BANGLADESH: Government food subsidy fails to reach the poor due to corruption

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION – HUNGER ALERT PROGRAMME

Hunger Alert Case: AHRC-HAG-004-2011

8 September 2011
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BANGLADESH: Government food subsidy fails to reach the poor due to corruption

ISSUES: Right to food; corruption
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Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received the information that the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program aiming to ensuring food security of the poor in Gaibandha district failed to reach the actual beneficiary. Out of 13 villages in Monohorpur Union, Palasbari sub-district, 1,000 families from seven villages only are on the list of the beneficiaries whereas six villages are excluded. In addition, it is alleged that the political leaders have taken the VGF cards of 600 families who are in the beneficiary list but never received the food subsidy. Some of the cardholders receive 3 kilograms of rice instead of 15 kilograms earmarked. The AHRC has been reporting food and health insecurity of elderly in particular of Gaibandha district since 2010 and was recently informed that the government has taken positive action for those who were deprived of the social security programs despite the fact that they are entitled to receive them.

CASE DETAILS:

In Monohorpur union, Palasbari sub-district, Gaibandha district, there are 13 villages – Taluk Ghorabandha, Ghorabandha, Kumargari, Khamarmamudpur, Khamar Balua, Kumedpur, Monohorpur, Nimdaservita, Biramervita, Khamar Zamira, Putimari, Berbmuniya and Tengnakura. These are the villages of Gaibandha district, which is known as ‘Monga’ area meaning food insecurity caused by lack of employment. The AHRC has been reporting the right to food and health violation cases since 2010 (AHRC-HAG-002-2010,AHRC-HAG-003-2010, AHRC-HAG-004-2010).

In total, 1000 families get benefits under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program and they are from seven — from the first village listed above — out of 13 villages. Other six villages are allegedly excluded from the beneficiaries. On May 21, 2011, the administration distributed the food subsidy to the beneficiaries but almost 80% of them did not receive it. In addition, some of them were provided 3 kilograms of rice only which is much less than 15 kilograms earmarked by the government.

It is alleged that the Upazila council (elected representative body of sub-district) has taken 300 VGF cards, the chairperson of the council Mr. AKM Moksed Chowdhury Biddut has taken 150 cards while two vice chairpersons have taken 75 cards each. The committee of ruling party of the sub-district Awami League and their ally Jatiyo party have taken 150 cards each. Another 300 cards were taken by union Awami League and Jatiyo party’s president and secretary. The fact was clarified by the four members of the union VGF committee; Mr. Samsuzzolha (Deputy Assistant, agricultural officer), Mr. Sadekur Rahman (secretary of Monohorpur union council), Mr. Abdus Sadek (Family Planning Inspector of Monohorpur Union), and Mr. Abdul Wahab Prodhan Ripon (secretary of Monohorpur union Awami League).

After taking VGF cards, the public representatives and the VGF committee members who belong to the political party distributed food subsidy to some beneficiaries but not all. It is found that about 234 actual cardholders who are entitled to get food subsidy have not received it.

It is further alleged that the VGF committee has already submitted muster roll with false signatures to the government officials in charge of the program of Palashbary sub-district. On the contrary, no beneficiary was informed that they were entitled to receive food subsidy by VGF.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT:

The Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program is one of the social safety net programs in Bangladesh. It is originated from the VGF launched in 1970s by World Food Program (WFP) for emergency aid caused by disaster and the Department of Food and Disaster currently provides food subsidy for the poorest under this program. Criteria targeted by the program are 1. Daily labourer whose income is low or irregular, 2. Landless or those who have less than 0.15 acres of land, 3. Persons with disabilities or their wives, 4. Poor women/men affected by natural disaster.

It has been reported that the VGF cards distributed by Council and Committee which are composed of government officials or political activists failed to reach the poorest. It often goes to the families or relatives, or is used for the purpose of political activities. One of the main causes is that those who distribute the cards are either public servants or politicians who practice corruption widely.

SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write a letter to the concerned government agencies to draw attention to the poorest in Monga area.

The AHRC is writing separately to the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate food.

To support this appeal please click here:

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SAMPLE LETTER:

Dear __________,

BANGLADESH: Call for thorough investigation into food distribution and ensure right to food of the poorest

Name of the affected:
1. About 234 Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) card holders who have not received food subsidy
2. VGF card holders who received less than earmarked food subsidy
Place of incident: Monohorpur union, Palasbari sub-district, Gaibandha district

I am writing to you to express my deep concern regarding the poorest living in Monohorpur union of Gaibandha district which is known as the most vulnerable area in food security. I have been informed by the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) who exposed human rights issues, health and food security of women, widow, elderly in particular in this region.

