Action Plan 2016 – 2021 Implementation of the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS)

1. Introduction The Constitution of Bangladesh has made the provision that the State will bear the fundamental responsibility for ensuring the right to social security for all deserving people (Article 15-D). Such constitutional provision directs the government to strive for strengthening the existing social security system of the country which has a long legacy since the independence of the country in 1971. Moreover, the unfaltering progress of the country moving towards becoming a middle-income country, free from poverty and hunger, has opened up opportunities for the Government to devise a rights-based comprehensive social security system for the people. Thus, constitutional provision, economic capacity and overall developmental commitment of the present government has paved the way for formulating a National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) of Bangladesh. The Cabinet has approved the Strategy on 1st of June 2015. The strategy aims to address the risk and vulnerability of the poor in the country with a view to reducing their poverty and marginalization. 1.1 Background The core of the NSSS is coordination among the 35 ministries/divisions and programme consolidation along lifecycle risks, with programmes for children, working age people – including specific focus on youth and vulnerable women – the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The lifecycle approach also addresses current gaps in coverage of early childhood needs. The heart of the NSSS is to reform the national social security system by ensuring more efficient and effective use of resources, strengthened delivery systems and progress towards a more inclusive form of social security that effectively tackles lifecycle risks, prioritising the poorest and most vulnerable members of the society. The NSSS implies a shift from current discretionary approach to a targeted universal approach to avoid leakages and under-coverage. Special attention needs to be given to progressive but substantive scaling up of the ‘graduation’ programmes that offer real and direct income earning opportunities, and formal and informal work to the poorest, alongside complementary activities that provide poor people with a means to lift themselves out of extreme poverty. It is to be ensured that the most vulnerable women are provided with income security and greater opportunities to engage in the labour market, in particular, as they enter into motherhood. One of the ground-breaking features of the NSSS is to initiate a social insurance system that enables people to invest in their own social security, providing security against the risks of old age, disability, unemployment and maternity. This includes expanding coverage to the residents of urban areas and to the socially excluded people, ensuring that the social security system supports an effective disaster response system and strengthening the delivery systems for priority transfers by establishing advanced Management Information Systems and results-based M&E. This also includes capacitating the relevant officials of the ministries/divisions. Implementation of the NSSS requires complex reform and coordination across the Government, affecting all the relevant ministries/divisions implementing social security programmes. Managing all these pertinent changes is challenging, and this demands a degree of long term systematic action planning. The NSSS, therefore, indicates that the implementation of the strategy may take substantially long time. To avoid unwanted complication and probable conflict among stakeholders, the action plan should be formulated on the basis of detailed stakeholder consultations and on consideration of ground realities. Also, it is stipulated in the NSSS that there should be a short-term action plan (five years) to improve the efficiency of the existing social security programmes by enhancing current governance and consolidating service delivery systems. The long-term reform aims at implementing a lifecycle based social security system by 2025. The present action plan for 2016 up to 2021 is for the short-term reform of the existing social security programmes. NSSS outlines a vastly simplified institutional arrangement that allows proper planning and implementation. In the first phase (2016-2025), the Government will introduce thematic clusters for coordination and cooperation of ministries engaged in programme implementation under the 3 coordination leadership of the CMC (Central Management Committee) on Social Security Programmes – an inter-ministerial committee constituted by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh under the Cabinet Division. In the second phase (from 2026 onward) the Ministry of Social Welfare will take up the responsibility of the reformed lifecycle social security programmes. 1.2 Vision and Mission of NSSS The Government has a constitutional obligation to ensure people’s rights to social security. In the long- term, the objective is to move towards building a social security system that is available to all the people of Bangladesh who are in need of support, providing them with a guaranteed minimum income but also a comprehensive safety net for those who suffer shocks and crises that may push them into poverty. Thus, the NSSS has the long-term vision as follows: Vision “Build an inclusive Social Security System for all deserving Bangladeshis that effectively tackles and prevents poverty and inequality and contributes to broader human development, employment and economic growth.” The NSSS provides that over the next five years the Government would take appropriate steps towards achieving this vision, while being cognizant of the reality that substantial change will take time. The Government will focus on building the foundation of a progressive and inclusive system. The NSSS states the mission over the next five years as follows: Mission “Reform the national Social Security System by ensuring more efficient and effective use of resources, strengthened delivery systems and progress towards a more inclusive form of Social Security that effectively tackles lifecycle risks, prioritizing the poorest and most vulnerable members of society.” 1.3 Objective of the Action Plan (2016 up to 2021) The objective of the NSSS implementation action plan (2016 up to 2021) is to formulate a detailed inventory of activities to be taken by ministries over the five years. The NSSS itself provides a sketchy outline of major actions to be taken by different ministries. The present action plan builds upon those outlines; expanding and spelling out the time bound activities of different ministries/divisions and thematic clusters to achieve the mission of the NSSS. The action plan also provides milestones, which will be used to track the implementation progress of the action plan. 1.4 Action Plan Formulation Process An extensive process has been followed in formulation of the action plan (2016 up to 2021). The main inputs were obtained from a series of action plan workshops held at the Cabinet Division. Each session of the workshop was attended by 4-5 officials each from two ministries. In total 35 ministries/ divisions participated in these workshops, in 11 sessions. During the workshops, the main concept of the NSSS was discussed, followed by a hands-on exercise on the action plan template. The template was semi-structured, covering the present situation of social security programmes in comparison with the NSSS provision. The concerned officials then went back to their ministries and officially returned their approved action plans. To expedite the process of action plan finalization, the CMC on Social Security Programmes decided to form a high-level sub-committee chaired by Secretary (Coordination and Reforms) of the Cabinet Division with members of five thematic clusters (Social Allowance, Food Security and Disaster Assistance, Social Insurance, Labour/Livelihood Interventions, and Human Development & Social Empowerment) and cross-cutting ministries/divisions (Annexure – A). The action plan sub-committee agreed that some additional information from the cluster lead ministries would be required for the full-fledged action plan. Workshops were then organized in each of the five clusters as headed by the respective lead ministries. During these workshops, revised template was used to collect additional information on the status of 4 social security programmes of those ministries. After the workshop, the ministries/divisions took time to prepare their own action plan, to finalize it, and then send the final version to the Cabinet Division. The consultation process within the ministries/divisions was carried out duly. Later, the Action Plan sub- committee reviewed the action plan thoroughly before finally placing it to the Central Management Committee (CMC) on Social Security Programmes for approval. All the outputs of two series of workshops, held in September 2015 and July 2016, were utilized to consolidate the final action plan. Apart from the inputs from respective ministries/divisions, some relevant documents of these ministries/divisions, such as, allocation of business, Annual Performance Agreement (APA), budget framework papers, etc. were consulted. While checking responsibilities in service delivery system and per person benefit, the broader outline of the action plan, as set in the NSSS, was given preference. The consolidation involved a process to phase out some programmes or to merge them into a greater programme, often to be managed by another ministry. The main challenge of the action plan appeared to be broad and complicated coordination issues among implementing ministries. An ultimate target of the NSSS was to consolidate the lifecycle social security programmes to a handful of core programmes from a plethora of fragmented ones. Each of the thematic areas was comprised of several ministries. This means that some of the ministries will have their own reformed roles. 1.5 Structure of the Action Plan The action plan has been prepared in three parts, the first part being the national plan, mainly drawn from reviewing the NSSS itself. Then the thematic cluster action plans are presented, preceded by the ministry/ division specific action plans. In the ministry/division action plans, the gap of NSSS implementation has been analysed before providing the specific plan for action.

2. National Action Plan for NSSS Implementation The NSSS provides a brief structure of the action plan at the national level for Bangladesh. It mentions plans for programme consolidation and other governance reform. Against the backdrop of the review of past Social Security System experience, the priority challenges that will need to be addressed over the medium-term are as follows: Priority Challenges for the Medium-Term • A shift from current discretionary to a targeted universal approach to avoid leakages andunder coverage; • Expanding coverage of core schemes for the extreme/hard-core poor and most vulnerable people of the society, focusing on mother and child, adolescent and youth, working age, the elderly and people with disabilities. A basic objective for the next five years would be to support the elimination of hard-core/extreme poverty as much as possible; • For this to be effective, given the dire circumstances of the extreme poor, consideration will need to be given to progressive but substantive scaling up of the ‘graduation’ programmes that offer real and direct income earning opportunities and formal and informal work to the poorest, alongside complementary activities that provide poor people with a means to lift themselves out of extreme poverty; • Ensuring that the most vulnerable women are provided with income security and greater opportunities to engage in the labour market; • Initiating a social insurance system that enables people to invest in their own social security, providing security against the risks of old age, disability, unemployment and maternity; • Expanding coverage to the residents of urban areas and to the socially excluded people; 5 • Ensuring that the social security system supports an effective disaster response system; • Strengthening the delivery systems for priority transfers by establishing advanced Management Information Systems (MIS) and developing professional staff; and • Expanding awareness of the social security programmes for the beneficiaries and motivating potential contributors. 2.1 Programme Reform for 2016 up to 2021 Based upon the past Social Security System experience, NSSS has identified the priority areas of programmatic and institutional reform that will need to be carried out at the medium-term as follows: Table 2.1: Programme Reform in 2016 up to 2021 Proposed Reform Action Plan Ministry/ Division A.1 Strengthening Social Security for the Children (age <1 – 18) A.1.1 Child Benefit • Submit detailed implementation plan for Ministry of Women the Child Benefit to the Cabinet & Children Affairs (MoWCA) A.1.2 Primary and Secondary • Submit detailed implementation plan for Ministry of Primary School Stipends the scale up of the stipend programmes to & Mass Education the Cabinet Division (MoPME)/ Ministry of Education (MoE) A.1.3 Continuing Orphan’s and • Maintain on-going programme Ministry of Social School Meals Programmes Welfare (MoSW)/ MoPME A.1.4 Ensuring Child Maintenance • Develop policy and start implementation, MoWCA Payment for abandoned July 2016 children A.1.5 Strengthen Immunization, • Take actions to strengthen supply and Concerned Ministries Child Healthcare, Nutrition outreach of these programmes and Water and Sanitation Programmes. A.2 a Strengthening Programmes for Working Age (age 19-59) A.2a.1 Strengthen Education and • Strengthen quality of education and MoPME/MoE/ Training training MoEWOE A.2a.2 Strengthen Workfare • Consolidate all workfare programmes Ministry of Disaster Programmes Management and Relief (MoDMR)/ Local Government Division (LGD) A.2a.3 Introducing Unemployment, • Commission study to design Ministry of Labour & Accident, Sickness and unemployment insurance for workers in Employment (MoLE) Maternity Insurance under the organized private sector; NSIS • Submit Plan to Cabinet Division for approval and start implementation A.2b Strengthening Programmes for Vulnerable Women (VWB) (age 19-59) A.2b.1 Consolidate into one VWB • Submit detailed implementation plan for MoWCA programme on cash basis Vulnerable Women’s Benefit (VWB) to the Cabinet Division 6 Proposed Reform Action Plan Ministry/ Division A.2b.2 Provision of Childcare • All government offices and formal private MoWCA across all Formal & Informal enterprises have childcare facilities; Employment A.2b.3 Maternal health care • Continue and prepare expansion plan Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) A.2b.4 Training programme • Continue training under VGD MoWCA A.3 Comprehensive Pension System for the Elderly A.3.1 Old Age Allowance (age 60 • Expand the Old Age Allowance MoSW +) programme A.3.2 Government Service • Submit detailed implementation plan to Financial Institutions Pension Cabinet Division (FID)/ Finance Division (FD) A.3.3 The National Social • Initiate study to determine the viability Financial Institutions Insurance Scheme (NSIS) of a NSIS; Division/ FD • Recommend options for a NSIS A.3.4 Private Voluntary Pensions • Initiate study to determine the viability of Financial Institutions a Pension Regulatory Authority Division/FD A.4 Programmes for People with disabilities A.4.1 Strengthening the System • Submit detailed implementation plan MoSW of Social Security for People for the Child Dependency Benefit and the with disability Working Age Disability Benefit to Cabinet; • Implement programme A.5 Programmes for Urban Poor A.5.1 Strengthening the Social • Ensure urban poor households have Concerned line Security System for the similar access as rural poor households Ministries/ LGD/ Urban Poor Finance Division A.6 Programmes for Food Security A.6.1 Consolidate and Reform • Consolidate food transfer programmes; Ministry of Food / Food Security Type • Coordinate with food stocking policy; MoDMR Programmes • Food distribution for disaster relief to continue as a disaster relief programme A.7 Programme Consolidation A.7.1 Consolidate small schemes • Retain schemes that are innovative and Line Ministries/ GED can be scaled up 7 2.2 Institutional Reforms Table 2.2: Institutional Reform in 2016 up to 2021 Proposed Reform Action Plan Ministry/ Division B.1 Two-Phase Reforms B.1.a CMC led Cluster • Introduce Cluster Approach to Ministries’ SSP Cabinet Division Coordination Approach implementation; General Economics of Implementing • Review efficiency and effectiveness of Division (GED) Ministries the cluster approach and CMC will ensure coordination and supervision of programmes (till 2025) B.1.b Ministry of Social • Strengthened and reformed Department of Ministry of Social Welfare to implement Social Services under Ministry of Social Welfare Welfare Lifecycle Programmes (from 2026 onwards) Line Ministries and Coordinate with • Take preparatory measures from now onward. SSPs B.2 Establish a Single • Commission a review of MISs across all Social Statistics and Registry Management Security schemes, December 2014; Informatics Division Information System • Establish a Single Registry on a pilot basis (SID) within SID; •Establish nationwide Single Registry B.3 Strengthen • Initiate comprehensive review of current G2P Finance Division/ Government to system; FID / other Person (G2P) Payment •Initiate implementation of findings Ministries Systems that Promote Financial Inclusivity B.4 Strength Processes for • Review of selection criteria for all programmes; SID / GED / IMED/ Selecting Recipients • Implement recommendations; MoDMR/ Line of Social Security Ministries Schemes • Combine PMT with use of LGIs and NGOs in identifying beneficiaries B.5 Establish a Complaints • Commission study to design the mechanism; Cabinet Division/ and Grievance Initiate implementation GED / LGD Mechanism B.6 Establish a Results • Assign M&E responsibilities; Establish task Cabinet Division / Based Monitoring & force to develop M&E framework; Implement GED / IMED Evaluation System task-force recommendations The NSSS outlined the areas of service delivery reform in social security system and instructed the role of ministries and divisions that are implementing schemes. It recognizes that a single ministry or division may implement a scheme, but others have a cross-cutting role. Based upon this idea, the CMC on Social Security Programmes has formed five thematic clusters: Social Allowance, Food Security and Disaster Assistance, Social Insurance, Labour/Livelihood Interventions, and Human Development & Social Empowerment. Each and every cluster has a coordination ministry or division, and the rest are the members. According to the NSSS, thematic clusters are the forum for intra- and inter-cluster coordination in service delivery. 8

3. Gender focus in NSSS Action Plan During 2016 up to 2021 In a diagnostic study carried out by the SSPS Programme it was found that women and men are not only affected by the same social and economic risks differently, but women also face different types of risks and vulnerabilities. Women face additional disadvantages due to gender based discrimination and deprivation. Gender alone does not lead to social marginalisation; rather it is the subordination of women and girls based on gender norms, women’s low educational and economic accomplishment, weak bargaining capacity, discriminatory legal provisions, economic and other group-based inequalities that together work to deepen the nature of disadvantage faced by women and girls. The norms and practices which impede women and girls are as follows: gender roles and division of labour, seclusion and lack of mobility, early marriage girls and child pregnancy, gender based violence including for dowry, emergence of female headed households, drudgery of unpaid household work, preference for sons, unequal legal rights and harmful social practices, etc. Working women face additional disadvantages due to gender discrimination. Female labour force participation is low – at 36 per cent – compared to 83 per cent for men. This may reflect traditional attitudes to women and their weak bargaining power within households. Wages for female workers are also low, and they can earn up to 60 per cent less than men for the same work. Other notable difficulties suffered by women are due to widowhood and separation. According to available data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, widowed, divorced and abandoned women constitute about 11.3 per cent of all married women in the country. In the eyes of society, a widow is often treated as a burden and is therefore neglected; a widow is seen to have lost her honour in the family and society, particularly in the poor community. As a part of Social Development Framework (SDF), the NSSS puts much emphasis on the issue of women and gender empowerment with the objective of achieving better equity and social justice. Therefore, it recommends comprehensive measures to be taken for tackling all gender related socio-economic discrimination. The NSSS assumes that the social effects of the social security programme for the women would increase self-esteem, confidence and voice among beneficiaries and enhance empowerment of women. They will have a greater voice in decision making in the family, as well as the society. Such programmes are likely to bring about transformation in traditional social gender norms and attitudes, while reducing gender gap in educational investment of children. 3.1 Gender based Social Security Programmes About 27 social security programmes in the budget of 2016-17 have primary focus on women, directly or indirectly. Of the 10 largest programmes, VGD is the lone programme specifically targeting women; the others are relatively small. Programmes target women with a generalized notion of women forming the poorest segment of the population and also admitting that they have fewer opportunities. Existing programmes cover a large number of women, providing consumption and income generation support; they buttress promotion of gender equality in education, employment, income and health. Most programmes do not have the specific goal of women’s empowerment, but many have had intended and unintended positive effects on women 3.2 Gender Responsive Social Security The need to address women and girls at various ages has been considered in the NSSS and women have been identified as a group with specific needs. The NSSS encourages transformative social security by promoting social empowerment of disadvantaged groups including women. However, the NSSS does not elaborate further on this but leaves it to a separate strategy for gender focussed social security to formulate specific measures. Hence the gender diagnostic study was undertaken, which recommends additional gender empowering components in social security programmes and their delivery system. The study suggests that in addition to human capital and productive capital development for women, social capital and sense of self-respect should be enhanced. Towards that end motivational activities and 9 awareness building at the household and community level along with congenial legal framework would be useful as is explained below. Figure: 3.1 The study also suggests that there is a need to explicitly address the origins of gender discrimination and facilitate women’s empowerment as an outcome of social security programmes. Some of the other important activities suggested in the study are more proactive initiatives in protecting women from abuse and violence, preventing harmful practices. In short, social security aiming at gender equality needs multi-dimensional initiatives and cannot be achieved by only pursuing economic gains for women. The findings of the said gender diagnostic study are yet to be reviewed and validated by stakeholders. It is expected that the diagnostic studies will be a precursor to formulating a gender focused social security strategy. 3.3 Gender Focused Actions Based on the policy guidelines of the NSSS and pursuant to a series of action plan workshops the NSSS Action Plan incorporates the following activities to address gender issues in social security. These actions are exclusively related with social security of women and girls; but there are other programmes which deal with both genders with embedded principles of ensuring gender equality in delivery system. 10 Table 3.1: Gender Focused Action Plans No Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Increase coverage Coverage Annually Ministry of Finance by 10% every year increased for next Social Welfare Division Strengthen Support five years for Vulnerable Strengthen Women Support for Introduce Concept note July 2017 Ministry of Ministry of 1. Vulnerable Vulnerable Women developed July 2018 Social Welfare Women and Women Benefit programme Piloted in some July 2019 Children IVulnerable Women Upazilas Affairs Benefit programme Programme rolled out nationally Design a project Project/ December Ministry of Finance or programme programme 2017 Women and Division (with plan for approved Children Introduce costing, manpower, Affairs Child Benefit delivery/ operation (MoWCA) Programme and coordination (allowances to mechanism) 2 be disbursed to female parents Implement a pilot Pilot July 2018 preferentially) programme programme preferentially) implemented Programme Implement Child Programme July 2019 Benefit Programme introduced Introduce Prepare Plan submitted July 2017 MoWCA Ministry of Vulnerable implementation Food 3 Women’s plan and submit to Benefit Cabinet Division programme Survey on Survey January MoWCA Ministry of the status of conducted 2018 Labour and Workplace implementation Employment 4 Childcare Services Create awareness Awareness March MoWCA Ministry of among programmes 2018 Labour and organizations organized Employment Conduct study on Study report July 2018 MoWCA Ministry of the present pattern submitted to Social Welfare of support for Cabinet Division children Child Formulate a The policy is July 2019 MoWCA Ministry of 5 Maintenance policy on child approved by Social Welfare Payments maintenance Cabinet payments Implement the Policy June 2020 MoWCA Policy implemented 11 No Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Make a need Study report June , 2018 Ministry of Ministry of assessment for submitted to Health and Women and additional coverage Cabinet Division Family Children Continue increase Number of July 2017 Welfare Affairs Maternal Health of coverage by 10% beneficiaries (continue 6 Care increased next five years) Coordinate similar Consultations December programmes by held regularly 2017 other ministries Coordinate with Information September Ministry of FID Maternity FID to incorporate supplied 2017 Health and 7 Insurance maternity insurance Family in the NSIS Welfare Scale up Introduce the Number of July 2017 LGD Finance SWAPNO project in 200 Upazilas of Division, (Strengthening Upazilas SWAPNO UNDP Women's project 8 Ability for extended Productive New Opportunities) Project Increase coverage Coverage Continuous Rural Finance Scale up of the programme increased (up to Development Division ‘One House by 15% every year 2020) and 9 Cooperatives - One Farm’ programme Division (RD&CD) Increase the Number of Continuous Ministry of Strengthen number of programmes Expatriates’ social allowance social allowance Increased Welfare and (financial programmes for the number of Overseas support/ migrant workers beneficiaries Employment assistance/ and their family 10 benefits) for the members migrant workers and their family members (particularly women) Increase training Training of Continuous MoLE MoY&S; MoE; programmes for young men MoEWOE youth increased Skill development Training of Continuous 11 programme for young women young men and increased women 12

4. Social Security Spending The number of social security programmes in Bangladesh have continued to be increased over the last decades. Lately, with the spirit of programme consolidation as suggested in the NSSS, the number of social security programmes have been reduced. In the beginning of the NSSS-reform, the total number of social security programmes was 145 in 2015, which came down to 142 in 2016, and further reduced to 136 in 2017 and to 118 in current fiscal year (Annexure - B). Even though the number of social security programmes has been falling lately, the budget allocation for social security has shown a trend of gradual rise in total amount. The allocation has been around 2 per cent of GDP and around 13 per cent of the national budget in past ten years. The yearly allocation is shown in the following graph: Figure 4.1: Social Security Spending (FY 2008-09 up to 2017-18) 4.1 Ministry-wise Allocation As shown in the following table, the highest share of social security allocation goes to the Finance Division, followed by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. In 2017-18, the allocation for Finance Division is Tk. 23,688 crore, which is around 43% of the total outlay in the sector. The allocation for Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief is Tk. 7,108 crore. The Ministry of Social Welfare is given the third highest share, amounting to Tk. 4,077 crore, which has been raised around four times from fiscal year 2008-09, contrasting with an increase of only 77% for Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief over the same period. It is notable that in 2017-18, the top five ministries spend more than 75% of the total allocation, while the top 10 ministries spend more than 94% of the budget. The spending of other 14 ministries remains well below 6%. Table 4.1: Ministry-wise Budget Allocation on Social Security Programmes (2008-09 up to 2017-18) (Taka in crore) Ministry/ 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Division Total Prime 103.49 32.68 170.05 145 120.1 181 216 230 280 322 Minister Office Cabinet Division 10.59 11.5 10.8 - - - - - - - Ministry of 1,030.48 1,337.40 1,444.73 1,486.56 1,486.03 1,726.80 2,358.67 2,772.06 3,547.89 4,077.49 Social Welfare 13 Ministry/ 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 Division Ministry of 819.51 735.55 857.58 920.37 1,041.56 1,099.97 1,185.40 1,330.98 1,710.60 2,208.17 Women and Children Affairs Ministry of 153.72 299.56 470.07 466.73 683.62 901.15 1,426.87 2,230.35 2,610.71 3,556.61 Liberation War Affairs Ministry 4,762.63 4,513.20 5,587.38 5,218.36 5,680.91 5,686.93 5,415.75 6,335.57 6,786.11 7,108.24 of Disaster Management and Relief Ministry of 0.71 0.8 1.5 2 2.5 2.5 3.11 4.5 Cultural Affairs - - Finance Division 4,101.60 5,335.95 5,516.45 6,637.25 6,735.24 8,184.15 10,052.06 12,271.48 13,892.85 23,688.37 Ministry of 36.39 200 294.74 320.82 251.79 274.2 151.95 280 620 Youth and - Sports Ministry of 7 83.75 170.52 131.52 75 130.85 175.5 158 93.74 Water Resources - Ministry of Law, 24.01 15.17 4.89 6 8.53 11.55 12.7 Justice and - - - Parliamentary Affairs Ministry of Food 600.47 1,071.96 2,207.50 1,758.00 1,758.00 1,565.00 1,340.00 864.6 2,639.04 3,381.59 Ministry of 220.71 177.45 223.63 234.33 242.32 266.7 240.6 244.77 255.79 265.1 Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Ministry of 648.52 837.5 1,150.96 1,410.58 1,701.23 1,517.34 1,560.33 2,055.50 2,105.10 1,052.93 Primary and Mass Education Ministry of 331.61 478.79 672.89 640.3 650.96 428 555.5 1,532.60 1,701.04 1,651.26 Education Ministry of 179 324.9 513.2 636.87 608.23 1,678.07 2,140.20 2,103.13 1,223.20 2,601.51 Health and Family Welfare Local 254.58 276.83 280.69 318.39 623.13 1,289.84 1,921.88 2,007.44 1,989.47 1,747.00 Government Division Rural 241.73 239.43 340.14 595.32 707.76 943.66 1,090.82 848.87 904.97 1,021.15 Development and Cooperative Division Ministry of 30.25 63.11 189.48 136.16 117.66 216.24 119.96 312.13 208.19 278.6 Agriculture Ministry of 1.3 150 41.89 41.34 21.97 12.47 Industries - - - - Ministry of 66.18 98.59 167.42 106.28 51.41 128.82 67.92 63.14 42.47 Fisheries and - Livestock Ministry of 300 703.89 715.21 724.12 449 259.45 295.15 220.16 197.88 102.49 Environment and Forest Ministry of Land 59.26 85.49 58.94 36.04 60.87 35.86 9.96 20 90.19 231.52 Ministry of 131.45 117.31 134.43 137.19 38.76 Labour and - - - - - Employment Total 13,845.27 16,705.81 20,893.52 21,975.23 23,097.52 26,654.01 30,635.52 35,975.05 40,856.38 54, 177.20 14 4.2 Lifecycle-based Allocation The total allocation for social security has been disaggregated in terms of lifecycle stages. It is found that the highest share is allocated for old age people, amounting to 24 thousand crore which is equivalent to 45% of the total allocation. In contrast, the lowest allocation goes to pregnancy and childhood stages in FY 2017-18. Until the present year, the allocation for pregnancy and early childhood is very low, though the NSSS suggests that the allocation for early childhood should be raised considerably. The child benefit scheme as proposed in NSSS will significantly increase spending on early childhood. Figure 4.2: Lifecycle Based Social Security Allocation (2017-18) 4.3 Thematic Cluster Based Allocation Total social security spending disaggregated in terms of thematic clusters is shown in the graph below. The highest allocation goes to the social insurance cluster, amounting to Tk. 22,653 crore which is 42% of the total allocation FY 2017-18. The NSSS suggests contributory social insurance, which will reduce proportion of spending for this cluster. The savings from introducing social insurance can be allocated to the other thematic clusters. 15 Figure 4.3: Thematic Cluster-wise Distribution of Allocation on Social Security Programmes, 2017-18 The distribution of social security allocations over the lifecycle stages, as well as the thematic clusters, suggests that they should be adjusted to make them consistent with the spirit of the NSSS. Therefore, one of the main objectives of the NSSS Action Plan is to rationalize the distribution of the allocation to all the lifecycle stages, as well as the thematic clusters. 4.4 Costing of Reformed Programmes for 2016 up to 2021 Estimated costing for each individual activity along with probable source of funds is usually an essential part of an action plan, to make it pragmatic. The NSSS itself provides some indicative costing of implementing reformed social security programmes in the mid-term. It is assumed that the detailed and more specific costing of different programmes will be worked out during the formulation of specific social security actions in consultation with the concerned ministries/divisions. In the presence of relevant ministries/divisions, the action plan preparation sub-committee has carried out costing exercises. The sub-committee has recognized that essentially, this costing is indicative in the sense that constraints and priorities of the budgetary process would dictate the exact amount of allocation for social security programmes. Therefore, the action plan for 2016 up to 2021 has incorporated costing of the different reform activities in the action plan of different ministries. The following the action plan provides an overall picture of indicative costing of NSSS reforms and the relevant policies of the government. Bangladesh has put top priority to Social Security and this is manifested in a rising share of Social Security both as a share of GDP and as a share of total budget. The allocation for Social Security Programmes increased from 1.3 per cent of GDP in 1998 to 2.44 per cent in FY 2017-18, which stands at around Tk. 54 thousand crore. The Social Security spending of the Government amounted to around 2.3 per cent of GDP during the last FY 2016-17. In the seventh Five-Year Plan, the Government’s target is to reach a spending of 2.3% of GDP by the end 16 of the Plan. But already the Government could exceed the targeted budget in this sector as share of GDP. This higher level of spending target may be regarded as a reflection of the Government’s commitment to Social Security. Although this level of funding is modest by international standards, when measured against the Government’s tight budget situation, this represents a substantial commitment, accounting for 13 per cent of total Government spending in FY 2017-18. The financing assumption of NSSS is based on keeping the spending on Social Security Programmes constant as 2.3 per cent share of GDP. The present social security budgetary position provides a very comfortable space for the implementing ministries as the allocation of fund is already above the estimated range in terms of GDP. The full financing of the NSSS is based on cost sharing arrangements between the Government and the private sector. The public expenditure-financed component is only one part of the NSSS financing; the other part is private sector based on social insurance and employment based regulations. This important point is illustrated in the following graph: Figure 4.4: Funding Arrangement [Source: NSSS, 2015] The present action plan considers only the public expenditure finance programmes. The social insurance and labour legislation etc. will be financed by the contributions of beneficiaries and the relevant policies will be formulated later in consultation with stakeholders. In order to implement full-fledged lifecycle based social security, some new programmes need to be introduced while some existing programmes will need to be scaled up. Some programmes will be continued as before as these are already compatible with lifecycle social security system. 4.5 Programme reform during 2016 up to 2021 The NSSS dictates that for addressing emerging shocks and vulnerabilities, line ministries and divisions concerned, based on allocation of business, will design and implement new innovative social security programmes (SSPs), and coordinate such programmes among themselves. As part of the reform process, the NSSS suggests that the Government would be able to re-examine the benefit levels for possible increases across both lifecycle and others to meet the social security requirements of the poor. 17 Thus, during the consultative process for preparing the Action Plan, the line ministries and divisions have come up with three different results: (i) some new innovative social security programmes have been suggested; and (ii) some lifecycle focused social security programmes have been proposed to be scaled up with renewed budgetary requirement, and (iii) the rest of the social security programmes will be continued as before. In the second phase, the proposal for adding new programmes, scaling up programmes in terms of costing, and continuing of others have been discussed in the cluster-meetings for strengthening coordination among line ministries and divisions. After that, the proposal has been placed to the CMC, and through a process of detailed discussions, the CMC has approved the proposals. 4.5.1 New Programmes As parts of the social security reform process, the NSSS proposes to introduce a number of new programmes like Child Benefit Schemes (CBS), National Social Insurance Scheme (NSIS) and private pension. Of these, for FY 2015-16 up to FY 2020-21, only the implementation of the CBS programme by MoWCA requires a considerable amount of public investment. This programme has been viewed in the NSSS as a ground-breaking programme since it has the advantage of installing nutrition-sensitivity required for the development of the children in Bangladesh. The indicative cost for introducing the CBS programme is around Tk. 45 billion per year during its implementation from 2015-16 up to 2020-

