MAGD Program Thesis Papers (BRAC Institute of Governance and Development)

Browse

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.MAGD

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 23
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Social safety net in Bangladesh: an empirical study on EGPP (Employment Generation Programme for the Poorest Poor) in santoshpur union of Nagashwari upazila under Kurigram district
    (BRAC University, 2016-07) Hossain, Khandokar Zakir; Zaman, Dr. Rashed Uz
    Unemployment problem is a major crisis for a developing country like Bangladesh. Rapid increasing population of our country and the limited source of job availability have made it more difficult to sustain in a better way. The EGPP is an ongoing program of Bangladesh that provides short‐term employment to manual workers during lean season over two cycles 80 days work is done. First cycle starts from the month of October to December and second cycle starts from the month of March to April. Among the beneficiaries workers 30% is secured for the women. The beneficiaries are needed to work 7 hours in a day and get Tk. 200( Two hundred ) each and they are bound to save Tk. 25 in their respective account which is not withdraw able till 1st July of each year. One Sarder is engaged to look after each project who gets extra Tk.50 per day. The Seasonal poverty is rampant in Monga prone and Char areas in Bangladesh. In these regions poor people remain unemployed and lead a precarious life during the months from October to December and from March to May, when there is very little or no farm activities. The objectives of the EGPP are to 1. To provide short‐term employment to the hardcore poor in times seasonal vulnerability and 2. To develop rural infrastructure by constructing various projects under EGPP. This research work aim to accomplish an empirical study on EGPP programme in Santoshpur Union of Nageshwari Upazila under Kurigram district. The objective of this study is to find out whether the EGPP programme is benefitting the livelihood of the poor people. Many poor people of our country specially the people of Monga prone areas of North Bengal become unemployed or jobless during the months from October to December and from March to May, when there is very little or no farm activities. The aim of this programme is to ensure wages to manage livelihood for the poor people in the lean season. From the research findings, it has been revealed that, food intake frequency of the EGPP beneficiaries has been increased, before involvement in EGPP 67.5% beneficiary among the interviewed beneficiary could manage to have meal twice in a day, and 25% beneficiary could manage to have meal once in a day and 7.5% beneficiary could manage to have meal once in a day and after involvement in EGPP the scenario has been changed the percentage of people those could manage to have meal once in a day has gone off and percentage of people who could manage to have meal twice in a day also reduced to 7.5% but sudden change due to increase of purchase capability above 92.5% people are able to have meal thrice in a day which shows very significant change in purchase power of the beneficiaries. The research also shows that significant improvement in the case of items of food intake, diversification in food items, quality of food intake, quantity of food intake. Moreover, the study also shows among the beneficiaries of EGPP after involvement in that programme rice borrowing frequency has been declined and purchase capability of cloths and medicine has been improved. Furthermore, it has been revealed that after involvement in EGPP programme social status or social acceptance of the poor peoples of the research has been elevated. However, the improvement of employment scope in the lean season of the poor people of Santoshpur of Nageshwori upazila through EGPP programme has been reflected by the respondent’s opinion on the question ‘opinion about EGPP Programme’ 60 percent’s opinion is excellent and 40 percent’s opinion is good. Finally, some recommendation are made at the last chapter that would help the programme authority and policy planners concerned with social safety net sector.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    BRAC roles in non-formal education: a study on BRAC education for ethnic children program in Bangladesh
    (BRAC University, 2016-07) Ali, Isahaque; Ahmed, Dr. Nasiruddin
    Education contributes significantly to socio-economic growth and development through human capital formation. NGOs like BRAC has taken crucial steps to raise literacy rate through non-formal education along with government efforts. Non-formal education for ethnic children provided by BRAC is a unique program to increase literacy rate of Adivasi population in Bangladesh. The study for this dissertation explores BRAC roles in promoting education for ethnic minorities in Bangladesh. Here the researcher applies a mixed method approach of social research where BRAC Education for Ethnic Children program is selected purposefully. Data is derived from BRAC field officials, EEC teachers, students and their guardians by using a set of questionnaire for officers and teachers, an interview schedule for guardians and focus group discussions with the students. Close observation is also employed in this study for better result. The findings show that BRAC plays pivotal roles to create opportunity for the ethnic children to access to basic education. About 94% of guardians and 96% of teachers are strongly agreed that BRAC Schools contribute positively a lot in education of tribal students in Bangladesh. Study also illustrates that sustaining quality of education and ensuring good governance in BRAC’s non-formal education is continuous efforts. BRAC field officials and teachers receive various kind of trainings related to governance and academic subjects of different grades and some special training to maintain teaching and education quality. Almost all group of respondents say that BRAC education has positive impact on their society. About 97% of guardians, 96% of teachers and 100% of POs think that people in the areas are more aware than before for BRAC school’s initiatives, which reduce or prevent early marriage in their regions. The findings lead to some recommendations which will give insights to policy makers and professionals engaged in this field.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An enquiry into the living conditions of Tea Garden workers of Bangladesh: a case study of Khan Tea Estate
