According to data from the Directorate of Social Services, there are a total of 1,900 seats in six government shelters in the country. About 909 residents live there, which means the number of occupants is less than the number of seats. Moreover, there is a severe shortage of manpower at these shelter sites.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, Director General of Social Services Directorate Abu Saleh Mustafa Kamal said he was aware of the manpower crisis. Therefore, along with taking up new projects, they are also emphasizing on the appointment of new people. However, we must keep in mind that the process of recruiting people in the revenue sector is quite lengthy. The proposal for recruitment of people on about 458 posts is under process.
According to the website of the Department of Social Services, “To ensure maintenance, protection, sustenance, education, vocational and skill development training of street people and to improve and develop their mentality through counselling, to rehabilitate them in the society.” “To provide employment opportunities for self-reliance is the main goal of the agency.”
On February 5, while visiting a government shelter in Mirpur-1 area of the capital, he saw a four-year-old child being fed by another nine-year-old child. There was no caretaker at the spot. One of them was unable to speak.