I am informed that the government distributed 1000 Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) cards to Monohorpur union aiming to guarantee the food security of the poorest. Seven villages out of 13 villages in Monohorpur were given the cards but other six villages were not.

I am informed that on May 21, 2011, the administration distributed the food subsidy to the card holders. However, many of them have not received food subsidy which they are entitled to get, some received 3 kilograms of rice only which is much less than 15 kilograms earmarked by the government.

I am aware that one of the root-causes in failing proper implementation of VGF is its distribution system by the public servants or political activists. Out of 1000 cards, 300 were distributed by a chairperson of Upazila council Mr. AKM Moksed Chowdhury Biddut and two vice chairpersons. The sub-district committee of political parties, Awami League and Jatiyo party distributed 300 in total, and Union Awami League and Jatiyo party president and secretary distributed 300 on the other hand. Both are influential local politicians. The rest was distributed by the Family Planning Inspector of Monohorpur Union.

I am further aware that After taking VGF cards, the public representatives and the VGF committee members who belong to the political party distributed food subsidy to some beneficiaries but not all. It is found that about 234 actual cardholders who are entitled to get food subsidy in Monohorpur Union have not received it.

I am informed that the VGF committee has already submitted muster roll with false signatures to the government officials in charge of the program of Palashbari sub-district while no beneficiary was informed that they were entitled to receive food subsidy by VGF.

I am aware that it has been reported that the VGF cards distributed by Council and Committee which are composed of government officials or political activists failed to reach the poorest in Bangladesh. It often goes to the families or relatives, or is used for the purpose of political activities. I am of the opinion that one of the main causes is that those who distribute the cards are either public servants or politicians who practice corruption widely.

I therefore, urge you to intervene into the case of Monohorpur Union to guarantee the food security of the poorest by

1. Conducting thorough investigation into the distribution process and quantity of food subsidy under VGF program,
2. Providing those who have not received food subsidy with food subsidy immediately,
3. Providing those who received food subsidy less than earmarked with balanced food subsidy,
4. Providing six other villages which have been excluded in VGF program with food subsidy,
5. Taking legal action against those who practice corruption in delivering food subsidy under the government program.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely yours,

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PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:

1. Mrs. Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister
Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Office of the Prime Minister
Tejgaon, Dhaka
BANGLADESH
Fax: +880 2 811 3244 / 3243 / 1015 / 1490
E-mail: pm@pmo.gov.bd or ps1topm@pmo.gov.bd or psecy@pmo.gov.bd

2. Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque
Minister
Ministry of Food & Disaster Management
Bangladesh Secretariat
Dhaka-1000
BANGLADESH
Fax: +880 2 7160762/+880 2 71615405
E-mail: info@mofdm.gov.bd

3. Syed Ashraful Islam
Minister
Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Affairs
Bangladesh Secretariat
Building No. 7 (6th Floor)
Dhaka-1000
BANGLADESH
Fax: +880 2 7174255 / +880 2 7164374
E-mail: lgd@cgscomm.net

4. Enamul Huq Mostafa Shaheed
Minister
Ministry of Social Welfare Affairs
Bangladesh Secretariat
Building No. 6 (2nd & 3rd Floors)
Dhaka-1000
BANGLADESH
Tel: +880 2 7169766
Fax: +880 2 7168969
E-mail: sseba@citechco.net (Department of Social Service)

5. Mr. Md. Shahidul Islam
Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Deputy Commissioner
District-Gaibandha,
BANGLADESH
Fax: +880 541 61486
E-mail: dcgaibandha@moestab.gov.bd

6. District Social Welfare Officer
Office of the district Social Welfare
District-Gaibandha
BANGLADESH

7. John Aylieff
Country Director
World Food Program (WFP)
IDB Bhaban 14th, 16th and 17th Floor E/8-A Rokeya Sarani Agargaon,
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207
BANGLADESH
Tel: +880 2 8119069
Fax: +880 2 8113147
E-mail: WFP.Dhaka@wfp.org

8. Prof. Ghulam Rahman
Chairperson
Anti Corruption Commission
1, Shegunbagicha,
Dhaka 1000
BANGLADESH
Tel: +880 2 9353004-8
Fax: 880 2 8333354
Email: info@acc.org.bd

Thank you.

Right to Food Programme (foodjustice@ahrc.asia)
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)