21. It is decided that a detailed study on the design of the NSIS, and on organizational development and system installation will be carried out during the mid-term. Based upon the finding of the study, later on, the NSIS will be implemented with the participation of the private sector. The formulation of child maintenance policy has been viewed as an important activity that will be borne from regular administrative allocation of the relevant ministry. It may cost less than Tk. 5 crore for holding stakeholder consultation and exposure visit to explore best practice in this regard. Table 4.2: New Social Security Programmes Proposed in the Action Plan (2016 up to 2021) Programmes Lifecycle Cluster Timeframe Implementing Coordination Costing Ministry and Consolidation Child benefit Early Social 2019 MoWCA MOSW Tk. 500/ month scheme (0-4 yrs.) Childhood Allowance for 75 lakh children (Tk. 4500 crore/yr.) National Social Working Age, Social 2021 FID, Health, FID Mostly Insurance Insurance Labour, FD contributory Scheme (NSIS) Tk. 200 crore (estimated) as initial establishment cost starting fund Unemployment, Working Age, Social 2021 FID, Health, FID Contributory accident, Women, Insurance Labour etc. sickness and Old age maternity insurance under NSIS Private voluntary Working Age, Social 2019 FD FID Contributory pension Women, Insurance Old age 18 Programmes Lifecycle Cluster Timeframe Implementing Coordination Costing Ministry and Consolidation Formulation Early Human 2020 MoWCA MoPME Administrative of policy for childhood, Development cost only maintenance School age of abandoned children 4.5.2 Programmes for Scale-up The NSSS requires that the social security programmes will be consolidated around lifecycle framework. It is observed that the existing programmes can be continued by increasing the coverage in terms of number of targeted beneficiaries to be addressed and by raising the budget for running the programmes. Also, scale up will be achieved in terms of extending geographic coverage. For example, some rural programmes will be extended to urban areas and vice versa. Beneficiaries of these types of programmes will almost be doubled as the criterion for beneficiary selection has been set as earning below 1.25 times of the poverty line. These categories of people are called near poor and combined with the poor people the number of eligible candidates will be twice as large as before. Some social security programmes will have qualitative change in terms of governance improvement or reform in service delivery mechanism. These programmes are dispersed among different ministries or agencies. These will be consolidated and brought under a single umbrella. Converting food transfer programmes to cash transfer, wherever deems fit, has also been considered in the category of reform in service delivery system. Such types of coordination reform will not involve significant cost; rather the consolidation will save some overhead cost. Once again, the costs are indicative in nature. The programmes which are planned to be scaled up are as follows: Table 4.3: Social Security Programmes for Scaling-up in the Action Plan (2015-16 up to 2020-21) Programmes Lifecycle Cluster Timeframe Implementing Coordination Costing Comment Ministry & Consolidation Primary School Age HD MoPME MoPME Present school Allocation stipend Tk. 1400 Cr. Total Requirement Tk. 4689 Cr Additional fund needed Tk. 3289 Cr. Secondary School Age HD MoE MoPME Present education Allocation stipend Tk. 400 Cr Tk. 1800 Cr Additional fund required Tk. 1400 Cr 19 Programmes Lifecycle Cluster Timeframe Implementing Coordination Costing Comment Ministry & Consolidation Immunization, Early HD MoHFP MoPME As before child Childhood, healthcare, Covariate nutrition, water and sanitation Strengthen School HD MoE, MoPME As before education Age, Youth MoPME, and training MoYS etc. Strengthen Working Labour/ LGD, MoDMR As before workfare Age livelihood MoDMR programmes Intervention Strengthen Working HD MoSW, MoSW As before Dispersed and Age MoWCA programmes consolidate (women) will be VWB consolidated programme and food on cash basis transfer will be replaced by cash Childcare Working HD MoSW, MoWCA Mostly across formal Age MoWCA, involves and informal (women), MoLE administrative employment Children costs on part of Govt. The main cost is supposed to be borne by concerned private organizations/ businesses. Old age Old age Social MoSW MoSW Present allowance allowance Allocation Tk. 2100 Cr Total Requirement Tk. 3900 Cr Additional fund needed Tk. 1800 Cr Strengthening Covariate Social MoSW MoSW Present programmes Allowance Allocation for people with Tk. 693 Cr disability Total Requirement Tk. 1200 Cr Additional fund needed Tk. 507 Cr 20 4.5.3 Programmes to be Continued as Before There are some existing programmes of social security which amply address the corresponding lifecycle risks, as identified in the NSSS, will be continued as before without any remarkable change. These programmes will incur no additional costs on part of the budget. Such programmes are as follows: Table 4.4: Social Security Programmes to be Continued in the Action Plan (2015-16 up to 2020-21) Programmes Lifecycle Cluster Timeframe Implementing Coordination & Costing Ministry Consolidation Orphan’s Children, HD MoSW MoSW As before programme School Age School meals School Age HD MoE, MoPME MoPME Do programme Maternal health Children, HD MoHFP MoPME Do care Working Age (Women) Training Working age HD MoWCA MoPME Do programme (for (Women) women) Government Old Age Social FD FD Do service pension Insurance 4.5.4 Institutional Reforms In addition to programme reforms there are some provisions of institutional reform for enhancing good governance in service delivery and overall management of the social security programmes. A list of such reform activities is given in the Table 4.6. Some of these activities will be implemented by one central authority while some by the line ministries. For example, each of the line ministries will develop their digital Management Information System (MIS) and another ministry (in this case, Cabinet Division or Finance Division) will set up a central server with appropriate software to pull together MISs of the various programmes into a single registry MIS. The central establishment of such a single registry will require separate investment, while the implementing ministries will have their separate costs for digitized MIS. In spite of such complexity, here are estimated indicative costs for each of the activities involving the central authorities. Table 4.5: Social Security Programmes for Institutional Reform in the Action Plan (2015-16 up to 2020-21) Programmes Lifecycle Cluster Timeframe Implementing Coordination & Costing Ministry Consolidation Ensure fair targeting Cross Cross All line SID, CD Tk. 200 Cr on the basis of PMT cutting cutting ministries of beneficiaries Grievance Redress Cross Cross All line CD Tk. 20 Cr System cutting cutting ministries Develop single Cross Cross All line CD, GED, FD Tk. 20 Cr registry MIS cutting cutting ministries Government to Cross Cross FID, FD FD Tk. 10 Cr Person (G2P) transfer cutting cutting of benefits Introduce results Cross Cross All line CD, GED, FD, Tk. 10 Cr based M&E cutting cutting ministries IMED 21 4.5.5 Required Additional Funds The required additional costing for reformed programmes is shown in the following table: Table 4.6: Costing of Social Security Programmes Proposed in the Action Plan (2015-16 up to 2020-21) (Taka in Crore) Types of Programmes Present Spending Projected Spending Additional Cost New programmes - 4700 4,700 Programmes for scale-up 4,593 11,589 6,996 Programmes to be Continued as before - - - Institutional Reforms - 260 260 Total Additional Costs - - 11,956 The table above shows that the reformed social security programmes may cost Tk. 11,956 crore annually. It is to be mentioned that in the passage of time, some of the smaller programmes will be consolidated with similar types of programmes and some will be discontinued. Some money may be saved during the consolidation process. But this saving will not be significant because the one hundred small programmes have a share of less than 10% of social security budget, which will amount to roughly Tk. 5,400 crore. If 40% of these small programmes can be terminated, there will be saving of around Tk. 2,000 crore. Therefore, adjusting the saving from the consolidation process, the government will need roughly Tk. 10,000 crore for implementation of the NSSS action plan. Without adjusting inflation, the projected total additional cost of Taka 11,956 crore will be required when the reformed programmes are gradually enhanced up to the planned level (in FY 2021-22). This allocation will not be required immediately from the next year. As is reflected in the action plans of the ministries, the new as well as scalable programmes may not entail more than a quarter of the projected additional budget requirement of Tk 11,956 next year. In other words, the NSSS reform programmes may need around Taka 3,000 to 4,000 crore annually for the next four to five years subject to no change in the rates. In case, the rates of allowances are increased further, then additional costs per year will be incurred proportionately. The budget layout for social security is around Tk. 54,000 crore in the fiscal year 2017-18, which was only Tk. 45,000 crore in the previous year, with an increase of around 20 per cent. If current trend continues at same level, the projected allocation for social security would have an annual increase of Tk. 10,800 crore in the FY 2018-19. The previous increased trends in social security suggest that the estimated annual increase of additional Taka 3,000 to 4,000 per annum may not appear as a significant burden on the national budget. Therefore, it can be argued that the NSSS Action Plan is implementable without significant incident on the national budget. 22

5. Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Monitoring is concerned with systematic collection and analysis of information which is continuously used to make minor adjustment in the programme to keep it on track towards the goal. Evaluation looks at what objectives were planned, what was accomplished, and how it was accomplished; information is used to inform policy changes, strategies, and future interventions. The Government of Bangladesh has recently introduced Annual Performance Agreement (APA) across the public sectors in order to establish a culture of enhanced productivity and accountability. The APA is based on the broader framework of Management by Objective (MBO) model of results based performance management system. The APA has a mechanism of identifying the low performing sectors and programmes which are incompatible with national goals. Such poorly performing programmes will either be reformed for optimal output and impacts or will be replaced by better ones or will be simply discontinued. Social security programmes constitute an important part of objectives and activities of around 25 line ministries. As such, these programmes are, by default, within the massive M&E of APA. Moreover, the NSSS action plans have also been aligned with the Annual Agreements of line ministries. Therefore, the social security programmes are routinely monitored and evaluated under the APA framework. In consistence with the APA, the NSSS incorporates a plan for designing a robust system of monitoring the progress and results of social security programmes in order to build accountability and advance desired outcomes of the programmes. From the overall combined scenario of APA and NSSS the clear message emanates that efficacy of social security programmes will not be taken for granted without putting them through results based monitoring and evaluation procedure. 5.1 Existing M&E of SS Programmes The NSSS finds that there is hardly any formal M&E system for social security programmes at the present time. The existing monitoring system is simply concerned with the progress of each programme in terms of percentage of expenditure of allocated fund. There is no mechanism to systematically evaluate how well the resources allocated to the SSPs are achieving results in terms of reducing poverty at the national level. This is also absent at the individual programme level. Independent impact assessment of a few programmes done at the behest of donors show mixed results of these programmes. Moreover, there is almost no digitized MIS to feed the M&E requirement. Currently, the IMED is assigned to make impact evaluation for the different programmes, but their scope is limited to the development projects only. However, the SFYP recognizes that “while the IMED plays a useful function in tracking financial and physical implementation of projects, there is a major gap in terms of results-based M&E”. The APA is expected to provide some mechanism for effective M&E of social programmes, but that may not pay minute attention to individual programmes. As a result, in addition to the performance assessment system of APA, there is required to establish a mechanism for specifically monitor and evaluate the social security programmes against the yardstick of NSSS vision and mission. 5.2 Results-based M&E The institution of a results-based M&E is a critical recommendation of the NSSS and must be implemented to ensure the achievement of the desired results from a reform of the present Social security system. This will also serve as the basis for performance based budgeting to ministries for their various programmes. The Government has emphasized that an effective result based M&E system is essential to monitor the implementation of the SFYP and associated sectorial strategies, which would include the NSSS. 23 Systems for the M&E of Social security systems should serve three major types of objectives: • Strategic objectives – is the NSSS achieving its goals to reduce poverty & inequality and contribute in improving human development and inclusive economic growth? • Operational objectives – how can managers improve efficiency and effectiveness of the SSPs? • Learning objectives – what can be learned from the implementation of the NSSS? The NSSS recommends preparing a results framework using a matrix of specific indicators and evaluating the entire NSSS in a holistic approach. Annual reports will be prepared for the CMC on the M&E framework based performance of the NSSS. The reports will be submitted to the CMC and the concerned Parliamentary Standing Committee on the types of actions taken to respond to the findings of the evaluation reports. The NSSS also suggests that a task force will be formed comprising representatives of GED, IMED, SID and Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance. The task force will prepare process and procedure for performance based monitoring of SSPs and recommend indicators that can be used for designing any new programmes and also performance based budgeting. 5.3 Way Forward As per the policy guidelines of the NSSS, there will be a continuous process of M&E established to improve delivery processes, document results, inform policy makers, and mobilize political support. Towards that end, the following measures will be taken: Monitoring: • Number of clients served • Number of benefits paid • Average benefit per recipient • Actual benefit value as percentage of household or per capita income • Cost to transfer a unit of value Evaluation: • Holistic approach with equal weight to quantitative and qualitative • To determine from a results-based perspective, if long-term objectives are being met and what impacts occurring in terms of economic, social, educational and nutritional impacts • Disseminate findings for systematic, informed, and continued improvement of SSPs 5.4 Proposed M&E Framework The long-term vision and five year strategic objectives will be the major yard stick to evaluate the social security programmes. In spite of overtly impressiveness of any programme, it will not be considered effective without its considerable contribution towards achieving the social security goals. Thus, the NSSS Action Plan would like to recommend the following the M&E framework for different social security programmes. The M&E task force may consider using the following framework: 24 Figure 5.1: M&E Framework Proposed in the Action Plan 5.5 Core Diagnostic Instrument (CODI) Assessment Matrix For evaluation of progress of social security programmes an assessment matrix is required. For this purpose, the matrix called Core Diagnostic Instrument (CODI) seems to be very useful. CODI is an assessment tool developed by the Inter Agency Social security Assessments (ISPA) initiative, that helps countries improve their social security system by analysing its strengths and weaknesses and offering options for further action. The CODI tool was developed after detailed discussion and experiment by international experts in this field from World Bank, UNDP, ILO etc. This matrix has been used in many countries as a tool for social security diagnosis. Countries can apply ISPA tools periodically to track performance over time. CODI is unique in providing a unified framework to carry out a comprehensive assessment of social security system performance, allowing governments to identify duplications, fragmentation, and inefficiencies across schemes and programs. CODI increases coordination among national stakeholders as well as development partners across different sectors. The CODI has a total of 37 fields under the 10 broader areas for assessment. The ten fields are inclusiveness, adequacy, appropriateness, rights, governance, financial sustainability, coherence, 25 responsiveness, cost-effective and incentive compatibility. Each field is assessed by a scale from one (latent) to four (advanced). The CODI provides detailed and specific guidelines regarding the scoring. The CODI allows for adjusting or modifying the field specific questions according to the national contexts. The detailed CODI assessment matrix is attached as Annexure -C. A workshop chaired by the Secretary (Coordination and Reforms) of Cabinet Division on 11 April 2017 reviewed the possibility of utilising the CODI framework as a tool for assessing social security programmes in Bangladesh. The participants endorsed that this might be an effective tool in this regard. Also, a primary survey of the existing social security programmes was carried out during the workshop. The results of the assessment may be referred to as the baseline of social security status in the country. 5.6 M&E of NSSS Action Plan The above M&E framework is purported to monitor and evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of different social security programmes. However, it is also important to monitor the progress of the implementation of the NSSS action plan itself. With that in view the action plan sub-committee, headed by Secretary, Coordination and Reform of Cabinet Division, formulates the following framework providing specific indicators against each action with a certain timeframe. The framework used in the action plan is as follows. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility The framework mentions the responsibility of specific ministries about certain activities while also indicating names of other ministries which have supportive roles in implementing them. Thus, the framework ensures share of accountability of each ministry in implementation of the NSSS objectives. The CMC will have to monitor the progress of the NSSS implementation periodically, following this framework. 26 Part-B Action Plan of Ministries/Divisions

6. Ministry of Social Welfare Background Ministry of Social Welfare is one of the important ministries dealing with social security for the poor and vulnerable people of Bangladesh, being charged with the largest number of programmes. This ministry is implementing programmes like Old Age Allowances, Widow Allowances, Allowances for Persons with Disabilities, grants and aid to acid burnt victims. The Ministry has also multidimensional and intensive programmes for the welfare of the by-passed, disadvantaged segment, unemployed, landless, orphans, distressed, vagrants, homeless, socially, intellectually and physically challenged, neuro-development challenged, poor, helpless patients, children at risk, of both rural and urban areas of the country. In accordance with Article 15(d) of the Constitution of Bangladesh, Ministry of Social Welfare as well as its attached departments and agencies, are implementing these programmes. All the programmes are related to achieving the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Management of Social Transformation (MoST), Vision 2021 and the Seventh Five-Year Plan. To be more dynamic, transparent and accountable, the Ministry has taken a development approach instead of a charity approach. Family-centric programmes and pro-people work plans have made the Ministry popular to the people of Bangladesh. Vision The ministry has the overall vision of “better life and caring society”, which is consistent with the vision of the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) which provides for establishing inclusive social security for all. Mission The mission of the Ministry is “Creating a better life by providing social security, empowerment and development for the poor, vulnerable group of people and persons with disabilities”. The Ministry adopts social security as the most important tool for achieving its goals. Objectives The strategic objective of the Ministry is to consolidate the major lifecycle programmes, making them more inclusive and efficient. Challenges The National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) envisages that the Ministry of Social Welfare will assume the responsibility of leading lifecycle based social security. Thus, the Ministry has a huge responsibility of causing the transition of social security towards that goal. In the short run, the ministry has been assigned with the responsibility of coordinating the thematic cluster on social allowance, while also participating in most of the other clusters as an important member. 29 Situation Analysis Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Old Age Allowance It will be accessible to all elderly The eligibility age limit Age threshold to citizens aged above 60 who have is 65 years for male and be lowered to 60 income below 1.25 times the 62 years for female. for both male and upper poverty line. The estimated Total coverage is 31 female. Number number of eligible candidates will lakh recipients (2016- of beneficiaries to be around 65 lakh. 17 FY). be increased by • Old Age Allowance will be In line with the NSSS another 35 lakh. significantly increased. The NSSS provision, the old age Special benefit to be suggests an increase of per allowance has been introduced for 90+ person benefit from Tk. 300 to Tk. increased from Tk. 300 people. 500 per month. to Tk. 500 per month. • At age of 90 years, the value Currently, there is no of the allowance will be further special allocation for increased. people above 90 years. [Summary, Box 5.1, Para 2.2.6, 4.3.3 of NSSS] Disability Benefits for The NSSS proposes disability Currently, the Ministry Around 4 to 5 lakh a. Children benefits separately for children of Social Welfare additional people b. Working age and working age people. The coverage for disability need to be brought disabled people above 60 years benefits is around under disability will be transitioned to old age 7.5 lakh beneficiaries benefits. allowance. The allowance (2016-17 FY). Also, Identification should be equivalent to Old there are some of persons with Age Allowance with additional associated programmes disabilities is allowance for medicine. Child for skill development important. Detailed Disability Grant will be in addition for the physical and guidelines need to proposed Child Benefit. neurological disability. to be formulated Around 3.5 lakh children are The coverage has with budget for estimated to be eligible for child increased significantly additional coverage. disability benefit. The victims over the last few years. In addition, it of autism, cognitive and visual Preferably, the female is necessary to disorder etc. will be included in caregiver of disabled define disability this category. children should be certification process preferred as the for children and The NSSS also suggests that there recipients for delivery should be disability allowance for adults. of the child benefit severe disability among working allowance. Income of The income criteria age people. Around 11.5 lakh the household of the should be set to the people are estimated to have family is considered individual income severe disability. In addition, (yearly Tk. 36,000). instead of family some 6 per cent of the whole income. population have different degrees Disability information of disability. system (DIS) is 30 Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Disability Benefits for Criteria should be set for already established in MoSW is to define a. Children identifying eligible persons for Department of Social and create system b. Working age this benefit. Services. This is a of monitoring The NSSS suggested the benefit continuous process to development value to be set to Tk. 1,500 per identify Persons With of children with month. Disabilities (PWD). disabilities, and also to For targeting, only the income of the person with disability will consolidate be assessed, not income of the complementary whole household. programmes for vocational The NSSS encourages education, complementary programmes for enterprise vocational education, enterprise support and anti- support and anti-discrimination in discrimination in the the job market. [Para 2.2.5, 4.3.4, job market. Figure 2.4, Summary, Box 5.1 of NSSS] Support for Vulnerable The NSSS stipulates ensuring that The Ministry of Social Still two-thirds of Women the most vulnerable women are Welfare has allowance vulnerable women provided with income security programmes for are outside this and greater widows and deserted programme. opportunities to engage in the women. 11.5 lakh Measures are to be labour market. Such women beneficiaries are taken to formulate include widows, divorced, single covered in 2016-17 FY, a comprehensive mothers, etc. while the per person programme to be Around 10 per cent of the total allowance is Tk. 500 named as Vulnerable working age women fall within per month. Women’s Benefit this category with more than 33 (VWB). This needs lakh women as eligible for this to be coordinated benefit. with the Ministry The NSSS envisages a of Women and consolidated income transfer Children Affairs. under a reformed Vulnerable Women’s Benefit (VWB) programme. Orphan’s Programme Orphans require special care Currently, the Ministry Programmes for the and additional funding. The of Social Welfare orphans need to Ministry of Social Welfare will has a number of be continued with continue to provide support to programmes for increased allocation. orphans through the on-going supporting orphans. programmes to ensure that they The programmes need receive to be further scaled up. adequate benefits and support. [Para 2.2.5, 5.2.4 of NSSS] 31 Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Programmes for socially The NSSS provides that there The ministry has The programmes excluded people should be programmes for some programmes need to be scaled socially excluded people for such marginalized up. like people of ethnic minorities, people. But these transgender, tea garden workers, are not sufficient in HIV terms of number of affected people, etc. There beneficiaries and rate should be programmes for of benefits. socially excluded people such as tea garden workers, bede, transgender, ethnic minorities, acid burnt survivors, beggars, homeless people, etc. [Para 2.3.2, 4.4 of NSSS] Smaller Programmes The NSSS also suggests that The Ministry of Social The small there should be complementary Welfare has more than programmes schemes in addition to the 25 of such smaller may need to be core lifecycle programmes, for programmes consolidated. example, skills development programmes, empowerment, etc. [Para 2.3.2 of NSSS] Action Plans (2015-16 up to 2020-21) In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Set age Circular issued June 2017 Ministry Finance threshold to 60 of Social Division for male and Welfare female both Make the Coverage Annually Ministry Finance programme increased for next five of Social Division universal for annually by years Welfare eligible people 15% Increase Allowance 2016 (done) Ministry Finance Strengthen allowance to Tk. fixed at Tk. 500 of Social Division Old Age 500 per month per month Welfare 1. Allowance Review benefit Allowance Each year Ministry Finance Programme value in course increased of Social Division of changing periodically Welfare circumstances like inflation etc. Make list of Fund allocated Periodically Ministry Finance people above of Social Division age of 90 and Welfare provide special benefit to them 32 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Prepare Circular issued July 2017 Ministry Cabinet guidelines of Social Division for disability Welfare identification Set income Circular July 2017 Ministry Cabinet Scale up criteria on revised of Social Division, disability individual basis Welfare Finance 2. benefit for Division children and Increase Coverage Annually Ministry working age coverage by increased for next five of Social 10% years Welfare Strengthen Monitoring Ministry monitoring of framework of Social schemes for developed Welfare disabled people Increase Coverage Annually Ministry Finance coverage by increased for next five of Social Division 10% every year years Welfare Strengthen Introduce Concept note July 2017 Ministry Support for Vulnerable developed of Social