    (BRAC University, 2016-08) Rahman, Afrazur; Ahmed, Dr. Nasiruddin
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A study on governance in procurement practices of Zila Parishad, Nilphamari
    (BRAC University, 2016-01) Rashid, Abdur; Khair, Dr. Rizwan
    Zila Parishad is one of the oldest institutions in Bangladesh. From the very beginning it plays important role to develop rural institutions like social, educational, religious etc. and rural communication network infrastructures like roads, bridges, culverts etc. To perform those service oriented activities Zila Parishad is engaged in procurement of goods and works from its journey in the region. In the year 1817 the then British Legislative Council passed the District Board Cess Committee bill and under this act District Board Cess Committee was formed in every district headed by the District Magistrate, which was the foundation of Zila Parishad. The duty of the committee was to collect tax and build roads. In 1885 selfgovernment act was passed, District Board was established in sixteen districts under this act, among them five were in Bangladesh (Dhaka, Jessor, Khulna, Faridpur and Pabna). In 1969 under Basic Democracy Order District Board was renamed as District Council. In that time there was district councils in all 19 districts. In 1976 Local Government Ordinance was passed and District council was renamed as Zila Parishad. Now there are three hill district Zila Parishads having different structure with more autonomy and other 61 districts have Zila Parishads with limited autonomy. In 2010, Administrators in 61 Zila Parishads have been nominated by the government, and all are ruling party leaders. Now Administrators are the chairmen of Zila Parishad Development Coordination Committee and Upazila Chairmen, UNOs and head of the different development departments are the members. The principal duty of all Zila Parishads is to develop rural infrastructures, i.e. all Zila Parishads are engaged in procurements. Quality of governance in Zila Parishads mostly depends upon the quality of procurement. But excessive administrative control, lack of human resources, training and experience, lack of transparency & accountability and illegal interference of local elites, mastans and politicians are the main barriers in establishing good governance in procurement practices of Zila Parishads. During study it has been seen that role of committee members is not effective. The present dissertation has tried to evaluate how far good governance is prevailing and what are the barriers in establishing good governance in the procurement practices of Zila Parishads, what is the outcome of the prevailing procurement practices in developing rural infrastructure and service delivery and whether the citizens are satisfied or not, and at the same time through analysis identified the prevailing problems in contract management, time management, cost management, quality management and quantity management.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Resource mobilization from non-traditional sources in South Khosbas Union Parishad : a case study
    (BRAC University, 2015-08) Khan, Afrin; Hossain, Dr. Akhter
    Union Parisad is the oldest and smallest institution among the local government institutions in Bangladesh. It has some traditional or formal and non formal sources of income. Local resource mobilization is one of the means which play a crucial role to increase the fund of UP and to improve the socio-economic conditions of the rural people. There are many way to accumulate fund from non formal sources of UP as well. But UP is institutionally weak to collect funds. There are also policies with progressive constitutional provisions, framework for strong and effective local government. Due to some ambiguity in the policy, lack of resource generation capacity, lack of coordination and collaboration with other government and non government organization, lack of institutionalization UP could not able to generate resource properly and perform the development activities for the rural poor. It was found that the people of the study area were very much aware about the sources of income of the UP and they are willing to pay the taxes. UP can utilize this positive motivation to mobilize the other local resources to raise the fund. This study is an effort mainly to find out the sources of non traditional sources of revenue generation of the Union parisad. The study has been conducted depending on primary sources. Moreover, different secondary information also incorporated in the study. There was intervention through a project in the village area implemented by the BARD and ETEA Foundation, Spain to strengthening UP and institutionalize the village organizations. By this effort additional source of revenue earning UP has made a fund to do the welfare of the people of the union and capable to bring confidence of the people to the UP. This effort was able to build up the capacity of Union Parishad and institutionalize village organizations to support the vulnerable sections of people for their livelihood development through people’s participation and ensuring good governance. Union Parishad is the most popular democratic institution at the grassroots level. Therefore, resource mobilization from non traditional sources through collaboration with GO’s, NGO’s at this level is crucial and deserves special attention for better service delivery to the rural area as well as build the capacity and strengthening the Union Parisad . This study tries to explore the various potential non traditional sources of income and its benefits. Study findings would immensely give some direction to make the Union Parisad more effective.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Maintenance of health and safety of women garment workers: a study of South East Textile (Pvt.) Limited
