Development of Hi-Tech Parks and Startup Culture
169. Digital economy has flourished as a result of the implementation of Digital Bangladesh. Exports in the ICT sector have already exceeded US$1.4 billion. 39 Hi-Tech parks/IT incubationare being set up across the country. Business activities are taking place in nine parks. These parks have so far received about Tk. 2 thousand crore as domestic-private investment and about 439 million US$ as foreign investment. Startup Bangladesh Ltd, IDEA project and Bangabandhu Innovation Grant (BIG) have been established to inspire innovation. As a result of taking such initiatives by the government, the startup ecosystem is gradually developing across the country.At present, there are more than 2,500 startups in the country. About 15 lakh people have been directly and indirectly employed in the startup sector. Our future plan is to increase exports in ICT sector to US$5 billion and IT-based employment to thirty lakh by 2025 and to execute this plan, adequate budget is being allocated for this sector.
Physical Infrastructure
Madam Speaker
Power and Energy
170. Large-Scale socio-economic development activities have been undertaken for smooth implementation of the Master Plan that Bangladesh has adopted for her transition to aUpperMiddle-income Country by 2031 and a High-income Country by 2041. It needs no further emphasis that, the demand for power and energy will gradually increase as we move on to implement the plan. One of the major goals of the government is to ensure high-quality power and energy resources in order to meet the rising demand. The government is committed to providing electricity access for all, and to ensuring uninterrupted and sustainable power supply across the country.
Success in Power Generation
171. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the government to increase power generation over the last 13 years, the total power generation capacity of the country, including captive and renewable energy, has recently increased to 25,566 MW. I am happy to announce that 100 percent of the population has now access to electricity. This success is attributable to integrated generation, transmission and distribution approach followed by the government keeping in mind the commemoration of the Mujib Borsho. Over the last 13 years, we have been able to increase per capita power generation from 220 kWh to 560 kWh. During the same period, 5,213 circuit kilometers of transmission line and 3,36000 kilometers of distribution line have been constructed. System loss in power distribution has also been reduced from 14 percent to 8 percent.
172. At present, 34 Power Plants with a capacity of 13,530 MW are under construction. Considering the availability of land, energy transportation facilities and load centres, mega projects are being implemented at Payra, Maheshkhali and Matarbari, transforming the region as a power hub. Among them, the commercial production of 1,320 MW thermal power plant at Payra has been inaugurated by the Honorable Prime Minister recently. On the other hand, construction of Rampal 1,320 MW coal-based Maitri Super Thermal Project, Matarbari1,200 MW ultra-super critical coal project is running in full swing. 2,400 MW nuclear power plant project is under implementation at Rooppur with Russian assistance. Moreover, around 780 MW of electricity is being generated from renewable energy sources. With a view to generating 10 percent of country’s total demand from renewable energy, emphasis has been laid on solar power generation. With the implementation of these projects, it will be possible to ensure quality electricity supply to all in near future.
173. The government is also emphasizing on the development of transmission system to ensure uninterrupted power supply. On completion of construction works, both the Payra- Gopalganj 400 KV double circuit transmission line and Gopalganj- Rampal 400 KV transmission line have already been commissioned. In addition, Mongla- Khulna (South) 230 KV transmission line has been constructed. The foundation work of the Padma river crossing section of Gopalganj- Aminbazar 400 KV transmission line is going on which is 7.5 km long with 7 towers. 6 transmission lines of 400 KV and 230 KV voltage are being constructed for power evacuation of Rooppur nuclear power plant.
Ensuring Energy Security
174. As mentioned earlier, with the pace of socioeconomic development of the country, the demand for energy is also increasing rapidly. A large part of the demand is being met mainly by natural gas. Of the 28 gas fields discovered in country, 20 are currently in operation. In 2009, gas production in the country was 1, 788 million cubic feet, which has now increased to 2,525 million cubic feet. Besides, to meet the increasing demand for gas, 600-753 million cubic feet of imported LNG or liquefied natural gas is being added to the national grid daily. On the other hand, to meet the increasing demand for fuel in the country, ERL Unit-2 project for enhancing the refining capacity of Eastern Refinery Limited by 30 lakh tons, has been undertaken. After implementation of project, the refining capacity of Eastern Refinery Limited will be increased to 45 lakh MT per annum.