3. Women Benefit Welfare Ministry of Vulnerable Piloted in July 2018 Women programme Women and some upazilas (VWB) Children Programme July 2019 Affairs rolled out nationally Maintain Programme Every year Ministry Finance quality of continued of Social Division Improve services Welfare 4. orphan’s programme Increase Number of Annually Ministry Finance coverage children served of Social Division increased Welfare Programmes Increase Number of Continuous Ministry Finance for coverage and beneficiaries of Social Division 5. marginalized per person and benefit Welfare people benefit increased Prepare list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry GED programmes to GED of Social be continued Welfare Make list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry GED programmes to GED of Social Consolidate be scaled up Welfare

6. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry GED programmes to GED of Social be phased out Welfare Review the Review December GED Cabinet consolidation prepared 2017 Division proposals 33 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Update manual Circular issued December Ministry for selection 2017 of Social procedures and Welfare disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous Ministry 7. targeting of beneficiaries given to field of Social beneficiaries online to make offices Welfare it transparent Follow the BBS Instruction January Ministry database when given 2018 of Social prepared Welfare Make Instruction Continuous Ministry Grievance arrangement issued of Social

8. Redress for recording Welfare System complaints at field level Create public Public By July 2018 Ministry awareness meetings held of Social about facility of in all upazilas Welfare central GRS of Cabinet Division Create online MIS digitized January Ministry based MIS for for all 2018 of Social all programmes programmes Welfare Develop Make the MIS Inter- July 2018 Ministry

9. Single accessible departmental of Social Registry MIS by relevant arrangement Welfare departments established Link MIS MIS linked December Ministry with cash with financial 2018 of Social disbursement management Welfare database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different Pilot December Ministry modalities of completed 2017 of Social Digitization G2P Welfare 10. of cash transfer Roll out G2P rolled December Ministry appropriate out for all 2018 of Social format of G2P programmes Welfare Digitize Dashboard July 2018 Ministry monitoring of established of Social Enhance programmes Welfare 11. results based Conduct mid Programmes Continuous Ministry M&E -term and end- evaluated of Social term evaluation regularly Welfare of programmes 34 Key Actions • Scale up old age programme by increasing coverage from present 31 lakh in last year to 65 lakh in the 2021. The threshold age limit will be set at 60 from present 65 for male and 62 for female. For citizens above 90+ years there will be provisions of special benefits. • The coverage of disability benefit will be almost doubled with increased benefits. The criteria for selection will be based on individual’s personal income, not the income of his/her family. • Vulnerable women’s benefit will be introduced by consolidating programmes for women under Ministry of Social Welfare and Ministry of Women and Children. • The programmes for marginalized people and orphans will be continued as before. • Smaller programmes will be consolidated and the delivery of services will be digitized by means of single registry MIS and G2P payment system. 35

7. Ministry of Food Background Ministry of Food is the key ministry of the government to take decisions on the overall issues related with food security and storage. As per allocation of business, the Ministry is responsible for formulation, review and execution of legislations, policies, plans, procedures, etc. related to the overall food distribution system and implementation of food policy. This Ministry is assigned with the task of establishment of a dependable national food security system. Procurement, storage and movement of food-grains are included as the broader activities of the ministry. Along with the Ministry of Food, other ministries like the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs etc. are also closely associated in implementation of food security programmes. Vision To “ensure dependable and sustainable food security for all at all times”. Mission To “ensure adequate and stable supply of safe and nutritious food through integrated public food management”. Objectives The strategic objective of the ministry is to streamline the food security type programmes. Challenges The NSSS recognizes that the Government has put strong emphasis on ensuring food security for its citizens so that nobody dies from hunger. The Government, however, is aware that in view of the changing nature of the economy and demography, the importance of this component of the social security programmes is declining. There has been substantial reduction in food poverty. Also, it is evident from international experience that cash transfers have significant advantages over food supply in supporting food security through conventional social security schemes. Therefore, where possible, it is very important to make a gradual transition towards cash transfer type programmes. The Ministry of Food will take measures to ensure that food is available in the market. The cash transfer programmes will ensure access to food when available in the market. Situation Analysis Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Open Market Sales The transfer of food during and A budget of Tk. 1162 crore This is consistent (OMS) and Food after disasters will continue has been allocated in FY with the NSSS as Friendly Card (FFC) as a disaster management 2016-17 for OMS, with a it recommends response as necessary under target of covering 22 million expansion of such the management of the Ministry beneficiaries. Under the food security of Disaster Management and programme 5 kg. of rice and programmes. Relief. 5 Kg. of flour can be bought However, there by the beneficiaries at a are some alleged reduced price per purchase incidents of leakage occasion. The selection in distribution of process of beneficiaries is food cards. Measures self- identification. should be taken to stop ill practice. 36 Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps The scope of the Open Market The ultra-poor families will be Sales (OMS) and Food Friendly able to buy up to 30 kg rice Card (FFC) managed by the a month from March - April Ministry of Food will be and September – November expanded as necessary to tackle (five months) under the hunger and food affordability. programme ‘Food Friendly The OMS will remain self- Programme for the Ultra- targeted as at present. Poor’. The government has [Para 4.6 of NSSS] allocated 750,000 tonnes of rice for the ‘Food Friendly Programme for the Ultra- Poor’ families that targets 5 million rural poor, especially, women, widows and women with disabilities as beneficiaries. The ultra-poor families can buy 30 kg rice a month @ Tk. 10/kg rate. Disaster relief Food distribution through The disaster relief The programme is Programmes disaster relief will be programmes like VGF, TR, consistent with NSSS. coordinated with the GR etc. are operated by Government’s Food Stock Policy the Ministry of Disaster and Fair Price Policy where Management and Relief. appropriate. Nutrition-based Ministry of Food supplies the programmes like school food grains as per requisition feeding and therapeutic feeding of the implementing ministry. for children suffering from extreme nutrition will continue. Workfare Based The Government, where There are some workfare The transition to Programmes possible, will in a longer programmes such as ‘Food cash based workfare perspective consider converting for Work’ compensated by programme is all workfare-based food food. These programmes necessary. However, transfer programmes into should be gradually shifted the matter needs cash transfers. Such transition to cash based programmes proper collaboration has to be implemented in an where possible. This should and planning. orderly manner and be based be done in consultation with on the recommendations of the stakeholder ministries. an in-depth assessment to be undertaken by the Government. [Para 4.6 of NSSS] Coordination of Food distribution through OMS and disaster relief The consistency food security OMS and disaster relief will be programmes of the should be regularly programmes with coordinated with government’s government have great reviewed food stock and fair Food stock Policy and Fair price contribution in ensuring food price policy Policy as appropriate. security. However, these [Para 4.6 of NSSS] programmes need to be well coordinated with food stock policy and fair price policy of the government. These programmes appear to be consistent with food stocking policy and fair price policy. 37 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Continue OMS The Continuous Ministry of Local Strengthening programme for the programme Food Government

1. Open Market poor; extend the continued Division Sales (OMS) programme to rural areas Food Friendly Expand the Programme Continuous Ministry of

2. Card (FFC) programme duration duration Food Programme extended Supply food grain Programme Continuous Ministry Ministry of Continue for disaster relief continued of Disaster Food

3. Disaster Relief programmes Management Programmes and Relief Organize discussion Workshops December Ministry of Cabinet with stakeholders for organized 2016 Food Division, GED, smooth transition (done) Ministry of Convert food Disaster and based workfare Relief 4. programmes to cash Discontinue food for Food for work June 2016 Ministry of work programmes programmes (done) Food where possible phased out where possible Monitor the Food stock Continuous Ministry of MoDMR consistency of OMS policy and fair Food, Food stock and relief programmes price policy 5. policy and fair with food stock policy are consistent price policy and fair price policy of with food the government security programmes Prepare list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be GED Food continued Make list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be GED Food Consolidate scaled up

6. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be GED Food phased out Review the Review December GED Cabinet consolidation prepared 2017 Division proposals 38 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Update manual for Circular issued December Ministry of selection procedures 2017 Food and disseminate that to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous Ministry of 7. targeting of beneficiaries online to given to field Food beneficiaries make it transparent offices Follow the BBS Instruction January Ministry of database when given 2018 Food prepared Make arrangement for Instruction Continuous Ministry of recording complaints issued Food at field level Grievance

8. By July Ministry of Redress System Create public Public awareness about meetings held 2018 Food facility of central GRS in all upazilas of Cabinet Division Create online MIS digitized January Ministry of based MIS for all for all 2018 Food programmes programmes Make the MIS Inter July 2018 Ministry of accessible by relevant Departmental Food departments arrangement Develop Single established 9. Registry MIS Link MIS with cash MIS linked December Ministry of disbursement with financial 2018 Food management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Digitize monitoring of Dashboard July 2018 Ministry of programmes established Food Enhance results

10. Conduct mid-term and Programmes Continuous Ministry of based M&E end-term evaluation evaluated Food of programmes regularly Key Actions • Strengthening Open Market Sales (OMS) and Food Friendly Card (FFC) Programme. • Convert food based workfare programmes to cash but continue supply of food as relief to disaster hit areas if necessary. • Make food stock policy and fair price policy consistent with food security programmes • Smaller programmes will be consolidated and the delivery of services will be digitized by means of single registry MIS and G2P payment 39

8. Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief Background Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief is allocated with the largest portion of social security budget (26 per cent) of the government. The Ministry is mainly responsible for disaster risk management and response. It is also involved in managing workfare programmes for the poor to ensure social security including food security. The Ministry is closely related with the Ministry of Food, which supplies required food grain to many programmes of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. The Ministry also works in close collaboration with the Local Government Division. The Ministry has been assigned by the NSSS the responsibility of leading the labour/livelihood intervention cluster. Vision “To reduce the risk of people, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, from the effects of natural, environment and human induced hazards”. Mission “To achieve a paradigm shift in disaster management from conventional response and relief to a more comprehensive risk reduction culture, and to promote food security as an important factor in ensuring the resilience of communities to hazards”. Objectives The strategic objective of the Ministry’s social safety security programmes is to strengthen disaster relief and workfare programmes. Challenges The nature and incidence of disaster is not the same in different geographical locations of the country, depending on hazard zones. Therefore, it is very important to identify the nature of disaster prone areas and take necessary measures beforehand. If food markets collapse as a result of disasters, with the market failing to ensure availability of food items, a food based disaster response becomes important. Therefore, the main challenge for the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief is to prepare disaster maps/update vulnerability maps to make the cash and food support more effective. Situation Analysis Objectives NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Continue disaster relief The NSSS provides that Most of the relief Need to increase the programmes the transfer of food programmes of the supply of non-food items during and after disaster ministry are based on like medicine, temporary will continue as a disaster transfer of food. Parallel house or house making management response to cash transfer, other materials, cloths, pure as necessary under the supports like medicine water, cash support to the management of the and temporary housing or disaster affected people. Ministry of Disaster house making materials Management and Relief. like corrugated tins are The NSSS also suggests provided. that the Ministry may enhance supply of other items like medicines, clothing, temporary housing, etc. [Para 4.6, 4.7 of NSSS] 40 Objectives NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Hazard zone mapping The nature and incidence The ministry responds A map for disaster of disaster is not the same to disaster as and when prone areas needs to be in different geographical required. The poverty prepared. Vulnerability locations of the country. map prepared by the maps should be updated. Therefore, the NSSS BBS is often used. recommends that the However, there is no Ministry of Disaster comprehensive map for Management and Relief disaster prone areas. prepares a mapping of disaster prone areas in collaboration with related ministries. [Para 4.7 of NSSS] Convert Food based The Government will Depending upon the The transition to Workfare Programmes to in a longer perspective situations, the Ministry of cash based workfare cash based consider converting all Disaster Management and programme is necessary, workfare based food Relief has an increasing whilst taking cognizance programmes into cash proportion of cash based of the need to rotate the transfer programmes. workfare programmes. public stockholding for Such transition has food security. to be implemented in an orderly manner and be based on the recommendations of an in-depth assessment to be undertaken by the Government. [Para 4.6 of NSSS] Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Supply food grain Programmes Continuous Ministry Ministry of for food based continued of Disaster Food disaster relief Management programmes and and Relief provide budget for cash based Continue programmes

1. Disaster Relief Programmes Consider Mechanism July 2018 Ministry Other relevant horizontal and to scale up of Disaster stakeholder vertical expansion coverage and/ or Management ministries of existing benefit package and Relief programmes in the of existing face of disasters programmes in place Improve Prepare a disaster Disaster map January Ministry BBS disaster map based on prepared 2018 of Disaster 2. management hazard zones Management system and Relief 41 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Organize Workshops December Ministry Local discussion with organized 2017 of Disaster Government Convert most stakeholders for Management Division of the workfare smooth transition and Relief 3. programmes Gradually change Food for workfare June 16 from food to food for work programmes (done) cash transfer programmes phased out where to cash where applicable applicable Prepare list of List sent to GED July 2017 Ministry GED programmes to be of Disaster continued Management and Relief Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 Ministry GED programmes to be of Disaster scaled up Management Consolidate and Relief

4. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 Ministry GED programmes to be of Disaster phased out Management and Relief Review the Review prepared December Ministry Cabinet consolidation 2017 of Disaster Division proposals Management and Relief Update manual Circular issued December Ministry for selection 2017 of Disaster procedures and Management disseminate it to and Relief people Improve Publish list of Instruction given Continuous Ministry 5. targeting of beneficiaries to field offices of Disaster beneficiaries online to make it Management transparent and Relief Follow the BBS Instruction given January Ministry database when 2018 of Disaster prepared Management and Relief Make arrangement Instruction issued Continuous Ministry for recording of Disaster complaints at field Management level and Relief Grievance 6. Redress System Create public Public meetings By July 2018 Ministry awareness about held in all upazilas of Disaster facility of central Management GRS of Cabinet and Relief Division 42 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Create online MIS digitized for January Ministry based MIS for all all programmes 2018 of Disaster programmes Management and Relief Make the MIS Inter July 2018 Ministry accessible Departmental of Disaster Develop Single by relevant arrangement Management 7. Registry MIS departments established and Relief Link MIS with cash MIS linked December Ministry disbursement with financial 2018 of Disaster management Management database of and Relief Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different Pilot completed December Ministry modalities of G2P 2017 of Disaster Management Digitization of and Relief 8. cash transfer Roll out G2P rolled out for December Ministry appropriate format all programmes 2018 of Disaster of G2P Management and Relief Digitize monitoring Dashboard July 2018 Ministry of programmes established of Disaster Management Enhance and Relief 9. results based M&E Conduct mid-term Programmes Continuous Ministry and end-term evaluated of Disaster evaluation of regularly Management programmes and Relief Key Actions • Continue disaster relief programmes while improving disaster management system. • Convert most of the workfare programmes from food to cash transfer where possible. • Smaller programmes will be consolidated and the delivery of services will be digitized by means of single registry MIS and G2P payment system where relevant. 43

9. Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Background Ministry of Primary and Mass Education is involved in ensuring primary education as well as mass education in Bangladesh. Thus, it has great contribution in development of human resources of the country. In consideration of its activities, the Ministry has been assigned the responsibility of leading the coordination process of the thematic cluster on ‘Human Development and Social Empowerment’. As implementer of social security programmes, the Ministry implements primary stipend programmes and school meal programmes. Ministry of Primary and Mass Education spends more than 5 per cent of the total social security budget. Vision The vision of the Ministry is “to ensure good quality of pre-primary, primary and life-long education for all”. Mission In order to achieve the vision, the ministry has the mission “to expand facilities of primary and life-long education for all”. Challenges Around 13 million children receive stipends, with the majority at primary school. Coverage is around 24 per cent of primary school age children. Therefore, both the coverage and the transfer level are low. Objectives The NSSS strategic objective of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education is to raise the coverage of stipend to 50 per cent of primary school students and to increase the stipend amount. Situation Analysis Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Primary The NSSS provides that School stipend programme is being run, starting The coverage School Stipend the primary stipend from July 2015, for 100 per cent students of primary Programme will cover 50 per cent under Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, school stipend of the primary school including pre-primary and newly upgraded needs to be students. The stipend students of class VI to VII of Government doubled. The amount will be raised. primary schools and including city corporation per student For two siblings, the and municipality areas. It is noted that the DPP stipend stipend rate will not is under process for including city corporation amount be reduced. However, and municipality areas. A family will receive needs to be a family will receive stipends up to 4 children. According to the increased. stipend for 2 children guidelines of a new phase of the project, a Coverage for at most. poor family receives a stipend of Tk. 50 for urban primary A school stipend may pre-primary class, Tk. 100, Tk. 200, Tk. 250 and student be of Tk. 300 per Tk. 300 for children of class one, two, three and needs to be month for all primary four/five respectively. Each family will receive expanded as and secondary Tk. 125 for one child and Tk. 250 for more required. school going children than one child for students of class VI to VIII. belonging to the Presently, the Ministry has a stipend programme poor and vulnerable for 24 per cent of students (will be increased to households. 1.3 crore students). 100 per cent rural students are covered. Urban students are covered only [Summary, Para 2.2.2, partially. Schools up to class eight were excluded 4.3., 5.2.3 of NSSS] before. They have been included now. 44 Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps School Meal/ NSSS suggests that The ministry has limited coverage in school meal Expansion of Feeding the school meal programme. 30 lakh students are covered at the school Programme programme as piloted present. meal/ feeding by the Ministry of programme is Primary and Mass required. Education may be rolled out nationwide. [Table 4.6 of NSSS] Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Increase the coverage Number July 2017 Ministry Finance by 15% every year on of stipend (continue of Primary Division an average for five recipients next five and Mass Expand years increased years) Education Primary

1. (MoPME) Stipend Programme Increase the rate of Transfer stipend amount increased Extend the School July 2020 MoPME Finance Roll out programme to all coverage Division

2. School Meal primary schools increased Programme (rural and urban) in a phased manner Prepare list of List sent to July 2017 MoPME GED programmes to be GED continued Make list of List sent to July 2017 MoPME GED programmes to be GED Consolidate scaled up

3. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to July 2017 MoPME GED programmes to be GED phased out Review the Review December MoPME Cabinet consolidation prepared 2017 Division proposals Update manual for Circular issued December MoPME selection procedures 2017 and disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous MoPME 4. targeting of beneficiaries online to given to field beneficiaries make it transparent offices Follow the BBS Instruction January MoPME database when given 2018 prepared 45 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Make arrangement for Instruction Continuous MoPME recording complaints issued Grievance at field level

5. Redress Create public Public By July 2018 MoPME System awareness about meetings held facility of central GRS in all upazilas of Cabinet Division Create online MIS digitized January MoPME based MIS for all for all 2018 programmes programmes Make the MIS Inter July 2018 MoPME accessible by relevant Departmental departments arrangement Develop Single established 6. Registry MIS Link MIS with cash MIS linked December MoPME disbursement with financial 2018 management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different Pilot December MoPME modalities of G2P completed 2017 Digitization of

7. Roll out appropriate G2P rolled December MoPME cash transfer format of G2P out for all 2018 programmes Digitize monitoring of Dashboard July 2018 MoPME Enhance programmes established 8. results based Conduct mid-term and Programmes Continuous MoPME M&E end-term evaluation evaluated of programmes regularly Key Actions • Scale up Primary Stipend Programme in terms of coverage and benefit amount, and expand school meal programmes in both rural and urban areas. • Smaller programmes will be consolidated and the delivery of services will be digitized by means of single registry MIS and G2P payment system where relevant. 46

10. Financial Institutions Division Background The Division deals with the law and policy issues related to the banks and non-bank financial institutions, capital market, insurance sector and microcredit sector. The Division also co-ordinates the activities for formulating policies on capital adequacies, as well as reviews of related policies and programmes. Bangladesh Insurance Academy (BIA) and Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA), Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA), etc. also fall under the Division’s jurisdiction. The Division has been assigned by the NSSS as the coordinator of the Social Insurance Thematic Cluster. Vision The vision of the Division is “Developing an efficient, inclusive and robust financial market and services system”. Mission In order to achieve the vision, the Division has the mission of “Strengthening regulatory and institutional framework for the development of financial market and services system”. Challenges The NSSS entrusts upon the Financial Institutions Division the responsibility of introducing a suitable framework of social insurance. Though the concept of social insurance is very common in the social security of developed countries, it is almost new in the Bangladesh setting. The idea is that people will invest for their own social security during their need. For this to happen, a strong legal and institutional framework is required. Objectives The NSSS strategic objective of the Division is to institutionalize a social insurance system for Bangladesh. Situation Analysis Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps National Social Insurance The NSSS proposes that there Presently there is Conduct study for Scheme (NSIS) should be a system of NSIS hardly any social selecting the best option for Bangladesh. The system insurance system in for NSIS implementation. should also incorporate place in the country. unemployment, There are some accident, sickness and fragmented initiatives maternity insurance. by some ministries in this regard, but these [Summary, Para 4.3.3 of NSSS] are limited. 47 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No Objectives Activities Performance Time Frame Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Conduct a study Study report June 2018 on NSIS submitted to Cabinet Division Introduce NSIS Pilot programs January 2019 on pilot basis initiated Financial Finance

1. Introduce NSIS Institutions Formulate NSIS The law January 2020 Division Division law approved in the parliament Roll out NSIS NSIS rolled out January 2021 nationwide Key Actions • Conduct a study on deciding a suitable format of National Social Insurance System (NSIS) and implement it after pilot testing. 48

11. Ministry of Education Ministry of Education is the apex institution of the Government of Bangladesh for development and administration of post-primary education sector. There are about 40,336 post primary secondary schools/ colleges/madrasahs and 37 public and 92 private universities. Ministry of Education is responsible for expansion of education at the secondary and higher secondary level. As such, it has an important role in contributing to the development of human resources of the country. As one of the implementers of social security programmes, the Ministry disburses stipends to the secondary-level students. Recently, the Ministry has been divided into two separate divisions: a) Secondary and Higher Education Division; and b) Technical and Madrasah Education. The NSSS having been formulated before the bifurcation, the major reform objective for these two divisions is the same, which is to scale up the ‘secondary school stipend programme’. Both the Divisions have involvement in this respect. Therefore, the NSSS action plan keeps this major activity for these two divisions similar, which may need to be segregated later. It is worth mentioning that under this ministry there are some smaller programmes which need to be consolidated through consultation. It is expected that the consolidation process will provide distinctive work plans for the two divisions working under the Ministry of Education. For the time being, the NSSS Action Plans for these two divisions are given in the following two sections. 11.1 Secondary and Higher Education Division Vision The vision of the Division is “to ensure good quality of secondary education for all”. Mission In order to achieve the vision, the Division has the mission “To expand facilities of secondary education to all and thereby enhance human development”. Challenges Around 13 million children, with the majority at primary school-level, receive stipends. Coverage of school stipend is 17 per cent for the secondary school age children which is low. Apart from that, the transfer amount seems to be low. Objectives The NSSS strategic objective for the Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Division is to raise the coverage of stipends to 50 per cent of the existing secondary school-level students, and to increase the per person stipend amount. Situation Analysis Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Secondary The NSSS provides that the secondary education Presently the The coverage Education Stipend stipend should cover 50 per cent of the secondary two Divisions of secondary Programmes school students. The stipend amount will be of the Ministry education raised. For two siblings, the stipend rate will of Education stipend needs not be reduced. However, a family will receive has stipend to be almost stipends for two children at most. programme tripled. The per A school stipend may be of Tk. 300 per month for for around 17 person stipend all primary and secondary school going children per cent of the amount belonging to the poor and vulnerable households. secondary school needs to be students. increased. [Summary, Para 2.2.2, 5.2.3 of NSSS] 49 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Increase the coverage by Number July, 2017 Secondary Technical and Expand 20% every year of stipend (continue and Higher Madrasah Secondary recipients next five Education Education

1. Education increased years) Division (TME) Stipend (SHED) Increase the rate of Transfer July 2017 Programme stipend amount increased Prepare list of List sent to GED July 2017 SHED GED programmes to be continued Consolidate Make list of programmes List sent to GED July 2017 SHED GED

2. Smaller to be scaled up Programmes Make list of programmes List sent to GED July 2017 SHED GED to be phased out Review the consolidation Review December SHED Cabinet proposals prepared 2017 Division Update manual for Circular issued December SHED TMED selection procedures and 2017 disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous SHED TMED 3. targeting of beneficiaries online to given to field beneficiaries make it transparent offices Follow the BBS database Instruction January 2018 SHED TMED when prepared given Make arrangement for Instruction Continuous SHED TMED recording complaints at issued Grievance field level

4. Redress System Create public awareness Public By July 2018 SHED TMED about facility of central meetings held GRS of Cabinet Division in all upazilas Create online based MIS MIS digitized January 2018 SHED TMED for all for all programmes programmes Make the MIS accessible Inter July 2018 SHED TMED by relevant departments Departmental arrangement Develop established

5. Single Registry MIS Link MIS with cash MIS linked December SHED TMED disbursement with financial 2018 management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) 50 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Pilot different modalities Pilot December SHED TMED Digitization of G2P completed 2017 6. of cash Roll out appropriate G2P rolled December SHED TMED transfer format of G2P out for all 2018 programmes Digitize monitoring of Dashboard July 2018 SHED TMED Enhance programmes established 7. results based Conduct mid-term and Programmes Continuous SHED TMED M&E end-term evaluation of evaluated programmes regularly Key Actions • Scale up Secondary Stipend Programme in terms of coverage and benefit amount. • Smaller programmes will be consolidated and the delivery of services will be digitized by means of single registry MIS and G2P payment system where relevant. 51 11.2 Technical and Madrasah Education Division Vision The vision of the Division is “to ensure good quality of secondary education for all”. Mission In order to achieve the vision, the Division has the mission “To expand facilities of secondary and technical education to relevant part of the population and enhance human development thereby”. Challenges Around 13 million children receive stipends, with the majority at primary school. Coverage is 17 per cent for secondary school age children. Therefore, both the coverage and the transfer amount are low. Objectives The NSSS strategic objective of the Technical and Madrasah Education Division is to raise the coverage of stipends to around 50 per cent of the madrasah students and to strengthen technical education. Situation Analysis Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Secondary Education The NSSS provides that the Presently the two The coverage of Stipend Programmes secondary education stipend Divisions of the Ministry secondary education should cover 50 per cent of Education has stipend stipend needs to of the secondary school programme for around be extended to the students. The stipend rate will 17 per cent of students. Madrasah students. be raised. For two siblings, Most of the Madrasah Around 50 per cent the stipend rate will not be students are not covered. of the total Madrasah reduced. However, a family students are estimated will receive stipends for two to be covered under the children at most. programme. A school stipend may be of Tk. 300 per month for all primary and secondary school going children belonging to the poor and vulnerable households. [Summary, Para 2.2.2, 5.2.3 of NSSS] Technical/vocational In addition to secondary Many do not gain Technical and Vocational training and higher education the sufficient secondary training needs to be vocational training facilities education and there is expanded need to be expanded for the not enough vocational youth. training available to Youth should continue to compensate. be provided with vocational training and support to develop their own enterprises. [Para 2.2.3 and 4.3.2 of NSSS] 52 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Expand the Number July 2017 Technical and SHED programme of stipend (continue Madrasah Expand Secondary to Madrasah recipients next five Education