    (BRAC University, 2016-02) Begum, Nasima; Islam, Dr. Zohurul
    The Garment and textile sector in Bangladesh is in point of fact the lifeline for both urban and rural poor in terms that it is the only major labour demanding sector with huge employment generating potential. Half of the Bangladesh population is still dependent on agriculture, facing the worst poverty situations. There is a fast growing service sector and it contributes about 50 percent of GDP, but its contribution in employment is only 34.6 percent. Despite the phenomenal success of the RMG sector, poor working conditions in the factories and the lack of social compliance are other serious concerns. Recent massacre of Rana plaza and Tazreen Fashions reflects the untold story of Safety and Workplace Conditions in the garment and textile sector in Bangladesh. It has been the subject of much concern lately caused by several recent deadly disasters claiming hundreds of human lives and resulted in much debate, both in the country itself and internationally among stakeholders such as buying houses, producers, employers’ associations, trade unions, governments, and NGO’s. The research aim to figure out the unresolved issues regarding Health and safety status of the garments workers, states the necessity of Health & Safety policies in work place and attempts to provide a useful guideline for building proper Health & Safety plan for present garments manufactures& exporters.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Challenges and prospects of e-procurement in Bangladesh: a study on roads and highways department
    (BRAC University, 2016-02) Akando, Zaiful Islam; Hoque, SM Sanaul
    Purpose –The paper seeks to pursue the understanding of challenges and prospects of e-GP in Bangladesh. Methodology– The officers from procuring entity were asked to respond to a survey questionnaire. SPSS software was used to analyze data received from 50 respondents. Thirteen officers from Roads and Highways Department were interviewed to collect qualitative data. Focus group discussion was done with 10(Ten) bidders in order to identify prospects and challenges of e-GP. Findings Transparency: “Secrecy of bidder‟s information” and “Openness of information regarding procurement” has ensured after introducing e-Procurement. Good governance: Tender box snatching problem has solved by e-GP. Collusion among the bidders has reduced significantly after introducing e-GP. e-Procurement system has ensured to increase competition among the bidders. Efficiency: e-Procurement process is faster and easier than manual tender. Process improvement: e-Procurement increases availability of tender notice and necessary tender documents through online and thus it make sure the procurement process to be improved. Cost and time savings: Total Cost in e-GP system has reduced 77.35% as compared to manual tender. Total time in e-GP system has reduced 49.46% as compared to manual tender. Technological challenges: Internet speed, Uninterrupted access to e-GP server and Internet connectivity are technological challenges for proper implementation of e-Procurement. Administrative challenges: Computer knowledge of bidders and Training of contractors about e-GP are administrative challenges for proper implementation of e-Procurement. Bidders do not have adequate logistic support. It is difficult for bidders to buy computer, scanner, printer etc. Challenges of awareness: Awareness about e-Procurement is below “satisfactory” level. Challenges of security: Protection against computer virus and maintenance capability of e-GP system is below “satisfactory” level. Research limitations- Due to time and budget constraint, this study has not covered all the offices of RHD. This study has completed survey randomly in some offices of RHD in different district of Bangladesh. Practical implications– e-Procurement is a very important initiative with significant cost and time savings potential for Bangladesh. This study‟s findings can guide quick implementation of e-Procurement in Bangladesh.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Study of impact on surrounding livelihoods due to riverbank erosion: a case on Shibalaya’s Jamuna Bank of Manikganj
    (BRAC University, 2015-07) Halder, Prem Gopal; Rashid, Dr. Md. Shahedur
