The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rangpur

The ongoing Programme Initiative for Monga Eradication (PRIME) project of 'Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation' (PKSF) for Monga eradication in 18 upazilas of four districts in greater Rangpur has created huge job opportunities for the unemployed people in Monga areas.

Eleven NGOs have been implementing the works under PKSF assistance creating income-generating activities through earthworks in the flood-hit and natural disaster-prone char areas on the river basins of greater Rangpur since last September 22 and it will continue for a total of 41 days till November 15 next, officials concerned said yesterday. A total of 96,311 men and women labourers of 2,493 villages in 168 UPs under 18 upazilas are earning a daily income of Taka 70 under the programme in the worst flood-hit areas in Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram and Gaibandha districts, officials said.

As it never happened before and the poorer section and distressed people of the poverty-prone char areas are passing their days with certainty of food security for the first time by getting cash money as daily wages for earthworks at this lean period.

Monga, locally known as a seasonal curse that repeats every year for decades mainly due to the job crisis of the farm labourers during the months of Aswin and Kartik, could not take a severe turn this year anywhere as the poor are getting assured livelihoods, officials said.