Govt’s cash aid programme: lists of 3 unions in Habiganj cancelled for irregularities

The lists of poor families for the government's cash assistance programme in three unions of Habiganj's Lakhai upazila have been cancelled following irregularities.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kamrul Hasan said the lists of Murakari, Bulla and Muriauk union parishads were cancelled today on allegations of irregularities in preparation of the lists.

A committee has been formed to investigate the irregularities. It has been asked to submit a report within the next three days, he said.

The DC also said that new lists will be prepared under the supervision of Nurul Islam, deputy director of the local government department, and Sanchita Karmakar, assistant commissioner of land in the upazilas.

Yesterday, a report was published The Daily Star's online edition under the headline of "A single mobile number used 200 times in govt's cash assistance list".

As per the report, the list prepared by the chairmen and members of the three union parishads included the names of 300 beneficiaries using only four mobile numbers and added fake Hindu names even though no Hindu families live in any ward of the unions.

The lists also include names of many rich people and relatives of the chairman, while dropping the names of destitute people.

DC Kamrul further said there was no scope to misappropriate money by making fake lists.

Recently, the government announced the provision of cash assistance to 50 lakh poor families hit by the coronavirus pandemic across the country.