We are kept in the dark about development programmes, VGF card distribution and other activities in our areas.

This was the common allegation of all women Union Parishad members in Gaibandha Sadar upazila, raised at a meeting with the UP chairmen. The meeting was arranged by a local NGO-- Samaj Kalian Sangstha--, held at Buali UP office on Wednesday.

The women UP members told the meeting that they are not assigned any responsibility relating to development activities by the local governments.

Presided over by Salma Begum, member Boali UP, the meeting was addressed by, among others, Bandhana Rani, Member of Shahapara UP, Azadi Brgum of Ramchandrapur, Nur Banu Akhter Nuri of Kuptola, Rashida Begum of Kholahati and Shahinur Begum of Boali UP.

They alleged at the meeting that despite repeated appeals, chairmen of the 13 UPs under Gaibandha sadar upazila are yet to complete lists of the poor for VGD programmes though the last date for submission lists expired on November 30.

Meanwhile, irregularities in

preparation of VGD lists is being alleged from different areas, they said.

The government allocated 2,925 VGD cards among for the 13 unions and the upazila officials ordered preparation of the lists through a committee. But ignoring the order, the UP parishad chairmen are preparing lists as per their sweet will, the speakers alleged.

The said as per notification of the local government ministry women members should be responsible for 50 per cent of VGD work of total allocation. But the chairmen did not pay heed to the instruction.

They demanded rescheduling of work by Ups, particularly for women members.

Even the women UP members do not get any notice for meeting on different issues including relief work and distribution of VGF cards.

Complaints were lodged wit the Upazila Nirbahi Officer several times to address the issues, but to no effect, they said.

As per rule, women members should be assigned to implement one third projects under ADB allocation, but the chairmen keep them in the dark, they alleged.