1. Education Stipend students increased years) Division Programme Increase the Transfer July 2017 (TMED) rate of stipend amount increased Expand Number Continuous TMED SHED Vocational training vocational of trainees 2. programmes for training facilities increased the youth for the youth Prepare list of List sent to July 2017 TMED GED programmes to GED be continued Make list of List sent to July 2017 TMED GED programmes to GED Consolidate be scaled up

3. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to July 2017 TMED GED programmes to GED be phased out Review the Review December TMED Cabinet Division consolidation prepared 2017 proposals Update manual Circular issued December TMED SHED for selection 2017 procedures and disseminate it to people Improve targeting Publish list of Instruction Continuous TMED SHED 4. of beneficiaries beneficiaries given to field online to make offices it transparent Follow the BBS Instruction January TMED SHED database when given 2018 prepared Make Instruction Continuous TMED SHED arrangement issued for recording complaints at Grievance Redress field level 5. System Create public Public By July 2018 TMED SHED awareness meetings held about facility of in all upazilas central GRS of Cabinet Division 53 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Create online MIS digitized January TMED SHED based MIS for for all 2018 all programmes programmes Make the MIS Inter July 2018 TMED SHED accessible Departmental by relevant arrangement Develop Single departments established 6. Registry MIS Link MIS MIS linked December TMED SHED with cash with financial 2018 disbursement management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different Pilot December TMED SHED modalities of completed 2017 Digitization of G2P 7. cash transfer Roll out G2P rolled December TMED SHED appropriate out for all 2018 format of G2P programmes Digitize Dashboard July 2018 TMED SHED monitoring of established programmes Enhance results

8. Conduct mid- Programmes Continuous TMED SHED based M&E term and end- evaluated term evaluation regularly of programmes Key Actions • Scale up Secondary Stipend Programme in terms of coverage and benefit amount, and expand vocational training for the youth. • Smaller programmes will be consolidated and the delivery of services will be digitized by means of single registry MIS and G2P payment system where relevant. 54

12. Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Background Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is mandated to implement various programmes for development of women and children. It works for empowerment of women, gender equality and ending violence against women. The programmes undertaken by the Ministry include capacity building of women, employment generation, facilitation in labour market participation through small and medium entrepreneurs, etc. Child protection and development is also included in the list of activities. This is one of the most important ministries in implementation of the NSSS. Vision The vision of the Ministry is “a society with gender equality and child protection”. Mission In order to achieve the vision, the Ministry has the mission of “establishing the rights of women and children and women empowerment through mainstreaming in development”. Challenges The main challenge as set by the NSSS for the Ministry is to introduce two new programmes--a Child Benefit Programme and a Vulnerable Women Benefit programme. The Ministry is also assigned to take measures for ensuring workplace child care services and formulating legislation for child maintenance payment. Objectives The NSSS strategic objectives of the Ministry are to ensure the rights to social security for women and children, and to ensure a level of minimum income for children and vulnerable women. Situation Analysis Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Child Benefit Programme The NSSS stipulates that The ministry of Women A Child Benefit the Government will and Children Affairs has programme needs provide support to young Maternity Allowance to be implemented, children up to the age Programme for the increasing the number of of four years, through a Poor mothers, with five beneficiaries from existing large extension of current lakh beneficiaries in FY 6.8 lakh to around 75 lakh support by establishing a 2016-17. Also, there are children. Child Benefit programme 1.8 lakh beneficiaries for children from 0 under the programme to 4 years of age. It is Allowances for Urban estimated that 50 per Low Income Lactating cent of these children Mothers. The experience will be brought under the of the programme should programme. Thus, the be used to prepare a Child number of beneficiary Benefit programme. children is estimated to be 75 lakh. The programme will be taken building on the success of the current Maternal Allowance Programme for the Lactating Mothers and the benefit amount 55 Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps is recommended to be Tk. 500 per month. The NSSS also provides that the programme for child benefit needs to be implemented with special emphasis on early childhood (the critical first 1000 days from conception). Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is to submit detailed implementation plan for Cabinet approval. [Summary, Para 2.2.2, 4.3.1 of NSSS] Vulnerable Women’s The Government will The Ministry has The Vulnerable Women’s Benefit (VWB) consolidate the Allowance VGD programme Benefit (VWB) programme for Widowed, Deserted for the vulnerable is to be designed and and Destitute Women women. Extending this implemented. VGD needs and the VGD scheme programme, a wider VWB to be converted to a cash into a new Vulnerable is to be formulated. based programme. Women’s Benefit (VWB) programme. The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs is to prepare a detailed implementation plan for the proposed VWB programme and submit to the Cabinet for approval. [Summary, Para 4.3.2 of NSSS] Workplace Childcare The Ministry of Women The Ministry has been Action to be taken Services and Children Affairs is to working to implement the by the ministry to coordinate with other law. A proposed Day Care ensure workplace child ministries to ensure Act is underway. However, care services in both workplace childcare there is no mapping to public and privates services in compliance what extent organizations organizations. Mapping with Labour Act, 2006, or workplaces have of existing programmes is which stipulates that all facilities for childcare needed. employers (private and services. Facilities for public) with more than 40 childcare exist in some employees will provide organizations. There are childcare services for 94 centres under the both female and male Ministry. employees. [Para 2.5.4, 3.5 of NSSS] 56 Programme name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Child Maintenance The Ministry of Women The study is yet to be A study to be conducted Payments and Children Affairs is conducted. A policy is on pattern of parental to conduct a study on to be formulated and support for abandoned the pattern of current enacted, promulgated children and relevant law parental support to the and implemented soon. is to be formulated and children abandoned by enacted. parents and propose mechanism to ensure legal rights of such children to get support from the parents abandoning them. The ministry is to prepare legislation in 2017 and start implementing it by mid-2018. [Para 4.3.1 of NSSS] Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Design a project Project/ December Ministry of Finance Division or programme programme 2017 Women and (with plan approved Children Affairs for costing, (MoWCA) manpower, delivery/ Introduce operation and

1. Child Benefit coordination Programme mechanism) Implement a pilot Pilot July, 2018 programme to programme implemented Implement Programme July 2019 Child Benefit introduced Programme Introduce Prepare Plan submitted July 2017 MoWCA Ministry of Food Vulnerable implementation

2. Women’s plan and submit Benefit to Cabinet programme Division Survey on Survey January MoWCA Ministry of the status of conducted 2018 Labour and Workplace implementation Employment

3. Childcare Services Create awareness Awareness March 2018 MoWCA Ministry of among programmes Labour and organizations organized Employment 57 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Conduct study Study report July 2018 MoWCA Ministry of on the present submitted Social Welfare pattern of to Cabinet support for Division Child children

4. Maintenance Formulate a The policy is July 2019 MoWCA Ministry of Payments policy on child approved by Social Welfare maintenance Cabinet payments Implement the Policy June, 2020 MoWCA Policy implemented Prepare list of List sent to July 2017 MoWCA GED programmes to GED be continued Make list of List sent to July 2017 MoWCA GED programmes to GED Consolidate be scaled up

5. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to July 2017 MoWCA GED programmes to GED be phased out Review the Review December MoWCA Cabinet Division consolidation prepared 2017 proposals Update manual Circular issued December MoWCA for selection 2017 procedures and disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous MoWCA 6. targeting of beneficiaries given to field beneficiaries online to make it offices transparent Follow the BBS Instruction January MoWCA database when given 2018 prepared Make Instruction Continuous MoWCA arrangement issued for recording complaints at Grievance field level 7. Redress System Create public Public By July 2018 MoWCA awareness about meetings held facility of central in all upazilas GRS of Cabinet Division 58 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Create online MIS digitized January MoWCA based MIS for all for all 2018 programmes programmes Make the MIS Inter July 2018 MoWCA accessible Departmental by relevant arrangement Develop Single departments established 8. Registry MIS Link MIS MIS linked December MoWCA with cash with financial 2018 disbursement management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different Pilot December MoWCA G2P modalities completed 2017 Digitization of

9. Roll out G2P rolled December MoWCA cash transfer appropriate out for all 2018 format of G2P programmes Digitize Dashboard July 2018 MoWCA monitoring of established Enhance programmes 10. results based Conduct mid- Programmes Continuous MoWCA M&E term and end- evaluated term evaluation regularly of programmes Key Actions • Introduce child benefit programmes in phases for around 75 lack children of 0-4 years of age. • Consolidate vulnerable women benefit programmes in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare. • Smaller programmes will be consolidated and the delivery of services will be digitized by means of single registry MIS and G2P payment system where relevant. 59

13. Finance Division Background Finance Division plays key role in social security programme design and implementation. It is responsible for allocation of budget, release, transfer, channelize and disbursement of fund, maintaining accounts and preparation of reports and audit. Finance division also provide valuable input and important resources in the decision-making process of program coverage, benefit amount etc. Vision The vision of the Finance Division is to “achieve high economic growth by farsighted and sustainable management of public finances”. Mission To achieve the vision, the Finance Division has the mission of “fostering growth and reducing poverty by ensuring prudent and efficient fiscal management through macro-economic stability and fiscal discipline”. Challenge The NSSS provides for specific reforms in the social security sector, obligating simultaneous reform in policy of fiscal allocation. The NSSS askes to maintain the level of 2 per cent of GDP in social security programme expenditure. Therefore, it will be a challenging task to ensure the present share of social security expenditure in GDP by readjusting allocations among reformed programmes. Objective The NSSS objective for the Finance Division is to provide enhanced budgetary allocation to social security programmes. Continuation of the government pension programme is another objective of the Division. Most important objective is to transform the current payment systems towards Government to Person (G2P) payment system in order to ensure greater financial inclusions of the recipients. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Government The Finance Division will manage Finance Division is managing Electronic fund Service Pension and continue the Government the government pension transfer should Service Pension in its present programme. To ensure social be introduced form. security by regular monthly to remove delay [Summary, 5.2.1 of NSSS] payment, the Government and complicated has cancelled the option for transfer system. surrendering full amount of Pension approval gross pension and also declared process should 5 per cent annual increment be simplified for on monthly pension amount. quick disposal of Finance Division has created pension cases. database linked with NID for 6,23,000 pensioners. A study report is completed on the existing government pension systems. A dedicated unit for government pension in FD is in the process of approval. 60 Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Private pension NSSS stipulates that private There was discussion on this Study on a pension, like the government issue but still major decision is feasible design of pension system, should be required. private pension introduced. For this, agreement needs to be with the private sector is conducted. important. [Summary, Para 4.3.3 of NSSS] Financial Finance Division will have access Social security Budget Financial Management to the Central Management Management Unit (SPBMU), management System and Committee MIS database functioning under the project system (SPBMU database and also maintain a financial of FD, has established SPBMU MIS) has to be management system (MIS) linked MIS linked with database of linked with all the with database of all programmes two core programs of Ministry SSPs programmes. under the NSSS linked with of Social Welfare and Ministry Regular NID. Working with the relevant of Women & Children Affairs assessment of taskforce, the Finance Division and also linked with NID. The financing needs will recommend process and Finance Division has certain and performance procedure for performance based formal monitoring mechanism to be conducted. monitoring of social security of the financial performance programmes and recommend of each of the social security indicators. programmes. [Para 7.5.1 of NSSS] NSSS financing and The Finance Division is The Division is allocating The current ratio related responsible for ensuring around 2.4% of GDP and 13.5% (2% - 3% of GDP) policies necessary funds for of national budget on social for social security implementation of social security security programmes. While expenditure has programmes in consistence with adjusting for programme to be maintained. the NSSS. Also, the Division is reforms, the ratio has to be mandated to ensure that other maintained. fiscal policies of the government uphold social security of people. [Para 6.3.1 of NSSS] Strengthening A key reform to be introduced An e-payment system All the cash Government to is an initiative to transform the architecture has been designed transfer Person (G2P) Government to Person (G2P) to accommodate all the fund programmes Payment Systems payment systems so that they flow channels, accounts, should be brought promote financial inclusivity and banks, MFIs, Post Offices and under the prevent leakages. Bangladesh Bank. Piloting with architecture with [Section 6.5 of NSSS] two SSPs programmes is under their digitised preparation. database. 61 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility To continue Pension Continuous Finance MOPA government continued Division pension with with improved improvement in management approval /disposal supervision, of pension cases monitoring and financial and keeping sustainability sustainable. Maintain Create digitized Database July 2016 Finance

1. Government database of the created Division Service Pension existing SSPs beneficiaries linked to NID/UID Electronic Fund Payment system July 2017 Finance Transfer in pension digitized on ward / Division payment system December 2017 Piloting Conduct study Study report December Finance FID on the format of submitted to 2017 Division private pension the Cabinet Division 2 Private pension Consultation with Workshops held March 2018 stakeholders Establish pension Authority July 2018 authority established Develop software Financial MIS June 2017 Finance Cabinet for Financial MIS developed Division Division, GED, Creation of Run a pilot of Pilot MIS run July 2017 Finance SID financial financial MIS Division management Roll out financial MIS rolled out January Finance 3. database for MIS nationwide 2018 Division social security for all the social programmes security programs, integrating it with single registry MIS 62 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Initiate Review June, 2017 Finance FID, BB, all Line comprehensive completed Division Ministries review of current payment systems Designing a Digital payment September, Finance A2I, PMO, Government to digital payment architecture 2017 Division FID, BB, Line Person (G2P) architecture designed Ministries

4. Payments System or Piloting of G2P Two cash December, Finance MoSW, Digital Payment for two core transfer 2017 Division MOWCA, A2I, cash transfer programme BB, programme piloted Rolling out G2P for G2P for all June, 2018 Finance A2I, PMO, all cash transfer cash transfer Division FID, BB, Line programs programs Ministries Key Actions • The government pension system will be continued with improvement in approval /disposal of pension cases and financial sustainability • Studies will be conducted and appropriate authorities will be set up for introducing private pension system. • Financial management database for social security programmes will be created. • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 63

14. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is mandated to ensure health, nutrition and family planning services to the people. The Ministry has an important role in implementing social security as it operates special programmes for vulnerable mothers, children and nutrition enrichment. The Ministry has recently been split into two separate Divisions: a) Health Services Division; and b) Medical Education and Family Welfare Division. The NSSS, having been formulated before the bifurcation, the major reform objective for these two divisions remains mutually overlapping. Therefore, the NSSS action plan keeps this major activity for these two divisions as identical. These may need to be segregated later. It is worth mentioning that, under this ministry there are some smaller programmes which will have to be consolidated through consultation. It is expected that the consolidation process will provide distinctive work plans for the two divisions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. For the time being, the NSSS Action Plans for these two divisions are given in the following two sections. 14.1 Health Services Division Vision The vision of the Division is “to promote affordable and quality health services to all”. Mission To achieve the vision, the Division has the mission “to ensure quality health service for all at an affordable cost by developing the service sectors in health, population and nutrition”. Challenges The main challenges facing the Division are to ensure maternity health care and nutrition for all who need it. To build up a maternity health insurance system is also a vital issue to be implemented by the Division. Objectives The NSSS objective of the Division is to raise the coverage of maternal health care services to all the poor and vulnerable women who need them and to continue the nutrition programmes. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Maternal Health A child’s health is intimately linked Ministry of Health The coverage need Care with the health of the mother at the and Family Welfare is to be expanded in pregnancy stage. The Government implementing the MHVS phased manner. will build on the positive experiences which has so far been The coordination of of the Maternal Health Voucher proved effective. But the similar programmes Scheme (MHVS) and expand number of beneficiaries to be done by coverage to all women who need covered by the programme MoHFW. this service, undertaking it in a is not adequate. The phased manner. scheme is not available in The Ministry of Health and Family all geographic areas. Welfare (MoHFW) will prepare a detailed implementation plan along with a specific timeline and detailed programme cost, for approval of the CMC. 64 The MoHFW will coordinate supply- side interventions to ensure that the demand for the service financed through MHVS does not go unmet. [Para 4.3.2 of NSSS, Maternity The maternity insurance is to The Ministry of Health and Ensure the issue. Insurance be integrated in the NSIS to Family Welfare needs to be implemented by Financial support the integration of Institutions Division. maternity insurance in the [Summary, 4.3.2, 4.3.3 of NSSS] NSIS. Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Make a need Study report June 2018 Health Medical assessment for submitted to Services Education and additional coverage Cabinet Division Division Family Welfare Continue increase of Number of July 2017 (HSD) Division Maternal coverage by 10% beneficiaries (continue (MEFW); 1. Health Care increased next five Ministry of years) Women and Coordinate similar Consultations December Children Affairs programmes by other held regularly 2017 ministries Coordinate with FID to Information September HSD MEFW, FID Maternity 2. incorporate maternity supplied 2017 Insurance insurance in the NSIS Prepare list of List sent to GED July 2017 HSD MEFW, GED programmes to be continued Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 HSD MEFW, GED Consolidate programmes to be

3. Smaller scaled up Programmes Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 HSD MEFW, GED programmes to be phased out Review the Review December HSD Cabinet consolidation proposals prepared 2017 Division 65 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Update manual for Circular issued December HSD selection procedures 2017 and disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous HSD 4. targeting of beneficiaries online to given to field beneficiaries make it transparent offices Follow the BBS Instruction January HSD database when given 2018 prepared Make arrangement for Instruction Continuous HSD recording complaints at issued Grievance field level

5. Redress Create public Public meetings By July HSD System awareness about held in all 2018 facility of central GRS of upazilas Cabinet Division Create online based MIS digitized for January HSD MIS for all programmes all programmes 2018 Make the MIS Inter July 2018 HSD accessible by relevant Departmental Develop departments arrangement Single established 6. Registry Link MIS with cash MIS linked December HSD MIS disbursement with financial 2018 management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different Pilot completed December HSD Digitization modalities of G2P 2017 7. of cash Roll out appropriate G2P rolled December HSD transfer format of G2P out for all 2018 programmes Digitize monitoring of Dashboard July 2018 HSD Enhance programmes established results

8. Conduct mid-term and Programmes Continuous HSD based M&E end-term evaluation of evaluated programmes regularly Key Actions • Make need assessment for necessary of expansion of the coverage of maternity health. • Maternity insurance system will be introduced within the framework of the in the NSIS • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 66 14.2 Medical Education and Family Welfare Division Vision The vision of the Division is “to promote affordable and quality health services to all”. Mission To achieve the vision, the Division has the mission “to ensure quality health service for all at an affordable cost by developing the service sectors in health, population and nutrition”. Challenges The main challenges facing the Division are to ensure maternity health care and nutrition for all who need it. To build up a maternity health insurance system is also a vital issue to be implemented by the Division. Objectives The NSSS objective of the Division is to raise the coverage of maternal health care services to all the poor and vulnerable women who need them and to continue the nutrition programmes. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Maternal Health Care A child’s health is intimately linked Ministry of Health The coverage need with the mother at the pregnancy and Family Welfare to be expanded in stage. The Government will build is implementing phased manner. The on the positive experiences of the the MHVS which coordination of similar Maternal Health Voucher Scheme has so far been programmes to be (MHVS) and expand coverage to proved as effective. done by MoHFW. all women who need this service, But the number undertaking it in a phased manner. of beneficiaries The Ministry of Health and Family covered by the Welfare (MoHFW) will prepare a programme is not detailed implementation plan along adequate. The with a specific timeline and detailed scheme is not programme cost, for available in all approval of the CMC. The MoHFW geographic areas. will coordinate supply-side interventions to ensure that the demand for the service financed through MHVS Maternity Insurance The maternity insurance is to The Ministry of Ensure the issue. be integrated in the NSIS to Health and Family be implemented by Financial Welfare needs Institutions Division. to support the [Summary, 4.3.2, 4.3.3 of NSSS] integration of maternity insurance in the NSIS. 67 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Make a need Study report June 2018 Medical HSD, Ministry assessment submitted to Education of Women for additional Cabinet Division and Family and Children coverage Welfare Affairs Continue increase Number of July 2017 (MEFW) Maternal of coverage by beneficiaries (continue 1. Health Care 10% increased next five years) Coordinate Consultations held December similar regularly 2017 programmes by other ministries Coordinate Information September MEFW HSD, FID with FID to supplied 2017 Maternity incorporate 2. Insurance maternity insurance in the NSIS Prepare list of List sent to GED July 2017 MEFW HSD, GED programmes to be continued Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 MEFW HSD, GED programmes to Consolidate be scaled up

3. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 MEFW HSD, GED programmes to be phased out Review the Review prepared December MEFW Cabinet consolidation 2017 Division proposals Update manual Circular issued December MEFW for selection 2017 procedures and disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction given to Continuous MEFW 4. targeting of beneficiaries field offices beneficiaries online to make it transparent Follow the BBS Instruction given January MEFW database when 2018 prepared 68 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Make Instruction issued Continuous MEFW arrangement for recording complaints at Grievance field level 5. Redress System Create public Public meetings By July 2018 MEFW awareness about held in all upazilas facility of central GRS of Cabinet Division Create online MIS digitized for all January MEFW based MIS for all programmes 2018 programmes Make the MIS Inter Departmental July 2018 MEFW accessible arrangement Develop Single by relevant established

6. Registry departments MIS Link MIS MIS linked December MEFW with cash with financial 2018 disbursement management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different Pilot completed December MEFW modalities of G2P 2017 Digitization of

7. Roll out G2P rolled out for December MEFW cash transfer appropriate all programmes 2018 format of G2P Digitize Dashboard July 2018 MEFW monitoring of established programmes Enhance results Conduct mid- Programmes Continuous MEFW 8. based M&E term and end- evaluated regularly term evaluation of programmes Key Actions • In coordination with the Health Service Division make need assessment for necessary of expansion of the coverage of maternity health. • Maternity insurance system will be introduced within the framework of the in the NSIS • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 69

15. Local Government Division Background Local Government Division is an important unit of the government, charged to enhance local governance and socio-economic development of the people, both in urban and rural areas. The Division is involved in implementation of different social security schemes by itself and also supports other ministries in rolling out their programmes in the field. Vision The vision of the Division is “to establish participatory and effective local governance”. Mission To achieve the vision, the Division has the mission “to improve living standard of people by strengthening local government system, rural and urban infrastructural development and implementation of socio economic programmes”. Challenges One of the challenges of the Division is to consolidate its workfare programmes in collaboration with other ministries, especially with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. Other important issues include improvement of the targeting process and establishment of a grievance redress mechanism at the grassroots level. Objectives The National Social Security Strategy envisages that the Local Government Division will assume responsibilities related to supporting targeting the beneficiaries of social security programmes, following a community participation approach, providing support in resolving grievances and disputes related to implementation of social security programmes and assisting monitoring and evaluation of programmes. To consolidate workfare programmes is another important task. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Strengthen Workfare The NSSS provides that all The Local Government Division Consolidation Programmes the workfare programmes has a number of workfare of workfare will be consolidated to programmes, including RERMP. programmes and minimize operational costs. Under the programme, cash inter-ministerial Most of the food based (if incentives are given. The Local cooperation any) workfare programmes Government Division has major needs to be are to be converted into programmes for workfare. There enhanced. cash based programmes. is hardly any mechanism to [Para 4.3.2, 4.6 of NSSS] coordinate workfare programmes with other ministries. Strengthen urban The NSSS identifies that Different ministries have There is a social security the rapid socio-economic urban focused programmes. gap in terms development has been Some programmes have urban of coverage accompanied by an equally components. But overall, social matching the rapid urbanization. The security required for urban poor requirement urban poverty rate is lower people needs to be ensured. for urban social than that of rural areas. security. However, there is still a big segment of people in urban areas who live in abject poverty. 70 Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps The problem has been aggravated due to the difficulty in operating social security programmes in urban areas. The issue of urban social security has not been adequately recognized. Special measures should be taken to ensure that urban poor households have similar access to social security as the rural poor. [Summary, Para 4.5 of NSSS] Improve targeting, According to the NSSS the The Local Government Division, There are a lot Grievance Redress Local Government Division is through the involvement of of loopholes System (GRS) and to support all the ministries Union Parishads, is supporting in targeting. M&E in improving targeting and different ministries in rolling out The grievance GRS. their programmes in the field. redress [Figure 6.1, 6.3.1 of NSSS] During the NSSS reform process, mechanism at the LGD has to sensitize public the local level representatives so that they follow is not strong. the updated system of targeting These should be and GRS. strengthened. Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Coordinate Review report July 2017 Local MoDMR Consolidation with MoDMR to sent to Cabinet Government 1. of workfare explore possibility Division Division programmes of merging (LGD) programmes Support Conduct a study on Study report December LGD Cabinet Division, measures to the need of social sent to Cabinet 2017 GED tackle the security in urban Division 2. challenge of areas Urban Social Security Introduce the Number of July 2017 LGD Finance Division, Scale up project in 200 Upazilas of UNDP

3. SWAPNO Upazilas SWAPNO Project project extended Provide Support publishing Lists displayed Continuous LGD Line ministries 4. assistance in beneficiary lists for in UP targeting all programmes 71 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Instruct the The UDCs March 2017 LGD Cabinet Division UDCs to receive sensitized grievances and Provide forward to UNO 5. operational office support for GRS Maintain a register Registers March 2017 LGD for grievances maintained onward received and forwarded Provide relevant Data received Continuous LGD GED Support data on social regularly establishment 6. security of M&E programmes framework regularly Prepare list of List sent to July 2017 LGD GED programmes to be GED continued Make list of List sent to July 2017 LGD GED programmes to be GED Consolidate scaled up

7. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to July 2017 LGD GED programmes to be GED phased out Review the Review December LGD Cabinet Division consolidation prepared 2017 proposals Update manual Circular issued December LGD for selection 2017 procedures and disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous LGD 8. targeting of beneficiaries given to field beneficiaries online to make it offices transparent Follow the BBS Instruction January LGD database when given 2018 prepared Make arrangement Instruction Continuous LGD for recording issued complaints at field level Grievance

9. Create public Public By July 2018 LGD Redress System awareness about meetings held facility of central in all upazilas GRS of Cabinet Division 72 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Create online MIS digitized January LGD based MIS for all for all 2018 programmes programmes Make the MIS Inter July 2018 LGD accessible Departmental by relevant arrangement Develop Single departments established 10. Registry MIS Link MIS with cash MIS linked December LGD disbursement with financial 2018 management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different Pilot December LGD modalities of G2P completed 2017 Digitization of

11. Roll out G2P rolled December LGD cash transfer appropriate format out for all 2018 of G2P programmes Digitize monitoring Dashboard July 2018 LGD of programmes established Enhance results Conduct mid-term Programmes Continuous LGD 12. based M&E and end-term evaluated evaluation of regularly programmes Key Actions • Coordinate with MoDMR to explore possibility of merging programmes • Conduct a study on the need of social security in urban areas • Roll out the SWAPNO project in at least 200 Upazilas • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 73

