App helps monitor irregularities over rice for the ultra poor in Mymensingh

During this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, the media often publishes reports on irregularities and corruption over rice for the ultra poor at Tk 10 per kilogramme. The poor are often being deprived while making the list.

In an attempt to curb the irregularities and corruption in the government's aid activities under social security programmes, the Mymensingh district administration has launched an easy-to-use mobile app.

Mizanur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of Mymensingh, introduced the district-wide programme from May 8.

The app has been created with an easy-to-use method for all classes of people. The deprived ultra poor will also get the benefits of various government aid activities by preventing irregularities, he said.

The app, called 'Community Inspection Tool', can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. At first, one makes an area selection where there are options from division to ward. Then, the list of names and each name has a complaint button. If someone sees irregularities occurring, the person can file a complaint on condition of anonymity, the district administration said.

Phulpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam said that as soon as a complaint is received, the chairman and UP member of the concerned area are informed.  It is also monitored by an officer called a 'tag officer'.

Phulpur Upazila Youth Development Officer Abul Bashar, who is also a tag officer of this activity, said there were complaints that someone has died, not been poor or living abroad, or more than one person from the same family in the list of beneficiaries.

 "After investigating the allegation, I informed the Upazila Nirbahi Officer. If the facts are true, the names of the destitute are included in the list, '' Abul Bashar said.

As nothing is hidden for the apps, those who are involved are being careful in making the list.

Baitkandi Union Chairman Alauddin Ahmed said, "Often we have to rely on others to make the list. So, sometimes a bit goes wrong. However, through the app, we fix the complaint quickly. ''

Abdul Aziz, a worker of Trishal Upazila, said the real helpless people are getting opportunities through the app. They can easily see the list of beneficiaries in a respective area.

Mymensingh District Commissioner Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, the initiator of the system, said the apps would be used in all aid activities under the social security programme.

It increases the transparency of the aid programmes as well as makes it easier to take action against those involved in irregularities, he added.

Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujon)'s  Mymensingh city  secretary Ali Yusuf said if the app is spread across the country at the government's initiative, accountability will increase, and irregularities and corruption will decrease as well.