly allowance of Taka 200 in cash for financially insolvent disabled (Department of Social Welfare, 2013). The main intension of the disabled allowance under social security program is to enhance the

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