16. Rural Development & Cooperatives Division Background The Rural Development and Cooperatives Division undertakes different programmes for rural development by a range of activities including rural employment generation, skill development, research and formulation of relevant rules and policies. Vision The Division has the vision of a socio-economically developed Bangladesh. Mission To achieve the vision, the Division has the mission to eradicate poverty by means of cooperatives and integrated rural development activities, as well as research. Challenge Eradication of rural poverty is still a great challenge for the country. One of the main causes of rural poverty is unemployment or rather under-employment. Rural poverty has to be reduced by means of labour and livelihood interventions and the poor have to be ‘graduated’ from poverty. Objective The NSSS objective for the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division is to assist rural poor people to move out of poverty by facilitating income generating activities. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Graduation Given the dire circumstances of the The Rural Development The programmes programmes extreme poor, consideration will and Cooperatives Division need to be need to be given to progressive but has a great intervention further scaled substantive scaling up of ‘graduation’ for poverty reduction. up. programmes that offer real and The programme is direct income earning opportunities called ‘One House - One and formal and informal work to the Farm’. This is one of the poorest, alongside complementary prioritized initiatives of activities that provide poor people the Honourable Prime with a means to lift themselves out of Minister. Measures are extreme poverty. However, care should underway to increase the be taken so that the graduation is not number of beneficiaries. premature, as this would put people in real trouble. Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Increase Coverage Continuous Rural Finance Division Scale up coverage of the increased (up to 2020) Development ‘One House programme by and Cooperatives 1. - One Farm’ 15% every year Division (RD&CD) programme 74 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Prepare list of List sent to July 2017 RD&CD GED programmes to GED be continued Make list of List sent to July 2017 RD&CD GED programmes to GED Consolidate be scaled up

2. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to July 2017 RD&CD GED programmes to GED be phased out Review the Review December RD&CD Cabinet Division consolidation prepared 2017 proposals Update manual Circular issued December RD&CD for selection 2017 procedures and disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous RD&CD 3. targeting of beneficiaries given to field beneficiaries online to make offices it transparent Follow the BBS Instruction January 2018 RD&CD database when given prepared Make Instruction Continuous RD&CD arrangement issued for recording complaints at Grievance field level

4. Redress Create public Public By July 2018 RD&CD System awareness meetings held about facility in all upazilas of central GRS of Cabinet Division Create online MIS digitized January 2018 RD&CD based MIS for for all all programmes programmes Make the MIS Inter July 2018 RD&CD accessible Departmental by relevant arrangement Develop departments established

5. Single Registry MIS Link MIS MIS linked December RD&CD with cash with financial 2018 disbursement management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) 75 Pilot different Pilot December RD&CD modalities of completed 2017 Digitization G2P 6. of cash transfer Roll out G2P rolled December RD&CD appropriate out for all 2018 format of G2P programmes Digitize Dashboard July 2018 RD&CD monitoring of established Enhance programmes 7. results based Conduct mid- Programmes Continue RD&CD M&E term and end- evaluated term evaluation regularly of programmes Key Actions • Scale up ‘One House - One Farm’ programme • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 76

17. Ministry of Labour and Employment Background Ministry of Labour and Employment is responsible for ensuring labour related laws and overall social security for working people. The Ministry has been assigned by the NSSS a major task of introducing an insurance scheme for the labourers. Thus, the Ministry has a very important profile in terms of social security. Vision The vision of the Ministry is to promote welfare of the working-age people, including women. Mission To achieve the vision, the Ministry has the mission of enhancing productivity through creation of safe work environments, maintaining peaceful labour relations and development of a skilled labour force. Challenges A main challenge facing the Ministry is to ensure social security of the workers by executing the Labour Act 2006. Objectives The NSSS objective for the Ministry of Labour and Employment is to build up a social insurance for workers and thereby tackle their socio-economic risks and vulnerability. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Social insurance for the The NSSS provides that the The Ministry The possibility of employees proposed National Social Insurance of Labour and unemployment Scheme (NSIS) would incorporate Employment has insurance needs unemployment insurance. A study some fragmented to be evaluated by on the NSIS is to be commissioned. initiatives to conducting a study. The Ministry of Labour and provide insurance Mechanism to Employment would coordinate with support to the cover accidents and the Financial Institutions Division private sector other professional to complete the study on this part. employees. It is hazards are also The plan is to be submitted to the yet to take up any to be created. The Cabinet Division for approval. comprehensive insurance will be in [Para 4.3 of NSSS] plan for employee the organized sectors insurance. on occupational basis. Child day-care services at The Labour Act (2006) stipulates Some organizations Day care services for workplaces that all employers with more than have facilities for children of employees 40 employees will provide childcare child care. It has has to be ensured in services for both female and male to be ensured organizations having employees. The NSSS suggests that in relevant 40+ employees. the Ministry of Women and Children private sector Affairs would ensure that. The organizations. Ministry of Labour and Employment, being the owner of the Labour Act, 2006 has to play a vital role in this regard. [Para 2.5.4, 3.5 of NSSS] 77 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Conduct study Study report December Ministry of FID on possible submitted 2017 Labour and options of to the FID Employment unemployment and Cabinet insurances Division Introduce Unemployment July 2018 Unemployment unemployment insurance 1. insurance scheme insurance on introduced is to be initiated pilot basis in selected organizations Expand Rolled out July 2019 unemployment nationally insurance nationwide Provide general Circulars issued July 2017 Ministry of MoWCA instructions to Labour and Child care the organized Employment 2. services in the sectors workplaces Public awareness Publicized in July 2017 created media Prepare list of List sent to GED July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to Labour and be continued Employment Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to Labour and Consolidate be scaled up Employment

3. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to Labour and be phased out Employment Review the Review December Ministry of Cabinet Division consolidation prepared 2017 Labour and proposals Employment Update manual Circular issued December Ministry of for selection 2017 Labour and procedures and Employment disseminate it to people Improve targeting Publish list of Instruction Continuous Ministry of 4. of beneficiaries beneficiaries given to field Labour and online to make it offices Employment transparent Follow the BBS Instruction January Ministry of database when given 2018 Labour and prepared Employment 78 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Make Instruction Continuous Ministry of arrangement issued Labour and for recording Employment complaints at Grievance field level 5. Redress System Create public Public meetings By July Ministry of awareness about held in all 2018 Labour and facility of central upazilas Employment GRS of Cabinet Division Create online MIS digitized January Ministry of based MIS for all for all 2018 Labour and programmes programmes Employment Make the MIS Inter July 2018 Ministry of accessible Departmental Labour and by relevant arrangement Employment Develop Single departments established 6. Registry MIS Link MIS MIS linked December Ministry of with cash with financial 2018 Labour and disbursement management Employment database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different Pilot completed December Ministry of modalities of 2017 Labour and Digitization of G2P Employment 7. cash transfer Roll out G2P rolled December Ministry of appropriate out for all 2018 Labour and format of G2P programmes Employment Digitize Dashboard July 2018 Ministry of monitoring of established Labour and programmes Employment Enhance results

8. Conduct mid- Programmes Continuous Ministry of based M&E term and end- evaluated Labour and term evaluation regularly Employment of programmes Key Actions • Introduce unemployment insurance on pilot basis and then roll it out nationally • Create public awareness for ensuring child care services in the workplaces • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 79

18. Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Background The Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment (MoEWOE) is responsible for the welfare of migrant workers and their families. It is also responsible for skill development and facilitating overseas employment which is a very important aspect in the socio-economic life of Bangladesh. It not only reduces unemployment of the country but also enriches the economy of the country with increased remittance inflow. Employment empowers migrant workers, especially, female migrant workers and upgrades migrant workers’ families economically and socially. Thus, the Ministry plays a very crucial supportive role in enhancing social security for the citizens of the country as envisaged in the NSSS. In the days to come, the role of the MoEWOE in implementing NSSS is likely to be further enhanced. Vision Socio-economic development of the country through expanding overseas employment opportunities, ensuring safe migration, protecting the rights of migrant workers and enhancing welfare for migrant workers and their families. Mission Development of migration management in order to create a skilled workforce through training commensurate with the demands of the global labour markets, enhancement of opportunities for overseas employment, protection of the rights and interests of migrant workers, enhancement of welfare of migrant workers and their families and ensuring of safe and orderly migration. Challenges Every year a huge number of working people, both male and female, enter our job market. Bangladesh’s economy cannot accommodate all of them in the domestic labour market. Besides, a good number of aspirant migrants do not have appropriate skills required for entering the global labour markets. Therefore, creation of overseas employment for the aspirant migrants, skill development, ensuring and protection of the rights, interests and welfare of migrant workers and their families are the main challenges of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. Objectives The NSSS objectives of the Ministry are to explore overseas employment opportunities for the aspirant migrants, develop skills, protection of the rights and interests of migrant workers, and ensuring of welfare and social security of migrant workers and their families. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Overseas employment, The NSSS indicates that The Ministry of Expatriates’ Mandatory safe and orderly one source of idiosyncratic Welfare and Overseas insurance migration and welfare shocks of people is loss of Employment has great coverage for of migrant workers and employment. This happens in contribution in exploring jobs all aspirant their families. case of overseas employees. for Bangladeshi workers in the migrant They often become jobless overseas market. Presently, more workers needs and are forced to return than 10 million people are in to be ensured. to Bangladesh. They need overseas employment, reducing special social security pressure in the local job market. support. Their family The Ministry has programmes members need support in (training programmes on their absence. housekeeping, driving, 80 Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps The migrant workers are and other technical trades and financially solvent to pay for for garment workers) for skills their future social security. development of the aspirant Systems should be there to migrant workers commensurate facilitate their participation with global demand. For the in social insurance migrant workers (deceased programmes for them and and disabled) and their family their family. members, the Ministry has some social allowance programmes (financial supports/assistances/ benefits).The Ministry has also taken initiatives for mandatory insurance coverage for all aspirant migrant workers. Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time-bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Strengthen Increase the number Increased Continuous Ministry of social allowance of social allowance Number of Expatriates’ (financial programmes for migrant programmes. Welfare and supports/ workers and their family Increased Overseas 01. assistances/ members. number of Employment benefits) for beneficiaries. (MoEWOE) migrant workers and their family members. Mandatory Issue a circular for Issued circular December MoEWOE MOF(BD) insurance providing mandatory 2017 02. coverage for insurance coverage for all migrant all migrant workers. workers. Institutional capacity Established Continuous MoEWOE MOE building by establishing TTCs and IMTs MOF new TTCs (Technical Training Centre) and IMTs (Institution of Enhance skills Marine Technology) development and obtain 03 international standard of Enhance skills Provided Continuous MoEWOE MOE skills and development of migrant training for MOF accreditation workers (both men migrant and women) through workers (both providing training in men and various trades women) 81 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Enhance capability Provided Continuous MoEWOE MOE through providing training for MOF training of the trainers. trainers. Liaise and signed MOUs collaborate with with reputed reputed international international training centres by training signing MOUs for centres. obtaining international standard of skills and accreditation Identify new sectors of Identified Continuous MoEWOE MOFA overseas employment new sectors and training. of overseas employment and training Prepare list of List sent to December MoEWOE GED programmes and GED 2017 Activities to be continued Make list of List sent to December MoEWOE GED Consolidate programmes and GED 2017 Smaller Activities to be scaled 04. up Programmes and Activities Make list of List sent to December MoEWOE GED programmes and GED 2017 Activities to be phased out Review the Review March MoEWOE Cabinet consolidation proposals prepared Division Introduce manual for Manual March MoEWOE selection procedures disseminated 2018 and disseminate it to Improve people 05. targeting of Publish list of List of Continuous MoEWOE beneficiaries beneficiaries online to beneficiaries make it transparent published Follow the BBS database Instruction March MoEWOE MOP (BBS) when prepared given 2018 Modification of Acts, Modification December MoEWOE Rules and Regulations of Acts, 2018 to ensure safe, orderly Rules and Establish safe, and responsible Regulations orderly and labour migration completed responsible administration 06. labour migration Reorganize BMET BMET’s December MoEWOE administration (Bureau of Manpower, organizational 2019 Employment and structure Training) for better reorganized migration management 82 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Make arrangement for Instruction March MoEWOE recording complaints issued 2018 centrally and at field Grievance level 07. Redress System Create public awareness Public Continuous MoEWOE about facility of central meetings held GRS of Cabinet Division in all Upazilas Create online based MIS MIS digitized December MoEWOE for all programmes and for all 2019 Activities programmes Make the MIS Inter January MoEWOE Develop Single accessible by relevant departmental 2020 08. Registry MIS departments arrangement established Link MIS with cash MIS linked June 2020 MoEWOE disbursement with bank database Pilot different Pilot July 2019 MoEWOE modalities of G2P completed Digitization of Roll out appropriate G2P rolled June 2020 MoEWOE 09. cash transfer format of G2P out for all programmes and Activities Digitize monitoring Dashboard December MoEWOE of programmes and established 2019 Activities Enhance results

10. Conduct mid-term and Programmes Continuous MoEWOE Cabinet based M&E end-term evaluation and Activities of programmes and evaluated Activities regularly Key Actions • Increase the number of social allowance programmes for migrant workers and their family members. • Introduce mandatory insurance coverage for all migrant workers. • Enhance skills development and obtain international standard of skills and accreditation. • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 83

19. Ministry of Youth and Sports Background The Ministry of Youth and Sports is assigned with the responsibility of dealing with youth development and sports issues in Bangladesh. Skill development of the youth to accelerate youth empowerment is a prime focus of the Ministry. All the citizens aged from 18 to 35 years are considered youth in the country. Engaging them in nation-building activities by harnessing their talent through skill and motivational training is of paramount importance. The Ministry strives to tap the young potential and thus contributes to achievement of national strategic goals. Vision The vision of the Ministry is to create a skilled youth force for national development; with sports for recreation and health. Mission The Ministry’s mission is to create skilled and productive youth by training and by developing training infrastructure, and to achieve excellence in sports at national and international levels. Challenge The NSSS challenge for the Ministry is to ensure welfare and empowerment of the vulnerable segments of the youth. Objective One of the objectives of the Ministry is to implement skill development programmes for young men and women to make sure that they become human resource for the country. Thus, the NSSS emphasizes the need for strengthening programmes for the youth. There is a growing concern about welfare of this segment of the Bangladesh population. Many young people are school drop-outs, while a significant number of them complete secondary or higher secondary education but are unemployed or under- employed. The most important policy challenge for such young women and men is to put in place adequate institutional and other arrangements both for training them in marketable skills and for effectively linking them to employment in the country or outside. This is a long-term challenge for the Government, and numerous efforts are made to address this. The Government also attaches importance to collaborating with development partners and NGOs in undertaking focused training programmes to equip the youth with skills that would help them access the labour market both at home and abroad. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Skill development The NSSS emphasizes the need The Ministry of Youth and Sports To enhance skill programme for for strengthening programmes has a number of programmes development young men and for the youth, i.e. the people for the youth development. programmes for women belonging to the age- group 18 Programmes for skills development the young men to 35 years. There is a growing are conducted also by other and women It concern about welfare of this ministries, including Ministry of is necessary segment of the Bangladesh Education, Ministry of Women and to take population. Many young people Children Affairs, etc. To equip the motivational are school drop-outs, while youth with skills and help their programmes a significant number of them empowerment is an important for the youths complete secondary or higher responsibility of the Ministry. to stop school secondary education but are As part of the Government’s drop-outs. unemployed or under-employed. commitment to empowering citizens through skills development and employment, 84 Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps The most important policy the National Service Programme challenge for such young was introduced in 2009 -2010. women and men is to put in The unemployed youth who have place adequate institutional passed HSC or equivalent and are and other arrangements both in the age-range of 24 to 35 years for training them in marketable qualify for the National Service skills and for effectively linking Programme. After enrolment, them to employment in the they get three-month training country or outside. This is a and are after that attached to long-term challenge for the different government offices or Government, and numerous institutions for 24 months. They efforts are made to address this. receive one hundred taka a day The Government also attaches during training and two hundred importance to collaborating with taka a day during temporary development partners and NGOs employment. Two thousand taka in undertaking focused training out of six thousand that is payable programmes to equip the youth monthly to everyone in temporary with skills that would help them employment is deposited in their to access the labour market both individual bank accounts and is at home and abroad. paid to them on completion of [Para 4.3.2 of NSSS] the two-year employment. The savings act as a financial assistance for them to start any economic activity. 64 Upazilas of 28 districts have already come under this programme. Upazilas are selected on the basis of their position on the Poverty Map produced by BBS. So far, 1,13,959 youths were trained and 1,11,625 temporarily employed. Around 40 per cent of those trained and employed are women. The National Service Programme will gradually be extended to all Upazilas of the country. Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Increase training Training of Continuous Ministry Ministry of Skill development programmes for young men of Youth Education programme for youth increased and Sports

1. (MoY&S) young men and Training of Continuous women young women increased 85 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Prepare list of List sent to July 2017 MoY&S GED programmes to GED be continued Make list of List sent to July 2017 MoY&S GED programmes to GED Consolidate be scaled up

2. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to July 2017 MoY&S GED programmes to GED be phased out Review the Review December MoY&S Cabinet Division consolidation prepared 2017 proposals Update manual Circular issued December MoY&S for selection 2017 procedures and disseminate it to people Improve targeting Publish list of Instruction Continuous MoY&S 3. of beneficiaries beneficiaries given to field online to make it offices transparent Follow the BBS Instruction January MoY&S database when given 2018 prepared Make Instruction Continuous MoY&S arrangement issued for recording complaints at Grievance Redress field level 4. System Create public Public By July 2018 MoY&S awareness about meetings held facility of central in all upazilas GRS of Cabinet Division Create online MIS digitized January MoY&S based MIS for all for all 2018 programmes programmes Make the MIS Inter July 2018 MoY&S accessible Departmental by relevant arrangement Develop Single departments established 5. Registry MIS Link MIS MIS linked December MoY&S with cash with financial 2018 disbursement management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) 86 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Pilot different Pilot December MoY&S modalities of completed 2017 Digitization of G2P 6. cash transfer Roll out G2P rolled December MoY&S appropriate out for all 2018 format of G2P programmes Digitize Dashboard July 2018 MoY&S monitoring of established programmes Enhance results

7. Conduct mid- Programmes Continuous MoY&S based M&E term and end- evaluated term evaluation regularly of programmes Key Actions • Increase training programmes for youth • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 87

20. Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Background The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has been established in 2001 with the responsibility of providing various benefits to the freedom fighters, preserving history and memories of the liberation war and developing new infrastructure as memorial of the war. Vision The vision of the Ministry is that “the ideals and sprit of the great liberation war is upheld and the welfare of the freedom fighters and their descendants is ensured”. Mission The NSSS mission of the Ministry is to ensure the welfare of the heroic freedom fighters and their dependents by creating safety nets for them. Challenge The main challenge for the Ministry is to continue social security programmes for the freedom fighters and their dependents. Objectives The NSSS objective of the Ministry is to consolidate social security programmes for all the freedom fighters and their descendants. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Freedom Fighters’ The special Regarding the special programmes for Consolidate all Benefit Programme programmes relate the freedom fighters, there are two the fragmented to the Government’s main programmes, such as construction programmes commitment to support of residences for landless and insolvent for freedom the freedom fighters freedom fighters, and honorarium for all fighters and their families. freedom fighters. into a single These programmes 1. Residences for landless and insolvent programme. for freedom fighters freedom fighters: (Allocation in thousand will be maintained and Tk.) consolidated under one scheme called Allocation Target Achievement the Freedom Fighters’ (Number of Benefit Programme. residences) NSSS also suggests that the benefit will be adjusted in real terms. 2711200 2971 2713 [Para 4.8 of NSSS] 2. Honorarium for freedom fighters: (Allocation in thousand Tk.) Allocation Target Achievement (FY 2016- (Number) (Number of 17) beneficiaries) 2711200 2971 2713 88 Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps

3. Honorarium for war wounded and martyred families: (Allocation in thousand Tk.) Allocation Target Achievement (FY 2016-17) (Number) (Number of beneficiaries) 3176504 7149 6953

4. Honorarium for awarded freedom fighters: (Allocation in thousand Tk.) Allocation Target Achievement (FY 2016-17) (Number) (Number of beneficiaries) 212400 676 587

5. Microcredit for freedom fighters and their descendants: (Allocation in thousand Tk.) Allocation Target Achievement (FY 2016-17) (Number) (Number of beneficiaries) 375000 2100 1304

6. Medical grants for war wounded freedom fighters: (Allocation in thousand Tk.) Allocation Target Achievement (FY 2016-17) (Number) (Number of beneficiaries) 25000 350 296

7. Ration facilities for war wounded and martyrs’ family: (Allocation in thousand Tk.) Allocation Target Achievement (FY 2016-17) (Number) (Number of beneficiaries) 325000 5500 3914

8. Bangabandhu student stipend: (Allocation in thousand Tk.) Allocation Target Achievement (FY 2016-17) (Number) (Number of beneficiaries) 69000 2350 1720 89 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility To update Data base Continuous Ministry of Continue database of updated Liberation Cabinet Freedom beneficiaries War Affairs Division,

1. Fighters’ To maintain The transfer value Continuous (MoLWA) MoPA, MoSW Benefit benefit value in increased with & Finance Programme terms of growth GDP growth Division in GDP ratio Prepare list of List sent to August 2017 MoLWA GED, LGED & programmes to Cabinet Division PWD be continued Make list of List sent to August 2017 MoLWA GED, LGED & programmes to Cabinet Division PWD Consolidate be scaled up 2. smaller programmes Make list of List sent to August 2017 MoLWA GED, LGED, programmes to Cabinet Division PWD & IMED be phased out Review the Review prepared December MoLWA Cabinet consolidation 2017 Division proposals Update manual Circular issued December MoLWA Cabinet for selection 2017 Division procedures and & Finance disseminate it to Division people Improve Publish list of Instruction given Continuous MoLWA PMO (a2i) & 3. targeting of beneficiaries to field offices Bangladesh beneficiaries online to make it Computer transparent Council (BCC) Follow the BBS Instruction given June 2018 MoLWA Statistics and database when Information prepared Division (SID) Make Instruction issued Continuous MoLWA Cabinet arrangement Division, MoPA for recording & MoSW complaints at Grievance field level

4. Redress System Create public Public meetings By July 2018 MoLWA Cabinet awareness about held in all Division, MoPA facility of central upazilas & MoSW GRS of Cabinet Division 90 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Create online MIS digitized for January MoLWA Cabinet based MIS for all all programmes 2018 Division programmes Make the MIS Inter July 2018 MoLWA Cabinet accessible Departmental Division Develop by relevant arrangement

5. Single departments established Registry MIS Link MIS MIS linked December MoLWA Cabinet with cash with financial 2018 Division disbursement management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different Pilot completed December MoLWA Financial modalities of G2P 2017 Institutions Division (FID), Finance Digitization of Division & PMO 6. cash transfer (a2i) Roll out G2P rolled out for December MoLWA appropriate all programmes 2018 format of G2P Digitize Dashboard July 2018 MoLWA PMO (a2i) monitoring of established Enhance programmes 7. results based Conduct mid- Programmes Continuous MoLWA IMED M&E term and end- evaluated term evaluation regularly of programmes Key Actions • Continue Freedom Fighters’ Benefit Programme by updating beneficiary database. • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 91

21. Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Background The Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts has been established in 1998 to expedite the socio-economic development of the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Region. Vision The vision of the Ministry is to create a peaceful and prosperous Chittagong Hill Tracts. Mission The Ministry has a mission to ensure socio-economic, political and educational rights of the CHT people by implementing social welfare programmes. Challenge The NSSS challenge for the ministry is to overcome the existing food poverty of the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts region. Objectives The NSSS objective for the ministry is to ensure food security for the people of CHT. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Food Security for Most people of ethnic communities The Ministry of CHT Affairs Food transfer CHT people in the CHT face food insecurity has a number of food programmes need during the year. transfer programmes for to be converted The prevalence of absolute poor the people of the CHT. to cash transfer and hard-core poor among people There are some places programmes of ethnic communities is 65 per where food transfer is the where applicable. cent and 44 per cent respectively. best solution to tackle Beneficiary Households of ethnic communities food poverty. However, coverage is to be living below the lower and the the NSSS emphasizes increased. upper poverty line are 78 per that cash transfer is to be cent and 89 per cent respectively. preferred, where possible. Therefore, the NSSS proposes to In consideration of take up programmes to ensure food development in ITC, there security for the ethnic communities is possibility of introducing of CHT. cash transfer programmes. [Para 2.3.2 of NSSS] Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Strengthen Increase coverage Increase of Continuous Ministry of Ministry of food security programmes for 5 years CHT Affairs Food 1. programmes in by 10% CHT annually 92 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Gradually shift to cash A plan for January transfer programmes shifting 2018 as per discussion with prepared stakeholders The plan July 2018 implemented Prepare list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be GED CHT Affairs continued Make list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry of GED Consolidate programmes to be GED CHT Affairs

2. Smaller scaled up Programmes Make list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be GED CHT Affairs phased out Review the Review December Ministry of Cabinet consolidation proposals prepared 2017 CHT Affairs Division Update manual for Circular December Ministry of selection procedures issued 2017 CHT Affairs and disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous Ministry of 3. targeting of beneficiaries online to given to field CHT Affairs beneficiaries make it transparent offices Follow the BBS Instruction January Ministry of database when given 2018 CHT Affairs prepared Make arrangement for Instruction Continuous Ministry of recording complaints at issued CHT Affairs Grievance field level 4. Redress System Create public awareness Public By July Ministry of about facility of central meetings held 2018 CHT Affairs GRS of Cabinet Division in all upazilas Create online based MIS MIS digitized January Ministry of for all programmes for all 2018 CHT Affairs programmes Make the MIS Inter July 2018 Ministry of accessible by relevant Departmental CHT Affairs departments arrangement established Develop Single Link MIS with cash MIS linked December Ministry of 5. Registry MIS disbursement with financial 2018 CHT Affairs management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) where applicable 93 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Pilot different Pilot December Ministry of modalities of G2P completed 2017 CHT Affairs Digitization of Roll out appropriate G2P rolled December Ministry of 6. format of G2P out for all 2018 CHT Affairs cash transfer programmes where applicable Digitize monitoring of Dashboard July 2018 Ministry of programmes established CHT Affairs Enhance results

7. Conduct mid-term and Programmes Continuous Ministry of based M&E end-term evaluation of evaluated CHT Affairs programmes regularly Key Actions • Strengthen food security programmes in CHT. • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 94

22. Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Background Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is one of the very important ministries from the food and nutrition security aspect of social security. This ministry has different programmes for human development and livelihood interventions. Vision The vision of the Ministry is to ensure good quality of sufficient animal protein for all. Mission The Ministry has a mission to meet the demand of animal protein by increasing fish and animal products and value addition. Challenge The NSSS challenge for this Ministry is to reach out to the fishermen community, suffering from food insecurity arising out of unemployment, during lean seasons. Objective The NSSS objective for the Ministry is to provide social security to the fishermen during their seasonal unemployment. The food security programmes taken by this ministry need to be converted to cash transfer, where possible. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Food Security for Seasonal unemployment The Ministry of Fisheries and Proper fishermen is faced by fishermen Livestock has been creating a coordination communities, due to database of all bona fide fishermen. is required seasonal variation in the An estimated 2 million fishermen will between Ministry availability of fish, bad be brought under registration. The of Fisheries weather, and a 2-month Ministry of Disaster Management and Livestock ban on the catch of young and Relief implements the VGF and MoDMR hilsha fish. During this programme for fishermen out of for organizing period, they need special work. The registration process would programmes food security programmes. facilitate identification of bona fide for the poor [Para 2.4.1 of NSSS] poor fishermen. fishermen. Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Ensure registration ID card June 2017 Ministry of Ministry of all fishermen for distribution Fisheries and of Disaster their identification completed Livestock Management Strengthen food and Relief 1. security for the fishermen Coordinate with VGF distributed Continuous MoDMR to operate to only ID card VGF for fishermen holders (based on demand) 95 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Prepare list of List sent to GED July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be Fisheries and continued Livestock Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be Fisheries and Consolidate scaled up Livestock

2. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be Fisheries and phased out Livestock Review the Review December Ministry of Cabinet consolidation prepared 2017 Fisheries and Division proposals Livestock Update manual Circular issued December Ministry of for selection 2017 Fisheries and procedures and Livestock disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous Ministry of 3. targeting of beneficiaries given to field Fisheries and beneficiaries online to make it offices Livestock transparent Follow the BBS Instruction January Ministry of database when given 2018 Fisheries and prepared Livestock Make arrangement Instruction Continuous Ministry of for recording issued Fisheries and complaints at field Livestock level Grievance

4. Create public Public meetings By July Ministry of Redress System awareness about held in all 2018 Fisheries and facility of central upazilas Livestock GRS of Cabinet Division Create online MIS digitized for January Ministry of based MIS for all all programmes 2018 Fisheries and programmes Livestock Make the MIS Inter July 2018 Ministry of accessible Departmental Fisheries and by relevant arrangement Livestock Develop Single 5. departments established Registry MIS Link MIS with cash MIS linked December Ministry of disbursement with financial 2018 Fisheries and management Livestock database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) 96 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Pilot different Pilot completed December Ministry of modalities of G2P 2017 Fisheries and Digitization of Livestock 6. cash transfer Roll out appropriate G2P rolled December Ministry of format of G2P out for all 2018 Fisheries and programmes Livestock Digitize monitoring Dashboard July 2018 Ministry of of programmes established Fisheries and Livestock Enhance results

7. Conduct mid-term Programmes Continuous Ministry of based M&E and end-term evaluated Fisheries and evaluation of regularly Livestock programmes Key Actions • Strengthen food security programmes for the fishermen. • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 97

23. Ministry of Land Background The Ministry of Land is mainly responsible for administration of land related matters. It has a limited range of social security programmes, specially related to provision of land. Vision The vision of the Ministry is to create an efficient, transparent and people friendly land management system. Mission The Ministry has a mission to ensure the best possible use of land and provide pro-people land services through efficient, modern and sustainable land management. Challenge There are many people in the country who are socially excluded due to landlessness. Their marginalization may be overcome by providing them land. Objective The NSSS objective for the ministry is to tackle marginalization of landless people. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Allotment of land to The NSSS identifies landlessness as The Ministry of Land has The programmes landless people one of the causes of marginalization. some programmes for need to be Such type of marginalization should landless people, such as further scaled up be addressed properly by providing the Guccha Gram (CVRP) land to the landless. Project, Char Development [2.3.2 of NSSS] and Settlement Project, etc. Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Scale up Increase coverage Coverage Continuous Ministry of programmes of the programmes increased Land 1. for the landless people Prepare list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be GED Land Consolidate continued

2. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be GED Land scaled up 98 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Make list of List sent to July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be GED Land Consolidate phased out

2. Smaller Programmes Review the Review December Ministry of Cabinet Division consolidation prepared 2017 Land proposals Update manual Circular issued December Ministry of for selection 2017 Land procedures and disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous Ministry of 3. targeting of beneficiaries given to field Land beneficiaries online to make it offices transparent Follow the BBS Instruction January Ministry of database when given 2018 Land prepared Make arrangement Instruction Continuous Ministry of for recording issued Land complaints at field Grievance level

4. Redress Create public Public By July 2018 Ministry of System awareness about meetings held Land facility of central in all upazilas GRS of Cabinet Division Create online MIS digitized January Ministry of based MIS for all for all 2018 Land programmes programmes Make the MIS Inter July 2018 Ministry of accessible Departmental Land by relevant arrangement Develop departments established

5. Single Registry MIS Link MIS with cash MIS linked December Ministry of disbursement with financial 2018 Land management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different Pilot December Ministry of modalities of G2P completed 2017 Land Digitization of 6. cash transfer Roll out appropriate G2P rolled December Ministry of format of G2P out for all 2018 Land programmes 99 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Digitize monitoring Dashboard July 2018 Ministry of of programmes established Land Enhance 7. results based Conduct mid-term Programmes Continuous Ministry of M&E and end-term evaluated Land evaluation of regularly programmes Key Actions • Scale up programmes for the landless. • Government to Person (G2P) Payments System or Digital Payment system will be rolled out for all cash transfer programme. 100

24. Ministry of Agriculture Background The role of agriculture is important in improving the well-being of a vast population of Bangladesh through enhancing productivity, profitability and employment generation in the rural areas. Agriculture is directly related to ensuring food and nutritional security, income generating opportunities, and reducing poverty reduction. Hence, improvement of the agricultural sector and acceleration of its growth is essential to reduce both rural and urban poverty and vulnerabilities. Vision The vision of the Ministry is to ensure sustainable, safe and profitable crop production. Mission The Ministry has a mission to ensure food security by increasing productivity and production of the crop sector, improving marketing system, as well as diversification of crops and production of more nutritious crops. Challenges • Rapid decrease of agricultural land; • Population growth; • Climate change and variability; • Rapid urbanization; • Agricultural research and education; • Introduction of new technology; • Dissemination of technology; • Alternate livelihoods/rehabilitation (off-farm and non-farm); • Inadequate value addition/food processing. Objective The NSSS objective for the Ministry is to support enhanced food security and nutrition intake, especially in terms of availability of food, growth in production, and promote agricultural employment for people. Situation Analysis Programme NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Name Food The NSSS suggests that food security The Ministry of Agricultural growth needs availability (food availability, access and utilization) Agriculture implements to be maintained for and is one of the most vital thematic different projects and sustainable availability of nutrition clusters for social security programmes. programmes for the food. (Crop [Para 6.3.1 and Figure 6.1 of NSSS] growth of agricultural agriculture) production. Labour and A large part of the work force The Ministry of Further expansion of livelihoods of Bangladesh is engaged in the Agriculture has projects agricultural livelihoods agriculture sector. Still there is and programmes that are is needed, whilst scope for expansion of agricultural creating informal jobs for recognizing that increased livelihoods, especially in non-food people in the agricultural labour productivity in the agriculture. sector. agricultural sector is a [Para 6.3.1 and Figure 6.1 of NSSS] principal requirement. 101 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Prepare list of List sent to GED July 2017 Ministry of GED programmes to be Agriculture continued (MoA) Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 MoA GED programmes to be Consolidate scaled up

1. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to GED July 2017 MoA GED programmes to be phased out Review the Review December MoA GED, Cabinet consolidation prepared 2017 Division proposals Update manual Circular issued January MoA for selection 2018 procedures and disseminate it to people Improve Publish list of Instruction Continuous MoA 2. targeting of beneficiaries given to field beneficiaries online to make it offices transparent Follow the BBS Instruction February MoA BBS database when given 2018 prepared Make arrangement Instruction Continuous MoA, Line for recording issued agencies complaints at field level Grievance

3. Create public Public Meetings September MoA, Line Redress System awareness about held in all 2018 agencies facility of central upazilas GRS of Cabinet Division Create online MIS digitized for March 2018 MoA Based MIS for all all programmes programmes Make the MIS Inter July 2018 MoA accessible Departmental by relevant arrangement Develop Single 4. departments established Registry MIS Link MIS with cash MIS linked December MoA disbursement with financial 2018 management database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) 102 No Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Pilot different Pilot completed December MoA modalities of G2P 2018 Digitization of

5. Roll out G2P rolled December MoA cash transfer appropriate format out for all 2018 of G2P programmes Digitize monitoring Dashboard July 2018 MoA IMED, Finance of programmes established Division Enhance results

6. Conduct mid-term Programmes Continuous MoA IMED, Finance based M&E evaluation of evaluated Division programmes regularly Key Actions • Strengthen and consolidate programmes for assisting food availability and nutrition. 103

25. Other Line Ministries/Divisions/Offices It is worth mentioning that the ministries/divisions which have major social security programmes or have important stakes in NSSS reform have been incorporated in this action plan. However, it is also obvious that some other line ministries have their involvement in implementation of social security programmes. Such ministries are

1. Ministry of Cultural Affairs

2. Ministry of Industries

3. Ministry of Water Resources

4. Prime Minister’s Office

5. Ministry of Housing and Public Works

6. Ministry of Environment and Forests The above ministries/divisions/offices may also submit their business cases to continue or scale up their smaller programmes. For such ministries/divisions/offices, the common action plan template will be as follows: No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Prepare list of List sent to July 2017 Concerned GED programmes to be GED Ministry/ continued Division Make list of List sent to July 2017 Concerned GED programmes to be GED Ministry/ Consolidate scaled up Division

1. Smaller Programmes Make list of List sent to July 2017 Concerned GED programmes to be GED Ministry/ phased out Division Review the Review December Concerned Cabinet consolidation prepared 2017 Ministry/ Division proposals Division In addition, it is also recommended that these ministries will also make action plan for reforming institutional arrangement as well as improvement in delivery mechanism, such as digitization of payment (if any), GRS, MIS, M&E. They may follow the format used by other ministries as follows: No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Improve Update manual for selection Circular December Concerned 1. targeting of procedures and disseminate issued 2017 Ministry/ beneficiaries it to people Division 104 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Publish list of beneficiaries Instruction Continuous Concerned online to make it given to field Ministry/ transparent offices Division Follow the BBS database Instruction January Concerned when prepared given 2018 Ministry/ Division Make arrangement for Instruction Continuous Concerned recording complaints at issued Ministry/ Grievance field level Division

2. Redress Create public awareness Public By July Concerned System about facility of central GRS meetings 2018 Ministry/ of Cabinet Division held in all Division upazilas Create online based MIS for MIS digitized January Concerned all programmes for all 2018 Ministry/ programmes Division Make the MIS accessible by Inter July 2018 Concerned relevant departments Departmental Ministry/ arrangement Division Develop established

3. Single Registry MIS Link MIS with cash MIS linked December Concerned disbursement with financial 2018 Ministry/ management Division database of Finance Division (SPBMU MIS) Pilot different modalities of Pilot December Concerned G2P completed 2017 Ministry/ Digitization Division 4. of cash transfer Roll out appropriate format G2P rolled December Concerned of G2P out for all 2018 Ministry/ programmes Division Digitize monitoring of Dashboard July 2018 Concerned programmes established Ministry/ Enhance Division 5. results based M&E Conduct mid-term and Programmes Continue Concerned end-term evaluation of evaluated Ministry/ programmes regularly Division 105

26. Cabinet Division Background The Cabinet Division is the apex body of the Government, responsible for cabinet affairs of the government, also having overall responsibility of coordinating functions of the Government across ministries and having overseeing functions of the field administration. As the coordinating authority, the Division has been working to enhance good governance in the country by various instruments like Government Performance Management System, Grievance Redress System, National Integrity Strategy, etc. One of the important responsibilities of the Division is to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the social security system of the country. The Division coordinated the process of formulating the National Integrity Strategy for implementation, for which it has been given major responsibilities. Vision The vision of the Cabinet Division is to enhance overall good governance in the country. Mission The NSSS mission of the Division is to coordinate and oversee, and monitor the implementation of a consolidated and efficient social security system. Challenges The main challenge for the Cabinet Division is to establish coordination among line ministries to establish an inclusive social security system by consolidating the fragmented and discordant SS schemes along a lifecycle framework. Objective The major objective of the Cabinet Division is to mobilize the Central Management Committee (CMC) on Social Security Programmes to streamline the social security system of the country. Facilitating the establishment of a modern and efficient delivery mechanism of social benefits to the appropriate targeted people is another charge of the Division. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Strengthening The CMC would ensure coordination and The CMC has already More frequent the Central supervision of programmes till 2025. been re-constituted, meetings of the Management Thereafter, the Ministry of Social Welfare incorporating CMC will be Committee (CMC) will take over the major responsibility of the additional necessary. on Social Security life cycle programmes. The CMC will still responsibilities as Programmes continue coordination of different issues stipulated in the NSSS. between ministries. The ToR and formation of the CMC needs to be reviewed in accordance with additional responsibilities assigned to it in the NSSS. [Figure 6.1, 6.3.1 of NSSS] 106 Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Establishing and The NSSS recommends that a thematic The thematic clusters Institutional operationalizing approach to social security will be have been formed by framework for the thematic introduced. There will be five thematic the Cabinet Division regular follow-up programme clusters of ministries to coordinate similar by gazette notification. of the activities clusters of categories of social security. The five The clusters are of the clusters ministries clusters are a) social allowance, b) food convening meetings needs to be put security and disaster assistance, c) social to coordinate different in place. insurance, d) labour/ livelihood intervention issues. and e) human development and social empowerment. [Figure 6.1, 6.3.1 of NSSS] Coordination In line with current practice, the Divisional There are committees District and of the Field Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and at district and upazila Upazila Committees on Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) will play a levels. These need to committees need social security vital role in coordinating social security be updated in view of to be revised. programmes at field level. The Cabinet the changing scenario Division, being the controlling authority of of NSSS. these offices, is to provide guidance and monitor activities of these offices. [Figure 6.1, 6.3.1 of NSSS] Single Registry The GED will review the MIS of different The GED is working on A framework of MIS ministries and formulate an appropriate it. The Cabinet Division Single Registry structure of Single Registry MIS. The Cabinet will coordinate and MIS needs to be Division will examine the proposal and take facilitate the process prepared. measures to operationalize it. Before the of formulating the integrated system can be developed, the line framework of Single ministries will continue digitizing their MIS Registry MIS. according to their needs. [Figure 6.1, 6.3.1 of NSSS] Consolidation The line ministries will send their business The Cabinet Division The Cabinet of smaller cases for continuing their small-scale will take action upon Division needs programmes programmes, or send proposals for receiving proposals to assist the consolidation or phasing them out. The from GED. GED in obtaining GED will examine these proposals and send proposals from them to the Cabinet Division for decision. line ministries. The Cabinet Division will examine the consolidation proposals and give decision. Strengthen The ministries will have their own grievance The Cabinet Division The second Grievance Redress mechanisms for addressing grievances has a centralized online version of System (GRS) in targeting and delivery of benefits. The system of grievance GRS software Cabinet Division will strengthen the central redress mechanism. needs to be and integrated system of grievance redress. The system has to developed and [Figure 6.1, 6.3.1 of NSSS] be updated. Towards commissioned. that end, a situation analysis has already been conducted by the Cabinet Division with support from the SSPS programme. 107 Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps NSSS Action Plan The Cabinet Division will be the approving The process of The action plan formulation authority of social security policy and formulating the needs to be reforms related to the action plan has been finalized. social security system. With technical undertaken by the support from GED, the Cabinet Division will Cabinet Division be responsible for the development of the and Ministries comprehensive Action/ Implementation Plan have prepared and of NSSS based on the plans submitted by the submitted their action individual and lead ministries. plans. [Figure 6.1, 6.3.1 of NSSS] Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Organize regular At least two Continuous Cabinet GED meetings of the meetings Division CMC organized per year Follow up the A matrix May 2017 Cabinet implementation developed Division progress of the Progress Continuous Cabinet CMC decisions reviewed in Division Strengthening every meeting the coordination 1. of social security Reform District District social July 2017 Cabinet programme and Upazila security Division implementation Committees, and committee form Divisional revised Committees Upazila social July 2017 Cabinet security Division committee revised Divisional July 2017 Cabinet committee Division formed Place master The MIS June 2020 Cabinet GED/Finance plan of GED on implemented Division Division Single Registry

2. Single Registry MIS MIS to CMC and implement Collect proposals Proposals July 2017 GED All line from line received ministries Consolidation ministries 3. of small scale programmes Implement the Programmes June 2019 Cabinet All line consolidation as consolidated Division ministries approved by CMC 108 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Develop second Software June 2018 Cabinet A2i Strengthen 4. version of GRS commissioned Division GRS software To review M&E M&E report Continuous Cabinet GED Monitoring and report of GED and reviewed Division 5. Evaluation place it for CMC for decision Complete the The Action Plan June 2017 Cabinet GED

6. NSSS Action Plan NSSS Action Plan completed Division Key Actions • Strengthening the coordination of social security programme implementation • Review the master plan of GED for single registry MIS and M&E and obtain CMC approval • Collect proposals for consolidation of smaller programmes get them approved by CMC • Develop a second generation of GRS with compatibility for handling social security related grievances 109

27. General Economics Division Background General Economics Division (GED) is the prime policy-planning organ of the Government of Bangladesh. It is charged with preparing the country’s long-term and medium-term development plans and strategies. Being one of the six Divisions of the Bangladesh Planning Commission, it provides secretarial assistance to the Planning Commission as well as to the NEC (National Economic Council) and the ECNEC (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council) in all matters concerning plan preparation and economic policy/strategy formulation. GED has led the NSSS preparation process and set the road map of establishing a strong social security system in Bangladesh. Vision The vision of GED is “Making growth work for the poor”. Mission The NSSS mission of GED is to reform the social security system of the country in consistence with national goals of higher growth and elimination of poverty. Challenges The main challenge for GED is to ensure that the major policies of the Government are consistent with the NSSS. It is also imperative to ensure that a single registry MIS is in place in time so that the M&E framework can operate properly to facilitate NSSS implementation. Objective The NSSS assigns GED with the following major tasks: Devising a results-based M&E system for social security programmes, catalysing the establishment of a single registry MIS, facilitating the consolidation of small schemes, reviewing the current selection processes of recipients of social security schemes, and carrying out social security planning functions. GED aims at accomplishing all the tasks in time maintaining policy coherence with the Government’s existing plans and strategies, including the Perspective Plan and the Five-Year Plan. Also, GED will ensure cohesion among the above-mentioned initiatives so that they work as a whole like a system under the broader Social Development Framework. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Devising and Prepare a results framework The GED is in the process of The Results instituting a results- using a matrix of specific formulating a result based M&E Based M&E based M&E System indicators and evaluate the framework for social security Framework entire NSSS in a holistic programmes. When the framework is to be approach. The GED will also will be prepared, it will be used prepared. A be responsible for Overall to prepare annual reports on the taskforce to coordination of the M&E performance of the social security recommend framework; preparation programmes. on the SSP of annual reports on the The proposed taskforce will be indicators performance (based on the formed soon and will decide on the for new M&E framework) of the NSSS for indicators to be used for designing/ programmes the CMC; and dissemination of assessing new programmes. is to be the evaluation results. GED will formed. submit reports to the CMC and GED will take necessary actions. the concerned Parliamentary Standing 110 Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Committee on the types of actions taken to respond to the findings of the evaluation reports. A task force comprising GED, IMED, SID and Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance will prepare process and procedure for performance based monitoring of SSPs and recommend indicators that can be used for designing any new programmes and also performance based budgeting. [Figure 6.1, Para 6.3.1 of NSSS] Single Registry Commission a review of MISs Preliminary survey of the existing A common Management across all of Bangladesh’s social MIS has been done. Format of the framework of Information security schemes. The review MIS is to be proposed to CMC. MIS is to be System (MIS) will consider how best to developed. establish a Single Registry, along with costs of implementation. [Figure 6.1, Para 6.4 of NSSS] Consolidation Review the business cases The line ministries are already The of small scale prepared by the line ministries sensitized about the issue. The line programme programmes on the programmes to continue ministries will send their proposals consolidation and recommend to the Cabinet of programme consolidation to proposals Division as to what programmes the GED. The GED will evaluate are to be are to be retained. the proposals and prepare prepared. [Para 6.3.1 of NSSS] recommendations to the CMC. Reviewing the GED will lead (with support from GED needs to initiate actions to this Analytical current selection a cross-governmental advisory end. reports processes of board) a study to review the needed recipients of social current selection processes, security schemes aligned to the eligibility criteria to be used for each scheme and make recommendations for introducing high quality selection processes. [Para 6.6 of NSSS] Policy reviews The GED will monitor and Already the GED has ensured that Periodic evaluate NSSS implementation the NSSS and the 7th Five-Year Plan review of the and oversee coordination and are consistent with each other. consistency consistency of social security GED is also conscious to make the of national policies/ strategies with the upcoming policies, programmes etc. policies and NSSS and medium and long term coherent with the NSSS. The GED is programmes National Plans and strategies. also working actively to make the with the NSSS [Para 6.6 of NSSS] SDG implementation plan compliant is required. with the NSSS spirit. However, periodic review will be necessary to evaluate how the national policies are in line with the NSSS. 111 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Formulate M&E Gazette issued July 2017 taskforce with GED, Finance Division, IMED, (BBS), Registrar General for Birth and Death Registration (ORG) Devising and Finance Formulate a M&E format December instituting a Division, 1. results-based prepared 2017 GED results-based IMED, Cabinet framework M&E system Division for M&E of social security programmes. Compile annual Annual reports January reports on published 2019 performance of onward social security programmes. Conduct a situation Study report July 2018 study on the prepared MIS of different programmes Recommend Prepare a master Master plan July 2019 Cabinet

2. Single Registry GED plan of Single prepared Division MIS Registry MIS in coordination with the Cabinet Division Prepare a sample Sample business May 2017 GED All line business case case prepared ministries Send memo Memo sent June 2017 GED All line to concerned ministries ministries/divisions Prepare requesting reports on proposals for 3. consolidation continuation of of small scale small programmes programmes Collect proposals Proposals received July 2017 GED All line from line ministries ministries Review the Consolidation January GED Cabinet proposals and report prepared 2018 Division prepare a report and sent to on consolidation Cabinet Division 112 No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Cross- Notification issued July 2017 GED Cabinet governmental Division advisory board formed Conduct study Study carried out December GED Cabinet Review the to review the 2017 Division current current selection selection processes, aligned 4. processes of to the eligibility recipients of criteria to be used social security for each scheme schemes Making Recommendations July 2018 GED Cabinet recommendations made. Division for introducing high quality selection processes. Monitor the The relevant January GED consistency of circulars or 2018 social security programme policies and documents programmes with reviewed Review the the NSSS consistency of

5. Sensitize all Office July 2017 GED Line national policies ministries to make memorandum ministries with NSSS their major policies issued coherent with the NSSS Conduct periodic A study report is July 2019 GED reviews of policies published Key Actions • Prepare master plan for single registry MIS and M&E • Conduct study to review the current selection processes, aligned to the eligibility criteria to be used for each scheme • Collect proposals for consolidation of smaller programmes get them approved by CMC • Prepare reports on consolidation of small scale programmes 113

28. Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) Background The IMED is a division of the Ministry of Planning. It plays a supportive role in socio-economic development of the country through monitoring implementation and evaluation of development projects to ensure proper utilization of capital investment. Vision The vision of IMED is successful ADP Implementation towards sustainable development. Mission IMED has a mission to support the attainment of socio-economic development of the country through effective implementation monitoring, qualitative evaluation of development projects, and ensuring robust public procurement Challenge The NSSS challenge for the IMED is to ensure monitoring and evaluation of the social security programmes. Objectives The NSSS objective for the IMED is to monitor and evaluate implementation of the social security programmes, following the M&E framework to be developed by the GED. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Performance monitoring The NSSS stipulates The IMED usually Formulate process of social security that the IMED will monitors and evaluates and procedure for programmes be responsible for the development M&E of social security programme performance programmes. However, programmes. monitoring (both most of the social security physical and financial) programmes are financed independently and will from the revenue report to the CMC of the budget. Therefore, it Cabinet Division. may be considered extra A task force comprising work for the IMED to of IMED, Finance Division conduct monitoring and and GED is to prepare evaluation of revenue process and procedure budgeted social security for performance based programmes. monitoring of social security programmes and recommend indicators. [Figure 6.1, Para 6.3.1 of NSSS] 114 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Coordinate M&E December GED IMED, Finance with GED to framework 2017 Division formulate developed M&E framework Monitor the Social July 2018 IMED CMC of Performance implementation security onward Cabinet monitoring of progress of programmes Division, GED 1. social security social security monitored programmes programmes Evaluate Social Annually IMED CMC of impacts of security Cabinet social security programme Division, GED programmes impact and report to evaluated GED Key Actions • Formulate a M&E framework and evaluate impacts of social security programmes 115

29. Statistics and Informatics Division (SID) Background Statistics and Informatics Division is responsible for producing official statistics to help decision making and development progress. The Division conducts population censuses and surveys on agriculture, economic affairs and other matters including socio-economic affairs, demography and environment. Vision The vision of the Division is to generate dependable statistics for the development of the country. Mission To achieve the vision, the Division has the mission to collect, process, analyse, and publish statistical information for the development of the country and welfare of the people. Challenges For social security programmes, there is no single registry database that can be accessed by all the social security implementing authorities. Such a database is necessary to avoid undue duplication in beneficiary coverage. Further, the shift from current discretionary to a targeted universal approach to avoid leakages and under-coverage envisaged in the NSSS requires a social registry from where eligible beneficiaries can be sourced. Objectives The NSSS objective for the Division is to develop, maintain and update the social security beneficiary database through creating a single registry MIS. SID is also creating a Bangladesh Household Database from which eligible social security beneficiaries can be sourced. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Single Registry MIS The NSSS indicates that The SID is already working The Household and Bangladesh the SID, through BBS, will to create database for Database has to be Household Database develop, maintain and update beneficiaries of social completed soon. a beneficiary database. It will security programmes. It The Single Registry commission a review of MISs is also in the process of MIS is to be across all social security schemes conducting a household designed. and based on the finding survey for the Bangladesh establish a Single Registry on a Household Database by pilot basis within SID. Based on using proxy means test. the results of the pilot it will be This database will be rolled out nationwide. instrumental in sourcing [Figure 6.1, Para 6.3.1 of NSSS] people eligible for various kinds of social security benefits. 116 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Create the Database July 2018 SID Create the database with created Bangladesh

1. GIS and socio- Household economic condition Database of people Coordinate with Study July 2018 SID CMC of GED for conducting completed Cabinet a study on ideal Division, GED Single framework of 2. Registry MIS single registry MIS Run a pilot of Pilot MIS run December SID CMC of Single Registry MIS 2018 Cabinet at SID Division, GED Key Actions • Conduct Bangladesh household survey for creating a single registry of beneficiaries. • Develop an ideal framework of single registry based MIS 117 118 Part-C Action Plan of Thematic Clusters

30. Thematic Clusters One of the features of the NSSS is that it proposes creating several thematic clusters of ministries based on the basis of similarity in nature of service delivery of their social security programmes for smooth coordination and implementation of SSPs. In accordance with the directions of the NSSS and in pursuance of the decisions of the meetings of the Central Management Committee on Social Safety Nets held on 18 October 2015 and 5 May 2016, the following five thematic clusters have been formed. The thematic programme clusters comprise of relevant ministries/divisions having similar kinds of social security programmes in order to streamline the management of SS programmes. Some of the ministries have been incorporated in multiple clusters as their SS programmes are diversified. Cluster Thematic Coordinating Sl No Programme Implementing Ministry/Division Ministries / Clusters Divisions

1. Ministry of Social Welfare 2. Ministry of Women and Children Affairs 3. Ministry of Cultural Affairs

4. Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Ministry Social 1. 5. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Social allowance

6. Local Government Division Welfare 7. Ministry of Labour and Employment 8. Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs

1. Ministry of Food 2. Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief 3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 4. Ministry of Agriculture Food Security

5. Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Ministry of 2. and Disaster

6. Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Food Assistance 7. Finance Division 8. Ministry of Social Welfare 9. Ministry of Commerce

1. Financial Institutions Division 2. Finance Division Financial Social 3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

3. Institutions insurance 4. Ministry of Labour and Employment Division 5. Ministry of Social Welfare

1. Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief 2. Local Government Division 3. Rural Development and Cooperatives Division

4. Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Ministry Labour/

5. Ministry of Social Welfare of Disaster 4. livelihood

6. Finance Division Management Intervention

7. Ministry of Labour and Employment and Relief 8. Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock

9. Ministry of Agriculture 121 Cluster Thematic Coordinating Sl No Programme Implementing Ministry/Division Ministries / Clusters Divisions

