As Bangladesh rises from a least developed nation to developing nation, a unique policy effort emerges, pointing the route to a more inclusive and compassionate society. The government-announced Universal Pension Scheme is a light of hope, representing not just financial security for the elderly but also the first step toward the realization of the dream of a comprehensive welfare state.
The concept of a universal pension system stems from the realization that, as the average lifetime of residents rises, the fixed retirement age provides obstacles to maintaining a dignified lifestyle after leaving the workforce. It seems that the era of state expansion has come to an end. At its core, it is a worry about the future affordability of government spending in an older society mixed with a protracted, maybe permanent, financial crisis aftertaste.
You Can Also Read: UNMASKING THE US DOUBLE STANDARDS ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Bangladesh, whose population is rapidly aging, cannot afford to ignore the demands of its senior citizens. The program, which aims to offer a monthly stipend to persons over the age of 60, reflects the government’s dedication to safeguarding the well-being of all its citizens, particularly in their older years. The first crucial step taken by the Universal Pension Scheme is to extend its arms to include all people without exception.
In a country where the informal sector is a substantial source of employment, it is encouraging to note that this program intends to cover both government and private sector employees. It acknowledges their contributions to the nation’s progress by bringing individuals who have been neglected for a long time into the social security umbrella. This diversity demonstrates the government’s dedication to closing the economic gap and fostering a more egalitarian society.
The pragmatic approach taken by the government in ensuring a smooth transition from voluntary participation to mandatory registration highlights the complexity of executing such a plan. The success of past national programs, such as the NID card and coronavirus vaccination campaigns, serves as a model for effective registration and extensive involvement. Additionally, we must learn from industries such as mobile banking, which utilize digital technology to provide financial services in rural places.
A similar strategy can ensure that senior citizens, regardless of their geographic location, have easy access to their pension assets. However, the success of the plan depends on gaining the residents’ trust. Historically, pension systems have been hampered by bureaucratic complications, leaving pensioners unsatisfied. Consequently, a digital dashboard-based monitoring system coupled with open communication can help reestablish trust.
This method can give precise, real-time information on pension contributions, investments, and distributions. The pensions that individuals get through this program ought to be a tribute to strong government and precise planning, fostering in them a sense of pride in belonging to such a system.
There are two economic benefits of the Universal Pension Scheme. First, it ensures a steady income for senior folks, protecting them from destitution during their most vulnerable years. Second, it has the ability to drive economic expansion. As long as they have a dependable source of income, retirees can continue to support local economies by making purchases, investing, and patronizing local businesses. This virtuous loop improves both individual lives and the national economy, resulting in a win-win situation.
This scheme’s conception represents a larger philosophical trend toward a welfare state. Unquestionably, partial social safety net measures have contributed to poverty reduction, but a universal pension plan represents a transition from targeted to complete efforts. It adheres to the ideas of inclusiveness and solidarity, which are important to a welfare state. This attempt is founded on the notion that every citizen, regardless of background or occupation, deserves a dignified existence in their later years.
In traveling towards a welfare state, it is necessary to handle a number of obstacles and factors. For instance, since tax revenue covers the majority of the national budget, Bangladesh also has one of the lowest budget-to-GDP ratios globally. A low tax-to-GDP ratio means that the government has less money to work with. Additionally, the lack of funding is reflected in actual usage.
The Government has already had to make cuts to other social security programmes due to its limited financial resources. As an illustration, the share of social security payments in the budget for FY 2022–23 dropped from 5% of the entire budget to 4.9% this year. The government needs a backup plan to come up with ways to dramatically increase contributions to a public pension system in light of these shortcomings.
Encouragement of private sector participation, particularly within the setting of an informal economy, requires strategic motivation as opposed to coercion. NGOs, academics, the media, and other stakeholders should collaborate to campaign for and ensure the success of the scheme. The processes should be flexible and user-friendly, supporting the varying demands of residents from all walks of life.
In addition, the scheme should not be viewed as a separate effort, but rather as part of a larger strategy. It can combine with existing social safety-net programs to maximize impact by utilizing technology and insights. It is good that the government intends to establish a regulatory authority to oversee the program since this will provide the required control and oversight for its effective operation.
Sheikh Hasina, the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, demonstrates her visionary leadership via the implementation of this Universal Pension Scheme. Her dedication to the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their age, occupation, or origin, demonstrates her profound knowledge of the nation’s changing requirements.
The wisdom and commitment of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have moved Bangladesh toward becoming a more inclusive and compassionate society. Her involvement as the initiative’s architect displays not just her sharp policy acumen, but also her unwavering determination to raise the living conditions of every Bangladeshi. The Universal Pension Scheme exemplifies her people-centered approach and unshakable commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all, marking a historic stride towards a welfare state that symbolizes her vision for a brighter future for Bangladesh.
The Universal Pension Scheme is a vital thread in the broad tapestry of socioeconomic development. It embodies the principles of compassion, solidarity, and inclusiveness that serve as the basis of a welfare state. As the scheme evolves, its lessons will definitely inform the development of future initiatives that together enhance our nation’s social fabric.
The vision of a Bangladesh in which every citizen can age with dignity and security is attainable, and the Universal Pension Scheme is the crucial first step on this transformative path. It augurs a future in which policy innovation and human compassion coexist, laying the groundwork for an equal and prosperous society.