    The Jamuna is the lowest part of the Brahmaputra River. It enters into Bangladesh at Nageshwari Upazila of Kurigram district and ends at Aricha while confluenceing with the Ganges. It is the most dynamic among the rivers of Bangladesh and considered as the largest sand-bed braided rivers in the world which is complex and chaotic by nature. The annual erosion along the banks of this river is the highest among all the rivers in Bangladesh having a profound impact on the livelihoods of the riverine community of our country. Riverbank erosion is one of the most unpredictable, critical and complex type of disaster, that takes tolls less in lives but more in livelihood as agricultural land and homesteads along with other livelihood options that are evacuated. The study was conducted in three mauzas namely Char Ganga Prasad, Char Shibalaya and Kanaidia covering an area of 7.2 square kilometers of Shibalaya upazila of Manikganj district which is the most severe erosion phone area of Bangladesh. In this study an attempt was taken to find out the trends of riverbank erosion, its impact on major physical and cultural features of the study area and livelihoods of the people living along the banks of the river in association with difficulties arises from Riverbank Erosion (RBE). The study employed massive primary and secondary data sources to find out the impact of river erosion on livelihoods of the community people of this vulnerable char region. Primary data were collected through structured and semi-structured questionnaire from focal group discussion, key informant information and informal discussion with the local people of the study area to understand the adverse effects of bank erosion on the livelihoods of the surrounding peoples. On the other hand, tracking through Global Positioning System (GPS) along with mauza maps give the current bank line and image analysis from Google Earth gives the amount of area eroded for different time periods. A series of maps on RBE and land use pattern have been determined using GPS and GIS techniques. Google Earth Pro, ArcView GIS 3.3, ArcGIS 10.2.1, Excel and Microsoft word have been widely used for development of maps and data base on erosion and land use. Findings of the study indicates that from 1980 to 2015 almost 4.48 square kilometers i.e., 62.30% of 7.2 kilometers study area have been devoured by the Jamuna riverbank erosion which have profound impact on the livelihoods of the people living in this Char lands. Analysis of the percentage value of river erosion of my study area indicates that for the period of 1980 to 2006 average rate of erosion of this study area was less than1% of total study area per year. From January 2007 to January 2013 average rate of erosion was more than three percent per year. Drastic rate of erosion occurs for the last two and half year, from January 2013 to July 2015 when average rate of erosion was about 9% of my study area per year. Riverbank erosion contributes immensely to the marginalization process of a large number of people of my study area by loss of agricultural lands and homestead lands and adversely affecting their social and economic circumstances and affecting livelihood of the people of surrounding areas. Respondents living in my study area have experienced riverbank erosion 1-20 times in their lives. 96% of the respondents have lost their agriculture lands, 92% of the respondents have experienced homestead loss and 62% of the respondents have experienced loss of vegetable garden in their life. 90% have losses their households and 20% have lost their cattle. Due to these losses income level of the river eroded people has decreased drastically leaving the people of this study area in a miserable condition. Respondent’s monthly income is within the range of Tk.5000-Tk.10000. Due to low income their standards of living including expenditure on food, clothing, healthy life style, safe drinking water and education is minimal. The marginalized and poor people not only lost property but also experienced socioeconomic deprivation through frequent homestead loss and involuntary displacement. Because of the dynamic character of the braided channeled river and the failure of structural measures, the sufferings of the people continue. Although Government has taken some initiatives to lessen their resettlement problem by constructing “Ashrayan Project” (Rehabilitation Project for the vulnerable people) and some relief items for their livelihood improvement, it is very limited in comparison with needs. So, long-term policies and strategies are very much essential to cope up with bank erosion taking into account the social and institutional adjustment measures. Land relocation assurance is one of the appropriate strategies to cope up with this disaster. In addition, honest political and administrative culture is very much essential to lessen the vulnerability of riverbank erosion.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Public service delivery - role of Union Digital Center (UDC) and impact on improving governance and development : a case study of Narayanganj District, Bangladesh
    (BRAC University, 2015-09) Saleheen, Saroar Ahmed; Islam, Dr. Md. Zohurul
    This is the age of information and communication technology (ICT). ICT plays a vital role in everywhere in human life. In western country, development is mainly based on ICT. Without development of ICT infrastructure, it is not possible to develop in other sectors of a country. It has been seen in recent time, most of the countries in the world taking ICT as their main hub for making development. Their public service delivery is totally based on information and communication technology (ICT). As a result, general people are getting smooth and faster services from government and private sectors. Due to implementation of e-service delivery system in developed countries, rate of corruption is very low and on the other hand rate of growth is very high which inspired other developing countries like- Bangladesh to adopt ICT based e-service delivery system. The present government came to the power in 2008 National General election by declaring “Digital Bangladesh” in their election manifesto which inspired people to give their vote in favour of the party. After coming to the power, the present Awamileague government, formed Access 2 Information (A2I) and computer council with the financing from UNDP. Through the A2I, government already established 4509 Union Digital Centre (UDC) in 4509 Union parisad and 64 District e-service Centre in all districts. In