1. Ministry of Primary and Mass Education 2. Prime Minister’s Office 3. Ministry of Land 4. Ministry of Education 5. Ministry of Social Welfare Human Ministry

6. Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment development of Primary 5. 7. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and social and Mass 8. Ministry of Labour and Employment empowerment Education 9. Ministry of Industry 10. Ministry of Women and Children Affairs 11. Information and Communication Technology Division

12. Ministry of Youth and Sports Terms of Reference of Thematic Clusters The terms of reference of the thematic clusters are as follows: • To reform, consolidate and integrate social security programmes in the light of the NSSS and to coordinate the action plans of ministries within each thematic cluster; • To coordinate NSSS action plans of the Ministries/Divisions within the cluster and to submit the integrated action plans to Central Management Committee; • To coordinate with the Finance Division for securing necessary budgetary allocations for implementation of action plans; • To identify rules and regulations relating to the social security programmes of the cluster to be amended for the sake of implementing the NSSS; • To monitor and evaluate the progress of implementation of the action plans of the Ministries/ Divisions within the clusters; and • To design integrative plans for different programme to ensure correct targeting and their effective implementation. Coordination of Thematic Clusters The programmes falling under different thematic clusters have been described in the following sections. The cluster lead ministry/division is to coordinate mainly their respective programmes. However, any other programmes having involvement of more than one ministry may be discussed in the relevant clusters. The minutes of the clusters committees should be sent to the CMC. There are some issues which are common for all the clusters, which are cross cutting issues. These issues would be dealt with by all the clusters with focus on the thematic specific portion. Any matter implicating more than one cluster should be placed to the CMC for coordination. The Action Plan of the Thematic Clusters The thematic clusters are expected to work according to their terms of references as described above. They will mainly coordinate and support the implementation of action plans of the line ministries within the respective clusters. The specific activities of the five clusters are detailed out in the following sections. 122 30.1 Social Allowance Cluster One of the most common types of social security is social allowance or social assistance which is non- contributory, tax-financed, regular and predictable cash or in-kind resource transfers to poor and vulnerable individuals or households. Cash and in-kind allowances, school feeding and public works programmes etc. are usually included in this type of programmes. The cluster of social allowance has been formed with the ministries which have under their implementation programmes/projects or activities focusing on transfer of social allowances. Such ministries are as follows. Implementation of social allowance types of programmes closely match with the job responsibility of the Ministry of Social Welfare. Therefore, this ministry is given lead coordination role in the cluster. Social Allowance Cluster Sl Ministries/Divisions

1. Ministry of Social Welfare – Coordinator

2. Ministry of Women and Children Affairs

3. Ministry of Cultural Affairs

4. Ministry of Liberation War Affairs

5. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

6. Local Government Division 7. Ministry of Labour and Employment

8. Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Vision The vision of the cluster is to establish a consolidated and non-duplicative social allowance system within the lifecycle framework. Mission The mission of the cluster is to regularly coordinate with member-ministries to implement social allowance types of programmes in a more efficient and effective way, and to identify probable overlapping and duplication of similar programmes with a view to consolidating them within one umbrella; additionally, overseeing how the lifecycle programmes combined can work as an integrated system. Challenge The main challenge for the cluster is to consolidate similar programmes, and to introduce Child Benefit Scheme. Objective The NSSS objective for the cluster is to ensure social security of the different vulnerable section of population, especially children, vulnerable women, old age and people with disability by means of social allowance. In addition, this cluster will oversee how the various life cycle programmes can work as an integrated system, allowing vulnerable people access to benefits across the lifecycle. The cluster will have a dialogue with other clusters, for instance Human Development on referring social allowance recipients to skills training and Labour/Livelihoods for subsequent employment. 123 Situation Analysis The mandate of this cluster is to coordinate implementation different programmes especially the following: Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Child Benefit The NSSS provides that The Ministry of Women and During designing and Programme the government will Children Affairs is assigned implementation of the introduce Child Benefit with the responsibility of programme, there will Programme for children implementing the programme. be need for coordination from 0 to 4 years old. among different ministries. The cluster has to perform that coordination. Old Age Allowance The coverage of Old The ministry of Social Gradual expansion of Age Allowance will Welfare is taking measures coverage is necessary. be increased and the for necessary expansion. Smooth coordination is threshold age will be Beneficiaries of vulnerable required among different lowered to 60+. women and disability will be programmes. merged within this programme upon exceeding age threshold. Social security This programme is to be The Ministry of Social Welfare A detailed for people with scaled up. has programmes for people implementation plan for disabilities with disabilities. Around 4-5 the Child Dependency lakh new beneficiaries need to Benefit and the Working be added. Age Disability Benefit is required. Social security Programmes to Some ministries have social Each of the line ministries system for the urban be expanded with allowance programme for the will consider covering poor formulation of strategic rural poor. These will have urban poor. Strategic planning. to be replicated to the urban planning is necessary. area. The Local Government Division is assigned to take special planning in this regard. Transition of The beneficiaries of The beneficiaries of widow A smooth transition plan beneficiaries some programmes will allowance and disability is to be devised. to different be shifted to relevant allowance will be transitioned programmes programmes upon to old age allowance when attaining certain criteria/ they exceed 60 years of age. age limit. Programme Small programmes will be There are many programmes The smaller consolidation consolidated. which are similar. programmes will have to be consolidated in consultation with line ministries within the cluster itself. 124 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Support and Project/ July 2019 Ministry of Finance coordinate with the programme Women and Division Introduce responsible ministry approved Children

1. Child Benefit in designing and Affairs Programme implementing a (MoWCA) project or programme in this regard Coordinate between Plan of July 2018 MoSW and Ministry of Introduce MoWCA and MoSW MoWCA MoWCA Food Vulnerable and MoWCA to reviewed and

2. Women’s consolidate and submitted to Benefit improve programme CMC programme for vulnerable women Support in expanding Number of July 2018 MoSW Finance Scale up Old 3. coverage of Old Age beneficiaries Division Age Allowance Allowance increased Support in updating Programme July 2018 MoSW Finance Scale up policies for disability updated Division, programmes benefits and MoPME and 4. for people coordinate with Old MoE with Age Allowance and disabilities stipend programme Regular Organize bi-monthly Bi-monthly Continuous MoSW 5. consultation meeting meeting with members organized Plan transition Plan prepared Yearly MoSW Cluster Transition of with number of and updated member 6. beneficiaries beneficiaries and cost ministries to other Coordinate transition Coordination Continuous MoSW programme with relevant done regularly ministries 30.2 Food Security and Disaster Response Cluster Food security is achieved when people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. For food security, only production of sufficient food is not sufficient. Rather people should have assured access to the sufficient food supply. Disaster response is concerned not only with food supply to the disaster affected areas but to ensure other supports. The ministries having contribution in ensuring food security have been included in this cluster. The Ministry of Food has been given the lead coordination responsibility in this regard. 125 Food Security and Disaster Response Cluster Sl Ministries/Divisions

1. Ministry of Food - Coordinator

2. Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief 3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

4. Ministry of Agriculture

5. Ministry of Women and Children Affairs

6. Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock

7. Finance Division

8. Ministry of Social Welfare

9. Ministry of Commerce Vision The vision of this cluster is to ensure access to nutritious food for the poor and vulnerable. Mission The mission of the cluster is to ensure food security by supply of food grains or financial supports to the poor and vulnerable including people affected by disaster and price shocks. Challenge The challenge faced by this cluster is to ensure food security by efficient management and consolidation of food based programmes, and promote transition from food based to cash based programmes as envisaged in the NSSS. Objective The main objective of the cluster is to set up an efficient shock responsive social security system that ensures food security and meets other needs of people affected by disasters. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Food security type Consolidate these types of The programmes are Needs to be programmes programmes and transition to dispersed among multiple consolidated. cash transfer. ministries. Vulnerable Women Consolidate into one VWB Current VGD programme is on Needs to be changed Benefit (VWB) programme on a cash basis. food transfer basis. from food transfer to programme cash transfer. Food supply in food It is important to ensure food There are sufficient Food transfer shortage area supply in disaster and drought programmes for food scarcity programme needs affected areas, or areas where areas. to be continued in money supply cannot ensure relevant areas. availability of food. 126 Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Coordination of Food distribution through OMS and disaster relief The consistency should food security OMS and disaster relief programmes of the be regularly reviewed. programmes with will be coordinated with government have great food stock and fair Government’s Food Stock contribution in ensuring food price policy Policy and Fair Price Policy as security. However, these appropriate. programmes need to be well [Para 4.6 of NSSS] coordinated with food stock policy and fair price policy of the government. These programmes appear to be consistent with food stocking policy and fair price policy. Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility

1. Consolidation Coordinate with Programmes July 2019 Ministry Finance Division of food the implementing consolidated of Food, security type ministries to MoDMR programmes consolidate the food security type programmes

2. Vulnerable Change into cash Cash transfer July 2018 MoWCA, Women based transfer, is introduced Ministry of Benefit (VWB) where applicable in most of the Food programme programmes

3. Food supply in Ensure food supply Food supply July 2018 Ministry food shortage in disaster and continued in of Food, area drought affected relevant areas MoDMR areas, or areas where money supply cannot ensure availability of food

4. Food stock Monitor the Food stock Continuous Ministry of MoDMR policy and fair consistency of policy and fair Food, price policy OMS and relief price policy programmes with are consistent food stock policy with food and fair price policy security of the government programmes 127 30.3 Social Insurance Cluster Internationally, social insurance is a prevalent form of social security, but in Bangladesh this system is yet to be introduced broadly. The National Social Security Strategy of Bangladesh puts much emphasis on introducing a suitable framework of social insurance. The Financial Institutions Division is working on developing insurance programmes for different walks of people. Social insurance is usually contributory with participants making regular payments. It is a programme where risks are transferred to and pooled by a government organization. The benefits, eligibility requirements, and other aspects of the programme are defined by statute. Explicit provision is made to account for income and expenses (often through a trust fund). Participation is often compulsory for particular groups. It covers costs related to life-course events, for example, maternity, unemployment, workplace accidents, old age or illness. Sometimes costs are matched or subsidized by the scheme provider. The cluster of social allowance has been formed with the ministries which have mandates in implementation of programmes/projects or activities about social insurance. Both the Finance Division and the Financial Institutions Division are the focal points for implementing social insurance. However, the lead is given to Financial Institutions Division. The formation of this cluster is as follows: Social Insurance Cluster Sl Ministries/Divisions

1. Financial Institutions Division – Coordinator

2. Finance Division

3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

4. Ministry of Labour and Employment 5. Ministry of Social Welfare

6. Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Vision The vision of this cluster is to implement a suitable social insurance system in the country. Mission The mission of the cluster is to conduct studies on social security and design a social insurance system and private pension for the country. Challenge Social insurance is the main stream of social security in the Western countries, but is less common in the third world. Social insurance best fits with formal economy employment. Bangladesh has 86 per cent of all jobs in the informal sector and it poses a big challenge for the cluster to design social insurance systems for people with informal employment. Concerted efforts from stakeholders will be required for introduction of such systems. Objective The objective of the cluster is to develop organizational capacity and formulate necessary legal instruments for introduction of social insurance and social pension. 128 Situation Analysis Programme NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Name The National Initiate study to determine the viability The Financial Institutions Suitable design Social Insurance of a NSIS. Division is going to of NSIS needs to Scheme (NSIS) Introducing Unemployment, Accident, conduct a study on it. be selected. Sickness and Maternity Insurance under NSIS. Private Initiate study to determine the viability of a The Finance Division is Study is to be Voluntary Pension Regulatory Authority. working on it. finalized. Pensions Government This system is to be continued. There is system of Needs to be Service Pension government pension in updated. the country. Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Support and Study July 2019 Financial Finance Division review the study conducted Institution to determine the and NSIS Division National Social viability of a NSIS. implemented

1. Insurance Scheme (NSIS) Recommend suitable option of NSIS and support implementation Support and Private pension July 2019 Finance coordinate authority Division Private 2. the process of established pension establishing Pension Regulatory Authority Government Coordinate and The system July 2019 Finance

3. Service review the existing updated Division Pension system 30.4 Labour/Livelihood Intervention Cluster People often fall prey to poverty and hunger due to their inability to sell their productive labour. Underemployment, lack of economic opportunities and low returns to labour – resulting in insecure livelihoods and low income–are the factors that contribute most to poverty. Therefore, employment is the main route out of poverty for most poor people. However, the poor suffer from many kinds of deprivation that are decisive entry barriers to finding gainful employment: lack of human capital, lack of productive assets, lack of support from social networks and lack of hope and aspirations. Social security can help people in finding work, especially in the lean season. Creating job or assisting people in finding employment is also a part of broader livelihoods interventions. The ministries involved in this cluster are as follows: 129 Labour /Livelihood Cluster Sl Ministries/Divisions

1. Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief — Coordinator

2. Local Government Division

3. Rural Development and Cooperatives Division

4. Ministry of Women and Children Affairs 5. Ministry of Social Welfare

6. Finance Division

7. Ministry of Labour and Employment

8. Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has many programmes for creating temporary employment for the poor people. Therefore, this ministry has been given the leading role in this cluster. Vision The vision of this cluster is to ensure sufficient livelihood for the poor. Mission The mission of the cluster is to improve livelihoods of the people and ensure access to decent work in the labour market. Challenge The main challenge for this cluster is to tackle high levels of under-employment as 2 million youth enter the labour market in search of jobs every year. Poor people face barriers that make it difficult for them to find productive and gainful employment. Objective The main objectives of the cluster are to consolidate workfare programmes, to facilitate social security recipients’ engagement with the labour market and to ensure congenial working environment for all, including women. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Workfare Consolidate and reform these The programmes are Needs to be programmes types of programmes. dispersed among multiple consolidated ministries Childcare facilities Ensure childcare facilities Childcare facilities Needs to monitor in all government offices, are lacking in many the childcare private enterprises and organization. facility. informal labour-intensive areas. 130 Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps Facilitation in labour A key principle of well-designed Some programmes like Special measures market Social Security is that it should Ekti Bari Ekti Khamar and required to facilitate rather than undermine SWAPNO have provisions facilitate the engagement of recipients for engaging recipients in beneficiaries – in particular those of working some jobs. However, there of other age – in the labour market. is little arrangement in other social security The Government will ensure programmes for facilitating the programmes in that reforms to the Social recipients in accessing labour getting jobs. Security system facilitate the market. There is evidence that engagement of families in the social security beneficiaries labour market since providing become more active in finding families with work is the best jobs. Therefore, coordination means to reduce poverty. with other programmes is important for this cluster. Labour legislation The NSSS stipulates that There is some arrangement for Comprehensive there will be strong legislative minimum wage and benefits, legislation for instruments binding, especially, but comprehensive legislative rights of labourers the private sectors to ensure a) framework is still missing for is required Minimum Wage, b) Statutory ensuring the rights of workers with strict Maternity Benefits, c) Leave in the private sectors. implementation. Pay, d) Compensation for Dismissal, and e) Work Injury Compensation. Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Strengthen and Programmes July 2018 MoDMR, Finance Division Workfare consolidate consolidated Ministry of 1. programmes all workfare Food, programmes Ensure childcare Childcare July 2018 MoWCA, facilities in all facilities MoDMR Provision of government available in childcare across all 2. offices, private organizations formal & informal enterprises and with more than employment informal labour- 40 employees intensive areas Coordinate More Continuous MOLA and with relevant beneficiaries MoDMR ministries and are engaged in other thematic labour market Facilitation in 3. clusters for labour market ensuring that beneficiaries get more access labour markets 131 Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared No. Objectives Indicators Ministry Responsibility Update and Update legal Implementation Continuous MOLA and implement provision and of labour rights MoDMR 4. effective legislation ensure strict is regularly to ensure labour implementation monitored rights 30.5 Human Development and Social Empowerment Cluster Social security increases access to public services and investment in human capital, particularly health and education, helping to raise productivity and supporting the participation of the poor in labour markets. For example, school assistance packages improve school attendance and eventually enhance education. Social security directly improves the health status of people, which in turn contributes to promoting human development and social empowerment. The cluster of human development has been formed with the ministries which have mandates in human development activities. The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has the largest programmes in this cluster. Therefore, this ministry has been made the cluster coordinator. The formation of this cluster is as follows: Human Development and Social Empowerment Cluster Sl Ministries/Divisions

1. Ministry of Primary and Mass Education - Coordinator

2. Prime Minister’s Office

3. Ministry of Land

4. Ministry of Education

5. Ministry of Social Welfare

6. Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment

7. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

8. Ministry of Labour and Employment

9. Ministry of Industry

10. Ministry of Women and Children Affairs

11. Information and Communication Technology Division

12. Ministry of Youth and Sports 132 Vision The vision of the cluster is to enhance human development and facilitate social empowerment of disadvantaged people. Mission The mission of the cluster is to coordinate with the line ministries to enhance education and training for children and young people, and ensure social justice by ensuring rights of the poor especially, women and children by inclusion efforts. Challenge The main challenge of the cluster is to consolidate efforts of different ministries to formulate a robust system of human development and to ensure social justice for marginalized groups. Objective Main objectives of the cluster are to coordinate school stipends and to facilitate linkages between social security programmes and training programmes/facilities for children and young people to promote human development. Another important objective of the cluster is to advance an enabling environment for social justice and equity. Situation Analysis Programme Name NSSS Provision Present Situation Gaps School Stipend Scale up primary and The MoPME and MoE have Coverage to be Programme secondary school stipend different programmes but the increased. programme. coverage is less than required. Child Development Continuing orphan’s and Different ministries conduct Programmes to be school meals programmes. these programmes. These scaled up. Strengthening immunization, need to be enhanced. Child maintenance child healthcare, nutrition, The MoWCA is set to policy to be water and sanitation formulate policy on child formulated. programmes. Ensuring child maintenance. maintenance payment for abandoned children. Training programme Vocational training programme Different ministries have Stronger for the youth for the young population programmes in this regard. coordination should be scaled up and required so that the consolidated. trainees can utilize their skill in getting jobs. Social empowerment The NSSS suggests that the There are a number More efficient social security system will of programmes for monitoring have a comprehensive and empowerment of women and mechanism required consistent set of policies that other disadvantaged groups. to ensure social can help Bangladesh achieve The overall implementation empowerment and better equity and social of proposed NSSS reform will equity. justice in the context of its enhance social empowerment. development effort. Transition of The beneficiaries of some The beneficiaries of Child A smooth transition beneficiaries programmes will be shifted Benefit Schemes (CBS) will plan is to be to different to relevant programmes upon be transitioned to primary devised. programmes attaining certain criteria/age stipend and the subsequently limit. to secondary stipend. 133 Action Plans In order to implement the reform proposals of the NSSS the following time bound activities may be taken up. No. Objectives Activities Performance Timeframe Responsible Shared Indicators Ministry Responsibility Monitor the Number of July 2019 MoPME and Finance progress in beneficiaries MoE Division School Stipend 1. scaling up the increased Programme number of beneficiaries Coordinate Child July 2019 Ministry LGD and monitor development of Health progress of programmes and Family programmes consolidated Welfare, related to child MoWCA development Child like orphan’s and 2. Development school meals programmes, immunization, child healthcare, nutrition, water and sanitation, etc. Coordinate More trainees Continuous MoLE MoY&S; MoE; Training with ministries have access to MoEWOE programme 3. for facilitating labour market for the young trainees in population getting jobs Oversee and Social justice Continuous MoPME MoSW and coordinate with and inclusion MoWCA other clusters efforts of each Social and relevant programmes 4. empowerment ministries to are monitored ensure social justice and equity Plan transition Plan prepared Yearly MoPME Cluster member with number and updated ministries Transition of of beneficiaries beneficiaries and cost 5. to different Coordinate Coordination Continuous programme transition done regularly with relevant ministries 134 Part-D Annexure Annexure-A (TOR of Action Plan Sub-Committee) Committee Members A) Secretary (Coordination and Reform), Cabinet Division - Convener B) A representative of Ministry of Social Welfare (not below Joint Secretary) - Member C) A representative of Ministry of Food (not below Joint Secretary) - Member D) A representative of Banking and Financial Institutions Division A representative (not below Joint Secretary) - Member E) A representative of Ministry of Disaster and Relief (not below Joint Secretary) - Member F) A representative of Ministry of Primary and Mass Education (not below Joint Secretary) - Member G) A representative of Finance Division (not below Joint Secretary) - Member H) Chief, General Economics Division, Planning Commission - Member I) A representative of Local Government Division (not below Joint Secretary) - Member J) A representative of Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (not below Joint Secretary) - Member K) A representative of Statistics and Informatics Division (not below Joint Secretary) - Member L) A representative of Planning Division - Member M) Additional Secretary (Coordination) Member Secretary Cabinet Division Terms of References (ToR) of the Committee: (A) To review the progress of the formulation of NSSS action plans of ministries/divisions and well as the thematic clusters and to conduct coordination as and when required; (B) To submit the NSSS action of the Ministries/Divisions and thematic clusters to the CMC; (C) To monitor the implementation progress of the NSSS action plans and to provide supports in trouble shooting any problems when necessary; (D) The Committee will submit a report to the CMC within three months on the status of Action Plan formulation; (E) SSPS programme will provide technical support to the Committee; (F) The Sub-Committee shall hold a meeting at least once every two months, and the proceedings should be sent to the Cabinet Division. (G) The Committee may co-opt any member if necessary. 137 Annexure-B (List of Social Security Programmes) Ministry Beneficiary Ministry / Budget (2017- / Division Name of Programme (2017-18) Division 18) (Crore BDT) Code (Lakh) Cabinet 4 Social Security Policy Support (SSPS) 10.80 Programme LGD, MoLGRD&C 5100 Disaster and Climate Resilient - - LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Rural Infrastructure Development - 60.00 LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Urban Primary Health Care (Urban 2.00 57.00 Primary Health Care Service Delivery) LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Urban Public Environmental Health Care 20.00 70.78 (Devt. Programme) LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Haor Infrastructure and livelihood 0.45 210.00 Development LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Coastal Climate Resilient Infrastructure 0.50 260.00 Improvement LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Rural Employment and Road 4.22 200.00 Maintenance Program (RERMP by LGED) LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Agriculture Infrastructure Improvement 0.62 29.60 (Bangladesh Agriculture Infrastructure Development Project) LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Emergency 2007 Cyclone Recovery and 2.05 160.60 Restoration LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Bangladesh Rural Water Supply and 1.87 49.00 Sanitation (National Sanitation Project) LGD, MoLGRD&C 4200 Char Development and Settlement 1.00 94.85 LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Second Chittagong Hill Tracts Rural 6.02 69.80 Development LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Income Support Program for the Poorest 6.00 167.00 LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Multipurpose Disaster Shelter 1.00 301.37 Construction LGD, MoLGRD&C 4600 Strengthening Women’s Ability 0.03 17.00 for Productive New Opportunities (SWAPNO) MoA 1200 Agriculture Rehabilitation - 100.00 MoA 1200 Mujibnagar Integrated Agricultural . - Development MoA 4600 Emergency 2007 Cyclone Recovery and 1.00 178.60 Restoration MoCHTA 2900 Food Assistance in CTG-Hill Tracts Area 7.76 265.10 MoDMR 5100 General Relief Activities 13.09 216.02 MoDMR 5100 Block Allocation for Disaster - 200.00 Management MoDMR 5100 Non-Bengali Rehabilitation 1.21 80.20 MoDMR 2500 Housing Support 2.84 24.00 MoDMR 5100 Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) 67.96 1,642.26 MoDMR 5100 Gratuitous Relief (GR) 56.82 488.76 138 Ministry Beneficiary Ministry / Budget (2017- / Division Name of Programme (2017-18) Division 18) (Crore BDT) Code (Lakh) MoDMR 5100 Work for Money (WfM) 19.40 1,450.00 MoDMR 5100 Test Relief (TR) Cash 17.83 1,300.00 MoDMR 5100 Employment Generation Programme for 8.27 1,650.00 the Poor MoDMR 5100 Urban Resilience Project: (DNCC & - 57.00 DDM) MoE 3700 Secondary Education Sector Investment 31.25 1,000.00 Program MoE 3700 Secondary Education Stipend 4.54 109.03 MoE 3700 Stipend for Female students at Bachelor - - Level MoE 3700 Higher Secondary Stipend 2.25 49.87 MoE 3700 Secondary Education Quality and Access 12.00 366.46 Enhancement Project (SEQAEP) MoE 3700 Establishment of Autistic Academy in - 60.00 Bangladesh MoE 3700 Skill and Employment Programme in 65.88 Bangladesh MoE 3700 Skill and Training Enhancement Project - 0.02 MoE&F 2200 Fund for Climate Change 4.50 100.00 MoE&F 2200 Bangladesh Climate Resilient - - Participatory Afforestation and Reforestation MoE&F 1200 Adaptation to Climate Change and - 2.49 Rehabilitation of Livelihood MoF / FID 7 Fund for Micro-Credit through PKSF 30.79 90.00 MoF / FID 7 Social Development Foundation 425.00 MoF / FD 7 Pension for Retired Government 6.26 22,392.22 Employees and their Families MoF / FD 3300 Fund for Assistance to the Small Farmer 1.00 100.00 and Poultry Farms MoF / FD 7 Swanirvar Training Programme 0.17 1.90 MoF / FD 4600 Block Allocation for Various Programme 0.07 249.00 MoF / FD 7 Universal Pension Insurance Scheme 0.02 12.00 MoF / FD 3700 Skills for Employment Investment 2.60 367.00 Programme MoF / FD 7 Strengthening Public Financial 51.25 Management for Social security MoF&L 3300 Fishermen ID Card and Fisheries Project - - MoF&L 3300 Integrated Fisheries & Livestock - - Development in Flood Controlled Areas & Water Bodies MoF&L 3300 Regional Duck Breeding and Hatchery 0.16 42.47 (3rd phase_2017-18) MoF 1300 Open Market Sales (OMS) 113.88 780.48 139 Ministry Beneficiary Ministry / Budget (2017- / Division Name of Programme (2017-18) Division 18) (Crore BDT) Code (Lakh) MoHFW 4500 Maternal, Neo-natal, Child and 911.66 1,290.00 Adolescent Health MoHFW 4500 Essential Services Delivery - - MoHFW 4500 Community Based Health Care 1,340.00 7.00 MoHFW 4500 National Nutrition Services 900.00 136.00 MoHFW 4500 Maternal, Child, Reproductive and 5.81 1.83 Adolescent Health MoHFW 4500 Clinical Contraception Services Delivery 31.36 282.28 MoHFW 4500 Family Planning Field Services Delivery 176.16 165.00 MoHFW 4500 T.B., Leprosy, Communicable Non- 2,353.39 668.10 communicable Disease MoHFW 4500 Institute of Paediatric Neuro Disorder 0.04 14.45 (Institute of Paediatric Neuro Disorder and Autism in BSMMU_2017-18) MoHFW 4500 Health Economic Financing and GNSP - - MoHFW 4600 Support to the Urban Health and 0.73 36.85 Nutrition to Bangladesh MoI 3600 Integrated Support to Poverty and - 0.02 Inequality Reduction through Enterprise Development MoI 3600 Poverty Reduction Through Inclusive 0.04 12.45 and Sustainable Markets MoL 3100 Gucchagram (Climate Victims 1.81 231.52 Rehabilitation) MoL&E 4000 Northern Area Reduction of Poverty 0.03 38.76 MoL&E 4000 Improving Working Condition in the - - Ready-Made Garments Sector MoLWA 4800 Honorarium for Freedom Fighters 2.00 3,200.00 MoLWA 4800 Honorarium & Medical Allowances for 0.15 267.36 Injured Freedom Fighters MoLWA 4800 Ration for Shaheed Family and Injured 0.30 33.00 Freedom Fighters MoLWA 4800 Construction of Residence for Landless 0.29 56.25 & poor Freedom Fighters L&JD 1000 National Legal Aid Services 0.50 12.70 MoPME 3800 Primary School Stipend 32.92 354.48 MoPME 3800 School Feeding Programme 25.00 512.45 MoPME 3800 Reaching Out of School 4.55 186.00 MoSW 4100 Old Age Allowance 35.00 2,100.00 MoSW 4100 Allowances for the Widow, Deserted 12.65 759.00 and Destitute Women MoSW 4100 Allowances for the Financially Insolvent 8.25 693.00 Disabled MoSW 4100 Assistance for Cancer, Kidney and Liver 0.10 50.00 Cirrhosis Patients 140 Ministry Beneficiary Ministry / Budget (2017- / Division Name of Programme (2017-18) Division 18) (Crore BDT) Code (Lakh) MoSW 4100 Grants for Residents in Government 0.20 51.00 Orphanages and Other Institutions MoSW 4100 Capitation Grants for Orphan Students 0.98 103.68 in Non-Govt. Orphanages MoSW 4100 Programme for Livelihood Improvement 0.30 15.00 of tea-garden labourers MoSW 4100 Stipend for Disabled Students 0.80 54.50 MoSW 4100 Grants for the Schools for the Disabled 0.35 22.96 MoSW 4100 Fund for the Welfare of Acid Burnt 0.15 1.50 Women and Disabled MoSW 4100 Trust for the protection of the persons - 10.50 with neurodevelopmental disabilities MoSW 4100 Welfare Trust for Physical disabilities - 10.00 MoSW 4100 Shamaj Kallyan Parishad 0.62 55.00 MoSW 4100 Service and Assistance Center for 3.76 65.00 Disabled MoSW 4100 Rehabilitation and Creation of 0.06 3.00 Alternative Employment for Beggers Profession MoSW 4100 Programme for Improving the Livelihood 0.29 27.00 of Harijan, Dalit, Bade community (Bede and disadvantage community 2017-18) MoSW 4100 Programme for Improving the Livelihood 0.07 11.35 of Trans Gender (Hijra) MoSW 4100 Child Sensitive Social security in - - Bangladesh MoSW 4100 Construction of Hostel for Govt. 0.08 19.88 Orphanage MoSW 4100 Services for Children at Risk (Protection - - of Children at Risk / Child Sensitive Social security) MoSW 4100 Establishment of Hostel for the Visually 0.03 18.12 Impaired Children (37 Unit) MoWCA 3200 Maternity Allowance Programme for the 6.00 360.00 Poor MoWCA 3200 Allowances for Urban Low-income 2.00 120.00 Lactating Mothers MoWCA 3200 Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) 137.14 1,407.65 MoWCA 3200 Micro-credit for Women Self- 0.22 4.00 employment MoWCA 3200 Joyeeta Foundation 0.06 1.25 MoWCA 3200 Women’s Skill Based Training for - 4.48 Livelihood MoWCA 3200 Child Development Centre 0.03 5.25 MoWCA 4100 Street Children Rehabilitation 0.02 3.53 Programme 141 MoWCA 3200 Enabling Environment for Child Right - - MoWCA 3200 Early Learning for Child Development - 8.52 MoWCA 3200 Urban Based Marginal Women 0.53 21.33 Development (Urban Based Women Development Project Phase-2_2017-18) MoWCA 3200 Day Care Program for Lower and 0.06 12.10 Middle Income Working Women (Establishment of 20 Child Day-care Centre Project_2016-17) MoWCA 3200 Generation Break through 0.10 4.31 MoWCA 3200 Investment Component for Vulnerable 0.10 143.00 Group Development MoWR 4600 Participatory Small-Scale Water 8.00 93.74 Resource Development MoYS 3400 National Service 1.38 620.00 PMO 3 Lump Sum Provision for Development of 0.13 30.00 Special Areas (Except Hill Tracts) PMO 3 Ashroyan Project -2 0.26 292.00 RDCD, 4700 Expansion of Polli Daridro Bimochon 0.30 55.65 MoLGRD&C Foundation for Poverty Alleviation and Self-employment RDCD, 4700 Char Livelihood Program - - MoLGRD&C RDCD, 4700 One House One Farm 9.00 772.59 MoLGRD&C RDCD, 4700 Economic Empowerment of the Poorest - - MoLGRD&C in Bangladesh RDCD, 4700 Integrated Rural Employment Support 0.13 28.00 MoLGRD&C Project for the Poor Women RDCD, 4700 Rural Livelihood (2nd Phase) 0.21 49.91 MoLGRD&C RDCD, 4700 Initiative for Development, - - MoLGRD&C Empowerment, Awareness & Livelihood, Kurigram RDCD, 4600 Rural Settlement Construction for 0.01 90.00 MoLGRD&C improvement of Rural Livelihood RDCD, 4700 Employment of Ultra Poor in Northern 0.07 25.00 MoLGRD&C Areas Total 54,177.20 142 Annexure- C (Core Diagnostic Instrument - CODI)

