With the aim of delivering public services to the doorsteps of marginal communities with transparency and accountability, a day-long 'Social Safety Net Services and Agricultural Loan Fair' was held in Kishorganj Upazila of Nilphamari. The special fair was organized by the Upazila Administration and overall managed by the Upazila Social Services Office on the Upazila Parishad premises on Monday (August 3).
Under the social safety net program, new applications were accepted for old age, widow and husband-deserted women, disability, maternity, backward community special allowances, and education stipends at the fair. Additionally, updating information of beneficiaries, instant resolution of application-related complexities, and necessary official advice were provided. Special agricultural loan disbursement activities were also conducted from the same venue. The organizers informed that around 1,500 service-seekers attended the fair on the very first day. Observing the huge turnout and crowd of service-seekers, the fair authorities stated that if necessary, there are plans to continue this activity in the coming days for the convenience of the general public.
In a colorful ceremony organized on the fair premises, the fair was formally inaugurated by Bilkis Islam, Member of Parliament from the reserved women's seat, and Mohammad Nayiruzzaman, Deputy Commissioner of Nilphamari.
Later, a discussion meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman, where Member of Parliament Bilkis Islam spoke as the chief guest. Divisional Director of the Department of Social Services (Rangpur Division) Jilufa Sultana and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arifur Rahman were present as special guests. Upazila Social Services Officer Zakir Hossain delivered the welcome address.
Among others present at the meeting were Upazila BNP President Abdullah Al Mamun, Upazila Jamaat Ameer Abdur Rashid Shah, Upazila NCP Convener Zahidul Islam Labu, Upazila Project Implementation Officer Md. Latifur Rahman, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Neel Ratan Deb, and Press Club President Abu Hasan Sheikh.
In her address as the chief guest, MP Bilkis Islam said, "Through the allowance fair, a bright example has been set to ensure government services reach the true beneficiaries in a hassle-free environment, eliminating the influence of middlemen and brokers. The present government is committed to bringing all eligible citizens under the social safety net program phase by phase, and such public-oriented events will further accelerate the achievement of that goal."
Following the discussion meeting, the guests handed over loan checks to four selected beneficiary farmers at the agricultural loan stall.
Furthermore, important healthcare services such as free blood grouping and hemoglobin tests were provided to service-seekers on the fair premises. Prior to this, wheelchairs were distributed among underprivileged persons with disabilities for their mobility, and various species of fruit and forest saplings were distributed among students to promote environmental greening.
