The Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) of the Planning Commission has also objected to the expenditure of Tk 7.52 billion reported by the Livestock Services Department for cash assistance to farmers during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, cash assistance ranging from Tk 12,000 to Tk 22,000 was allocated to approximately 600,000 affected farmers across the country through this programme.
The affected farmers were selected by a committee led by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). However, there are allegations that many eligible farmers did not get the cash assistance despite being in the list. PEC conducted interviews with 1,200 farmers, which revealed that only 30 percent had received cash assistance, while most had not.
From these findings, it can be inferred that almost every project undertaken by the Livestock Department suffers from substantial irregularities and wastage. This is due to the arbitrary and inefficient management of those who have been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing these projects. Allegations of irregularities and embezzlement within the organization’s projects require a thorough investigation, and those found responsible must be held accountable.