addition to those, government also digitized all government and autonomous bodies and trained up manpower for eservice delivery to the people. For this study purpose, I have selected Narayanganj Sadar and Sonargaon Upazila as my study arena where I worked as Assistant Commissioner in DC office, Narayanganj. Data have been collected from 53 respondents (35 beneficiaries, 12 UDC entrepreneurs and 6 monitoring authority) who were very helpful and inter active. Union Digital Centre (UDC) is run by two entrepreneurs who are appointed by the monitoring authority Deputy Commissioner and trained up by A2I of Prime Minister’s Office. UDC is playing important role in providing e-services to the rural grass root people with minimum costs. It provides all sorts of government services like- TR / Kabikha information, passport form, birth registration certificate, printing facilities etc. Through the delivery of e-services to the general people, UDC minimizes gap between govt. and people. It also plays a significant role for establishing the framework of e-governance which ultimately will lead to good governance in Bangladesh. This study has attempted to assess the current status of e-service(s) and what would be the prospective of e-service(s) by minimizing gap. It has also endeavored to identify the barriers/challenges to adopt public e-service(s) in UDC. Due to time and resource constraints only selective areas of Narayanganj has been surveyed. The study is based on both literature review and questionnaire survey. Three types of questionnaire were prepared. One for supply side i.e. for officials of UDC, one for monitoring authority and another was for demand side i.e. customer of UDC. Questionnaire survey was conducted on total 53(fifty three) respondents. Of them, 12(twelve) were officials, 6 (six) were monitoring authority and the rest 35(thirty five) were customers of different unions in Narayanganj. The effectiveness of UDC about the e-service delivery largely depends upon the citizen’s satisfaction and infrastructure & logistic support. That is why, it is needed to improve the satisfaction level of rural people according to their desire. Moreover, it is also important to improve the infrastructure & logistic support for the purpose of smooth e-service delivery.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Wage pattern and livelihood of Tea garden laborer : a study on Loobacherra Tea Estate, Kanaighat, Sylhet, Bangladesh
    (BRAC University, 2015-07) Hossain, SM. Sohrab; Islam, Dr. Md. Zohurul
    Tea is the most important item to earn foreign currency. Bangladesh covers 2% of world tea production which earn US$25000000 every year. In Bangladesh there are 163 tea gardens. Most of the tea gardens are in greater Sylhet. In tea garden human rights of the tea laborer are being violating every day. In Bangladesh wage pattern of laborers in other sector is more or less satisfactory. The objectives of the study was to examine the social state including wage pattern , education, health, housing, family planning activities & sanitation of the tea garden laborers as well as to understand the economic conditions – livelihood pattern, income of the tea garden laborers. Both qualitative and quantitative method was used to conduct the research. Before data collection we discussed with management and tea laborer union about their wage pattern and livelihood. The study was conducted with the help of structured questionnaire. Mixed methodology was followed in our study. In this study 78.99% of total laborers of the research garden were interviewed. Key findings are as follows: Length of service of 50.8% respondents is above 41years. 26.60% respondents are of 3-4 years. But wages are same at all age level. 36.9% respondent are illiterate, 13.5% have primary edycation. 49.6% respondents are only literate(able to put their signature or write their name). Family member’s profession of 96% of total respondents is day laborer. Laborers in tea garden are not satisfied with the wages they are getting. In Bangladesh minimum wage(monthly) in oil mill is BDT7420, re-rolling mill BDT6100, foundry BDT5100, ship breaking BDT4645, ayurvedic unit BDT4320, pharmaceuticles BDT3645, RMG BDT3000 though in a ‘A’ category tea garden monthly wage rate of permanent laborer is BDT1656, in ‘B’ category, BDT1608 and C category BDT1584. So wage of the tea laborer are minimum or below the mark throughout the country as well as abroad. Perhaps these wages rate is the lowest in the world. The study found that tea laborers are getting barren paddy land as ration with which they are not satisfied at all. 98.40% respondents are dissatisfied with weekly ration. 90% respondents are dissatisfied with weekly wages. Only 9.10% are agreed with the existing wages to some extent. 93.60% are dissatisfied with sanitation facilities, 90.90% are not satisfied with scope for children education, 68.70% are are dissatisfied with job security, 63.90% are not satisfied with employer attitude, 92.80% are dissatisfied with job, 99.20% are dissatisfied with family planning activities, 99.60% are dissatisfied with housing facilities. 90.10 % are dissatisfied with medical facilities. They are using unhygienic drinking water. So human rights are being violating in the tea garden by the employers. Labour law of Bangladesh is being violated. Since laborers are not satisfied with wages including fringe benefit, they are not attentive in increasing productivity which hampers the country’s economic growth. It can be improved the scenario of wage pattern and livelihood of tea garden laborer by taking into account the mentioned recommendation of the study by the policy makers. Appropriate implementation of the mentioned recommendation can improve the human rights of tea laborer as well as economic growth of this country.