Local think-tank Unnayan Onneshan has said that the government is reducing the budgetary allocation for poverty reduction at the rate of 1.56 per cent in last five years.
In the latest economic update in May the research organisation urges for adoption of creative social policy framework to address the increased migration, youth unemployment and informalisation of the workforce.
According to the UO data, the total allocation in poverty reduction constitutes 59.59 per cent in the financial year 2008-09, 55.92 per cent in the FY10, 56.67 per cent in the FY11, 50.60 per cent in the FY12, 52.67 per cent in the FY13 and 51.79 per cent in the FY14 of total budget outlay.
The research organisation also calls for labour-intensive restructuring of the economy, facilitation of skill development of the labour force and bringing about appropriate changes in labour market policies in the economy.
The increasing rate of unemployment coupled with low rate of wage is dragging the population below the poverty line in the country, the UO said.
The number of unemployed population increased at an annual rate of 5.29 per cent during the period of 2000-2010 and increased from 1.70 million in 2000 to 2.60 million in 2010, it mentioned.
‘If the current trend continues without active actions, the UO projects that total unemployed population may increase to 3.3 million by 2015,’ the think-tank said.
Underemployment is high in rural areas and among the female labour force, the UO said.
‘In 2010, underemployed labour constitutes 22.67 per cent in the rural areas compared to 12.40 per cent in the urban areas and 34.15 per cent of female workers compared to 14.40 per cent of male workers. Of the total number of underemployed labour force, nearly 47 per cent were female,’ it said.
-With New Age input