1. Inclusiveness Refers to the system’s capacity to protect all members of society along the life cycle with special consideration for the most vulnerable Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Gender equality, Gender equality, Only for few Gender equality, Gender equality, non-discrimination, non-discrimination, programs, gender non-discrimination, non-discrimination, and special needs and special needs equality, non- and special needs and special needs of vulnerable discrimination, and of vulnerable of vulnerable persons are special needs of persons are taken persons are taken not taken into vulnerable persons into consideration into consideration consideration in are taken into in some programs’ in the majority social security laws, consideration in design and programs’ design policies, strategies, social security laws, implementation and implementation and programs’ policies, strategies, and related legal and related legal design, nor in programs’ design, provisions exist provisions exist for all practice in the and in practice. for a majority of programs. implementation. programs. Coverage: Coverage of Coverage of the Coverage of the Coverage of the non-contributory overall target target population target population target population population (as (as defined (as defined (as defined by the defined nationally) nationally) across nationally) across nationally) across across the life the life cycle the life cycle the life cycle through cycle through through non- through of non- non- contributory non-contributory contributory contributory programs is high. programs is very programs is low. programs cover low. a majority of the target population. Coverage: Small share of The majority of the The majority of All (or almost all) of contributory economically economically active the economically the economically active population population in the active population active population (including informal formal economy (including informal (including informal sector workers) are covered by sector workers) sector workers and are covered by contributory social is covered by migrants) is covered contributory social security (insurance) contributory social by contributory social security (insurance) programs/ security (insurance) security (insurance) programs/ mechanisms and programs/ programs/ mechanisms and labour market mechanisms and mechanisms and labour market. services and labour market labour market programs, but services and services and coverage of programs, but some programs. informal economy groups are excluded workers is low. (e.g., migrants). 143

1. Inclusiveness Refers to the system’s capacity to protect all members of society along the life cycle with special consideration for the most vulnerable Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Effective coverage Most of target and Less than half of all A majority of Practically all eligible potentially eligible eligible population potential eligible population receive population is receives benefits in population receives benefits in practice. excluded in practice practice. benefits in practice. from receiving benefits when a contingency occurs. Accessibility Important impasses Access to social Almost universal Proactive measures in accessing security programs awareness of social minimize costs socialprotection is a challenge security programs. to beneficiary. programs exist due to moderate For example For example, to due to high transactioncosts. due to effective facilitate enrolment transaction costs. For example: the communication, processes, rolling For example:the modest information good access to updates or automatic inability to enrol, campaign or enrolment process, enrolment (i.e. long periods irregular rounds of proactive efforts to through employment between enrolment enrolment with no minimize enrollment contracts), effective, rounds, and/ or or limited access to cost to beneficiary, tailored, and timely lack of awareness individually request and short communication among potential for enrollment. periods between lead to universal beneficiaries. enrollment rounds awareness. with possibility for enrollment at individual requests.

2. Adequacy Refers to the sufficiency of the system’s benefit levels Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Benefit levels Benefits or services Benefits and Benefits and Benefits and services compared to social across social services of a services of majority are regular and security needs security programs minority of of programs predictable and are neither regular, programs are are regular and adequate to meet nor predictable, regular and predictable and social security needs and are not predictable and adequate to meet of the population. adequate to meet adequate to meet social security needs social security social security of the population. needs of the needs of the population. population. Benefit level Benefit level across Benefit level of a Benefit level of a Benefit levels are compared programs is not majority of programs minority of programs adequate with to national adequate with appear too low appear too low with respect to national benchmarks respect to national with respect to respect to national benchmarks (poverty benchmarks national benchmarks benchmarks (poverty line, minimum wage, (poverty line, (poverty line, line, minimum wage, market wage, etc.) minimum wage, minimum wage, market wage, etc.). for all programs. market wage, etc.). market wage, etc.). 144

2. Adequacy Refers to the sufficiency of the system’s benefit levels Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Impact of benefits There are neither The combination of The combination The combination of on economic activity benefits nor benefit and services of benefit and benefit and services services to promote is not adequate to services is overall is adequate and productive promote productive adequate to suitable to promote economic activity economic activity promote productive productive economic for those in for those in working economic activity activity for those in working age. age. for those in working working age age, but does not sufficiently take into account local market conditions and employers’ needs. Benefits compared The overall Benefits across Benefits are Benefits are to national / combination of programs are contributing to adequate to achieve program objectives program benefits is contributing very achieving most of national social entirely inadequate little to achieving the national social security objectives. to achieve national social security objectives. national / program security objectives. objectives. Redistributor or The system does The design of The design of the The design of the poverty reduction not aim for and the system aims system achieves system ensures effects does not achieve for, but does not the distribution the distribution a distribution of achieve, significant of resources in of resources in resources in favour results regarding favour of few favour of the poor, of the poor, nor the distribution selected groups, equal protection does it provide of resources in some protection against risks and equal protection favour of the poor, against risks and vulnerability, and against risks and equal protection vulnerability for reduces poverty. vulnerability, or against risks and everyone, and has reduce poverty. vulnerability, some impact on or reduction of poverty. poverty. Benefit provision There are no Some programs Most programs There are clearly and services benefit provision have defined have defined defined service delivery standards and service delivery benefit provision benefit provision benefit provision and standards. and service delivery and service delivery delivery standards standards, but they standards, but these and they are fully are not consistently are consistently enforced across enforced. enforced for only a programs. few programs. 145

3. Appropriateness Refers to the system’s overall arrangements to respond to national context and needs Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Formulation of Social security main Social security main Social security main Social security objectives, targets, policies / objectives policies / objectives policies / objectives main policies / and timeframes are not well are formulated, are partially objectives are well formulated, and however with formulated and formulated and set lack clear targets unrealistic targets those formulated realistic targets and and timeframes. A and timeframes. A have realistic targets timeframes in an national strategy is draft strategy on and timeframes. A approved national not formulated. social security exists national strategy social security on social security strategy. A clear has been approved action plan exists. with no clear action plan for the strategy implementation. Alignment of social Social security main Social security main Social security main Social security main security policies / policies / strategy policies / strategy / policies / strategy/ policies / strategy / programs / strategy / program design program design are program design program design are are not aligned somewhat aligned are largely aligned aligned with national with national social with national social with national social social security needs. security needs. security needs. security needs. Combination of Mix of social Mix of social Mix of social Mix of all social schemes and security programs security programs security programs is security programs programs is arbitrary, does not reflect fairly balanced and complement each the majority of population needs in line with social other and fully reflect functions are not and socioeconomic security needs and social security needs covered at all. realities. The socioeconomic and socioeconomic majority of realities. The realities. All functions functions are majority of functions of social security are partially addressed. are addressed. addressed. Composition of Composition of Composition of Composition of Composition of expenditure expenditures does expenditures expenditures expenditures fully not reflect the is reflective of is reflective of reflects population population needs certain population most population needs across all and is allocated in a needs - they are needs - they are social security hoc manner across concentrated only concentrated in functions. functions of social in one function of a limited number security. social security. of social security functions. Evidence-based Policies and Few policies and Policies and Most policies and policy and program programs (including programs (including programs (including programs (including design their budgeting) their budgeting) their budgeting) their budgeting) are not designed are designed are designed are designed on the on the basis of on the basis of on the basis of basis of updated, evidence (risks evidence (risks evidence (risks comprehensive and vulnerability and vulnerability and vulnerability (all functions), and analysis, social analysis, social analysis, social disaggregated (including security needs, and security needs, and security needs, and local levels) evidence gaps assessments, gaps assessments, gaps assessments, (risks and vulnerability etc.). etc.). etc.). analysis, social security needs, and gaps assessments, etc.). 146

4. Respect for Rights & Dignity Refers to social security entitlements and implementation arrangements being anchored in law Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Entitlements Social security Entitlements Entitlements Entitlements anchored in law entitlements are regarding the range, regarding range, regarding the range, not prescribed by duration, qualifying duration, qualifying duration, qualifying law. conditions, and conditions, and conditions, and levels of benefits benefit levels are levels of benefits are specified in the specified in the legal for all schemes legal framework for framework for the and programs are some schemes. majority of schemes prescribed by law. and programs. Enforcement Enforcement Inefficient Enforcement Efficient and mechanisms: public mechanisms are enforcement mechanisms are responsive authority, complaint not existent: no mechanisms: weak responsive: efficient enforcement and appeal public authority, public authority, public authority for mechanisms are in mechanisms, and no complaint and inefficient and some programs, place: strong public public awareness appeal mechanisms inaccessible efficient and authority, efficient in place, and complaint accessible complaint and accessible the public is not and appeal and appeal complaint and appeal informed about mechanism, and mechanisms are mechanisms, and the existing programs. the general public partially in place, population are well- is not sufficiently and a majority of informed regarding informed about the population is their benefit their entitlements. informed about entitlements. their entitlements. Respect for dignity Benefit design Benefit design Benefit design Benefit design and and human rights and delivery and delivery and delivery delivery mechanisms mechanisms mechanisms mechanisms (application, (application, (application, (application, registration, delivery) registration, registration, registration, of all programs delivery) do not delivery) of a few delivery) of some respect human respect human programs respect programs respect rights standards and rights standards human rights human rights principles. and principles. standards and standards and principles. principles. Confidentiality of There are no Mechanisms do not There are Private individual private information mechanisms in sufficiently protect mechanisms in information is place to protect private individual place for most effectively protected. private individual information. programs that information. sufficiently protect private individual information. 147

5. Governance & Institutional Capacity Assesses the system’s rules, regulations, roles, responsibilities, and related implementation capacities Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Reporting Legal framework Legal framework Legal framework Legal framework mechanisms, roles, does not prescribe mentions but mentions and clearly states and responsibilities the reporting does not specify provides some the functioning anchored in law mechanisms, roles, the functioning specifications for of the reporting and responsibilities of reporting the functioning mechanisms of different mechanisms, nor of reporting and roles and agencies/ entities the roles and mechanisms responsibilities of across the different responsibilities of and roles and different agencies/ programs and different agencies/ responsibilities of entities across the schemes of the entities across the different agencies / different programs social security different programs entities across the and schemes of system. and schemes of different programs the social security the social security and schemes of system. system. the social security system. Program Most programs Only some Implementation Implementation implementation do not have programs have guidelines / guidelines / guidelines / implementation implementation operational manuals operational manuals operational manuals guidelines / guidelines / which define which define state reporting operational operational the reporting the reporting mechanisms, roles, manuals defining manuals which mechanisms, roles, mechanisms, roles, and responsibilities reporting define the reporting and responsibilities and responsibilities mechanisms, roles, mechanisms, roles, of agencies for of agencies for and responsibilities and responsibilities administration, administration, of agencies for the of agencies for delivery, and delivery, and administration, administration, monitoring of monitoring of delivery, and delivery, and programs exist for programs exist for all monitoring of monitoring of most programs. programs. programs. programs. Enforcement There are no Mechanisms in Mechanisms in There are strong and mechanisms mechanisms in place to enforce place to enforce efficient mechanisms place to enforce compliance with compliance with in place to enforce compliance with program rules and program rules and compliance with program rules minimize error minimize error and program rules and and minimize and fraud are fraud are responsive minimize error and error and fraud generally weak and for a majority of fraud for the majority for the majority of do not exist for all programs. or all programs. programs. programs. Institutional None or minimal Limited institutional Sufficient High institutional supervisory capacity institutional capacity (staff, institutional capacity to carry out capacity (staff, equipment, capacity (staff, or supervise all tasks equipment, financial financial capital) equipment, financial related to policy and capital) to carry out to carry out or capital) to carry program design, or supervise tasks supervise tasks out or supervise implementation, and related to policy and related to policy and nearly all tasks monitoring. program design, program design, related to policy and implementation, implementation, program design, and monitoring. and monitoring. implementation, and monitoring. 148

5. Governance & Institutional Capacity Assesses the system’s rules, regulations, roles, responsibilities, and related implementation capacities Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Staff Program staff are Staff is either There is an There is an adequate implementation not adequate not adequate in adequate number number of program capacity in numbers and number and/or of program staff and staff and staff are not sufficiently not adequately staff are adequately adequately trained to trained to carry out trained to carry out trained carry out carry out respective respective tasks. respective tasks. respective tasks, tasks for the majority but not consistently or all programs. across all programs. Stakeholder There are no Across social Structures and Structures and participation structures and security programs, processes are in processes are processes in place structures and place to ensure institutionalized and to ensure relevant processes are in that all relevant well-functioning to stakeholders are place to ensure stakeholders are ensure all relevant well informed, that some, however well informed, stakeholders are consulted, and not all, relevant consulted, and well informed, able, where stakeholders are able to participate consulted, and necessary, to well informed, in the design, able to participate participate in consulted, and implementation, when necessary the design, able to participate and monitoring, in the design, implementation, where necessary however not for all implementation, and monitoring of in the design, programs. and monitoring of most programs. implementation, key policies and and monitoring. programs.

6. Financial & Fiscal Sustainability Refers to the system’s financial and fiscal sustainability Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Contributory Generally social Social security Social security Social security capacity taken into security budget budget is aligned budget is aligned budget is aligned account in financing is not aligned with financing with financing with financing / arrangements with financing / contributory / contributory contributory capacity / contributory capacity only for capacity for most of for the cost of all capacity. few programs. the expenditure of programs. most programs. Alignment of budget Social security Social security Social security Social security allocation with budget allocation budget allocation budget allocation budget allocation policy priorities is not aligned with is aligned with a is aligned with a is fully aligned with priority programs. minority of priority majority of priority priority programs. programs. programs. 149

6. Financial & Fiscal Sustainability Refers to the system’s financial and fiscal sustainability Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Long term budget Budget planning Budget planning The projection of The projection of planning in line processes do not processes take individual program individual program with demographic take projected projected economic costs under different costs under different developments economic and and demographic demographic and demographic and demographic developments into socioeconomic socioeconomic developments account for planned scenarios is scenarios is available into account for social security available and often and often used to planned social allocation of future used to plan and plan and budget security allocation years for some of budget programs’ programs’ financing. of future years. the programs. financing. Some Budget planning of the system‘s processes take programs are projected economic cost-effective. and demographic Budget planning developments processes take fully into account projected economic for planned social and demographic security allocation of developments into future years for all account for planned programs. social security allocation of future years for most of the programs. Long term financial Long term vision of Long term vision of Long term vision of Long term vision of commitments social security and social security and social security and social security and considered in legal related financial related financial related financial related financial framework and commitments are commitments commitments are commitments are social security not addressed are generally partially addressed clearly addressed in strategy in the legal overlooked in the in the legal the legal framework framework and /or legal framework framework and / or and/ or the social the social security and / or the social the social security security strategy. strategy. security strategy. strategy. Reliability and Social security There are frequent There are occasional Social security progressivity of financing is delays and delays and financing is stable, social security unstable, irregularities in the irregularities in the reliable, and financing unreliable, and provision of social provision of social progressive. regressive. security financing, security financing large part of the and some of the taxes are regressive. taxes are regressive. 150

7. Coherence & Integration Refers to the alignment and coherence of the system across its policies, programs, and administrative structures, as well as coherence with related policy areas Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Complementarity Social security There is a plan Social security Social security of social security policies and to achieve policies and policies and policies / degree programs do not complementarity programs are programs are of duplication and complement of policies and reasonably coherent coherent and overlap each other within programs within and complement complement each and across social agencies, but not each other within other within and security functions, across agencies. agencies but across social security giving rise to not across social functions, avoiding duplications and security such that duplications and inefficiencies. some duplications inefficiencies. are avoided but some inefficiencies exist. Institutional Neither legal Limited legal Reasonable Clear and detailed framework to provisions, provisions, ad hoc legal provisions, legal provisions, ensure coordination institutional arrangements, or institutional institutional arrangements, other frameworks arrangements, and arrangements, and nor other mean limited other frameworks other frameworks frameworks ensure coordination, ensure coordination, ensure coordination, coordination, integration, and integration, and integration, and integration, and complementarity complementarity complementarity of complementarity of social security across some social the social security across social programs. security programs. system across all security programs. social security programs. Integration Each program has Some programs Most programs Programs share of program separate non- share at least one share some common delivery implementation interoperable delivery system delivery systems systems. implementation (ID / transaction/ (ID / transaction and information targeting / / targeting / processes. enrollment/ MIS) enrollment / MIS) and there is some and there is good ability to share and ability to share and validate information validate information across a few across the majority programs. of programs. Possibility of The classification of The classification of The classification of The classification of integrated analysis budget expenditure budget expenditure budget expenditure budget expenditures of social security and revenues does allows for an allows for an allow for an financing not allow for an integrated analysis integrated analysis integrated analysis integrated analysis of social security of social security of all social security of social security expenditures and expenditures and expenditures and expenditures and financing for some financing across a financing. financing. social security majority of social functions. security functions. 151

7. Coherence & Integration Refers to the alignment and coherence of the system across its policies, programs, and administrative structures, as well as coherence with related policy areas Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Coherence with There are neither Some consideration There are There are other policy areas mechanisms nor is given in the policy mechanisms and mechanisms and procedures to set-up to ensure procedures to procedures that are ensure coherence coherence between ensure coherence applied in practice between social social security and between social to ensure coherence security and other other sectors, but security and some between social sectors. this is generally not other sectors security and all other applied in practice. and these are relevant sectors. applied in some circumstances.

8. Responsiveness Refers to the system’s M&E framework and flexibility to adjust / adapt in response to socio-economic crises Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Responsiveness There are no There are inefficient There are budget There are budget of budget and budget or budget and and implementation and implementation implementation implementation implementation mechanisms in mechanisms in place mechanisms mechanisms in mechanisms in place to effectively to effectively respond place to effectively place to respond respond to to shocks, crisis, respond to shocks, to shocks, crisis, shocks, crisis, socio-economic, or crisis, socio- socioeconomic socioeconomic socio-demographic economic changes, changes, or socio- changes, or socio- developments or demographic demographic demographic changes for developments for developments. developments the majority of the majority of These mechanisms but only for some programs. Detailed programs. are not programs. Legal legal provision are in contemplated in the provisions may exist place. legal framework. for some programs. Availability, quality, Data, statistics, and Data, statistics, and Data, statistics, and Data, statistics, and timeliness of monitoring reports monitoring reports monitoring reports monitoring reports, data on trends are produced ad are accessible to are accessible to and regular program and social security hoc, not accessible main agencies, but main agencies, evaluation are programs to main agencies, are not produced produced in a accessible to main and are not used periodically and in a timely manner, but agencies, produced to inform policy timely manner, and not always used to periodically and in a actions to adapt are insufficient to revise and adapt the timely manner, and the system to revise and adapt the system to evolving routinely used to evolving needs and system to evolving needs and socio- revise and adapt the socio-economic needs and socio- economic trends. system to evolving trends. There economic trends. Evaluations are needs and socio- are no program done only ad hoc. economic trends. evaluation available. 152

8. Responsiveness Refers to the system’s M&E framework and flexibility to adjust / adapt in response to socio-economic crises Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Information There are no Partial capacity Most programs have All programs have dissemination information for information adequate capacity full capacity and mechanisms dissemination dissemination, for information mechanisms in place mechanisms in outreach, and dissemination, for information place to publicize awareness raising outreach, and dissemination and changes in program including as regards awareness raising awareness raising implementation. short term / including for short including for short emergency changes, term/emergency term / emergency but not always changes that is changes that is adapted such that it adapted to reach most adapted to reach all reaches all relevant relevant parties. relevant parties. parties. Mechanisms Programs do not Programs have Most programs have All programs have for parametric have a mechanism a mechanism in a mechanism in a well-functioning adjustments to carry out place to carry out place for parametric mechanism in place parametric parametric reforms adjustment and this for parametric adjustments. but this is not is usually applied in reforms that is applied in practice. practice. applied consistently. Coverage of Only a small share A significant share The majority of All (or almost all) emergency of the population of the population the population of the population response operations is included in relief is included in relief is included in affected by disasters in practice programs in case of programs if affected emergency relief / and shocks are disasters or shocks by disasters and disaster responses included in case of and with significant shocks is, but with but not all on a shocks or emergency delays. significant delays. timely basis. responses in a timely manner.

9. Cost-effectiveness Refers to cost effectiveness both for those financing and for those benefiting from a program (apply only if evidence exists) Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Cost of program The individual The delivery cost The delivery cost Individual program delivery programs delivery varies by program is moderate across delivery cost is low, cost is high but the majority programs and resulting in high rendering low of programs have the benefit / cost benefit/cost ratios benefit / cost ratios a relatively low ratio is moderate, across the majority and making the benefit / cost ratio making the system of programs. system costly and making the system moderately cost- ineffective. overall costly and effective. ineffective. 153

10. Incentive Compatibility Refers to ensuring that the system’s programs don’t generate distortionary effects (apply only if evidence exists) Areas Latent ... ... Advanced 1 2 3 4 Consideration Incentive There is little There is an effort The design of social of incentives in compatibility is not attention in when designing security programs program design at all considered program design social security succeeds in creating in the design and regarding programs to create positive behavioural implementation of behavioural positive behavioural incentives for the social security incentives for incentives for workers, employers, system. workers, employers, workers, employers, or social security or social security or social security administrators. administrators. administrators. Incentives for Programs often There are mixed Some programs Overall, the system persons covered create disincentives incentives for succeed in creating provides positive for beneficiaries beneficiaries the positive incentives for to work, save, to work, save, incentives for beneficiaries to work, or participate or participate beneficiaries save, or participate in risk- pooling in risk-pooling to work, save, in risk-pooling arrangements. arrangements. or participate arrangements. in risk-pooling arrangements. Incentives for Generally, The majority of Most of the Generally, employers employers employers have employers have employers have have strong little incentives to little incentives to incentives to incentives to register register workers register workers register workers their employees with social security with social security with social security with social security programs. programs. programs. programs. Incentives There are no There is There are There are strong for scheme incentives insufficient reasonable incentives administrators for scheme incentives incentives for for scheme administrators for scheme service providers administrators to enrol eligible administrators to enrol eligible to enrol eligible beneficiaries and to enrol eligible beneficiaries and beneficiaries and increase program beneficiaries and increase program increase program take-up. increase program take-up. take-up. take-up. 154 Cabinet Division and General Economics Division of Planning Commission Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh