Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Lack of clarity, coordination among agencies concerned, political bias in selecting beneficiaries for flood relief and insufficient relief are key challenges in distributing relief in fighting flood and COVID-19.
This disclosure was made in an initial evaluation paper of relief programme conducted by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
The paper 'Effectiveness of government relief services in fighting corona and flood' said victims of flood and COVID-19 know very little about government relief for inadequate awareness programmes and information.
CPD senior research associate Mostafa Amir Sabbih conducted the evaluation.
The paper was presented during an online dialogue with similar title co-hosted by CPD and Oxfam on Tuesday.
According to the evaluation paper, beneficiaries need to spend unnecessary money to get cash assistance and relief under government programmes.
It said the government officials concerned are reluctant to provide information about relief and cash assistance supplied by the government.
Speakers at the dialogue put stress on increased coordination among governmental and non-governmental agencies to reach out to deserving victims with assistance and avoid repetition of assistance.
They said there must be free flow of information about government relief programmes and an awareness campaign so that victims know where to go for assistance.
The process of beneficiary selection should be participatory and open to ensure transparency, the speakers suggested.
They proposed that relief and cash assistance be distributed as per the poverty data as there are large numbers of the new poor who need assistance most.
Addressing the virtual event, the CPD distinguished fellow the government should ensure enough supplies so everyone who needs gets relief.
Mr Sabbih said the government agencies concerned need to include civil-society members in the selection and distribution process of relief.
Deputy speaker of parliament Md Fazle Rabbi Mia spoke as the chief guest at the dialogue chaired by CPD distinguished fellow Prof Mustafizur Rahman.