175. I propose to allocate Tk. 26,066 crore for the Power Division and Energy and Mineral Resources Division in the budget for next fiscal year, which was Tk. 27,484 crore in the current fiscal year.
Communication Infrastructure
Madam Speaker
176. The government is always striving to develop a safe, sustainable, environment- friendly and affordable communication infrastructure for building Bangladesh as a modern and developed country. To this end, we are working for building an effective domestic and international communication network through integrated investment in roads, bridges, railway, water and air transport.
Road Transport
177. Implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) in Dhaka city is in progress to strengthen road safety, reduce traffic congestion and to develop affordable public transport system. In the last 13 years, the government has implemented 357 road development projects and taken up 448 new projects. At the same time, 173.20 km of National Highways have been upgraded to 4-lane or above. Works are also underway to upgrade 914.84 km of Highway to 4 lanes or above. Recently, construction of the Dhaka-Bhanga Expressway and the Gazipur- Tangail 6-lane road have been completed and opened to traffic. Besides, works for upgradation of the Alenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur highway and Chattagram-Cox’s Bazar highway to 4 lanes are almost completed. Construction work has also begun to upgrade the Dhaka-Sylhet highway to 4 lanes. At present, 26 projects under the Road Transport and Highways Division are being implemented.
Mass Rapid Transit in Dhaka Metropolitan City
178. The government has adopted a time-bound Action Plan to build an integrated metrorail system of 129.901 km (68.729 km long elevated and 61.172 km long underground) with 105 stations (52 surface and 53 underground) under the Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) comprising 6 metro rail lines to reduce traffic congestion and improve the environment of the Dhaka metropolitan city and surrounding areas by 2030. Following this action plan, the construction of the first ever metro rail system from Uttara 3rd phase to Motijheel, which will be 20.10 km long with 16 stations, is at the final stage. In the meantime, Metrorail has completed its trial run from Uttara 3rd Depo to Agargaon successfully. This part is set be launched for commercial use by December 2022. The remaining part from Agargaon to Motijheel is expected to go on commercial operation by December 2023. Later on, it will be extended 1.16 km from Motijheelto Kamlapur. Besides, detailed design works of Southern Route of MRT Line-5 and Northern Route of MRT Line-1 are about to be completed. Hopefully, the construction of MRT Line-1 will start from July 2022. Moreover, the government has also taken up a plan to introduce MRT system in Chattogram city.
Implementing Mega Projects of Bridges and Elevated Expressways
Madam Speaker
179. With a view to building transport and communication systems that support industry and trade in the country, the government is implementing a number of mega projects, one of which is the Padma Bridge. As a result of the bold steps taken by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, it has been possible to complete the construction work of the 6.15 km long Padma Bridge with the own funds of the Government of Bangladesh. The bridge is expected to be opened to traffic on June 25, 2022, which will lead to an unprecedented improvement in the communication system connecting the capital with the southern part of the country. Another project, construction of 3.32 km Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel under the Karafuli River, is about to be completed and the tunnel is expected to be opened to traffic by December 2022. In addition, the construction of 46.73 km Elevated Expressway from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Kutubkhali on the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway isin progress. About 78.94 percent construction work of the first part (Airport-Banani) has already been completed. The physical progress of the entire project is 43.60 percent. On the other hand, 69 percent of construction of 20 km Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane from Gazipur to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has been completed. In addition, construction of Bus Rapid Transit from the Airport to Mohakhali is under consideration.
180. Land acquisition for 24 km Dhaka-Ashulia Elevated Expressway project from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Savar EPZ via Ashulia is underway. Besides, feasibility study for construction of a bridge over Meghna river on Bhulta-Araihazar-Bancharampur road, construction of Kalabadar and Tetulia bridges on Barisal-Bhola road, a two-story road from Mithamoin Cantonment to Marichkhali in Karimganjupazila of Kishoreganj district are underway. Besides, feasibility study for construction of a tunnel under the Jamuna river is going on. Steps are being taken to build more Elevated Expressways and large bridges integrating the ongoing bridges, flyovers and tunnels.
Master Plan for the Development in the Railway Sector
181. Considering the importance of the Bangladesh railway as comfortable, affordable, safe and low-cost transport for passengers and goods, the government has taken a range of steps to ensure balanced and integrated development of the sector. As part of the 30-year revised Master Plan (2016-2045) of the Bangladesh Railway, steps have been taken for connecting Dhaka with Cox’s Bazar, Mongla Port, Tungipara, Barisal, Chattogram Hill Tracts and other parts of the country under the railway network. The initiatives included in the plan are: establishing Trans-Asian Railway and Regional Railway Network and connecting important cities with nearest suburbs by introducing modern commuter train service. Under this master plan, 230 projects will be implemented in 6 phases at a cost of Tk. 5,50,000 crore.
182. Under the 8thFive-Year Plan, comprehensive steps will be taken forconstruction of 798.09 km of new railway lines, 897 km of dual gauge/double railway lines parallel to existing railway lines, renovation of 846.51 km of railway lines, construction of 9 important railway bridges, other infrastructural development including level crossing gates, construction of domestic Container Depo, building and modernisation of workshop, procurement of 160 locomotives, 1,704 passenger coaches,modern maintenance equipment, improvement of signaling system at 222 stations and, strengthening of railway management. The overall progress of Padma Multipurpose Rail Link Project is 58 percent while the overall progress of construction work of the double track dual gauge railway bridge on the river Jamuna is 40 percent. Moreover, 71 percent construction work of the single line dual gauge track fromDohazari to Cox’s Bazar via Ramu and from Ramu to Gundum, near Myanmar border, has been completed. In addition, approximately 90 percent work of the Khulna-Mongla railway project has been completed. Construction work of Rupsha Rail Bridge is nearly completed. The government has also taken initiatives to build railway line from Bhanga in Faridpur to Payra port via Barishal and Patuakhali to connect Payra Port with Padma Rail Link.
Development of Trade-Friendly Waterways and Ports
183. To increase the efficiency of domestic and international land, river and seaports, the government has been carrying out modernisation and renovation work of the navigable routes and ports to ensure uninterrupted transport of passengers and goods. Necessary equipment for safe navigation of commercial ships arriving at and departing from the Chattogram Port has been procured and digital berthing system has been introduced. To expand the Chattogram seaport and to upgrade it to a world-class one, construction of the Bay Terminal on the coast of Patenga-Halishahar adjacent to the port is underway. After completion ofthe Bay Terminal, the turn- around time of vessels at the Port will be reduced to 24-36 hours from the present 2.6 days. In addition, in order to cope with the future demand for international trade, the construction of first deep seaport is going on in full swing at Matarbari. Ships with 16 meter draft and the capacity of 8,000 TEU containers will be able to dock at the port. Large ships carrying construction equipment of power plants have already started docking there. Dredging work has been completed to keep the Mongla Port Channel operational and suitable for ships with 10.5 meter draft. Necessary works are underway to turn Payra into a world class seaport. In addition, evacuation work is also going on to keep all the waterways of the country navigable.
Fleet Expansion and Airport Development
184. The government has taken various steps to build an air transport system to international standard. Considering the passengers’ demand, flights of Bangladesh Biman to Maldives and Toronto, Canada, have been launched this year. To complete the third terminal of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by 2023, construction work is well in progress. Runway expansion and Completed the construction of new terminal building are going on in full swing at Cox’s Bazar Airport to upgrade it to an international airport. Projects are being formulated to upgrade Syedpur Airport to an international airport and to build a regional hub there. In addition, renovation and development of infrastructure, runways, taxiways, hangers and import-export storage sheds at other domestic and international airports in the country are underway.
185. For the transport and communication sector, I propose to allocate a total of Tk. 81,518 crore in the budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which was Tk. 72,029 crore in the current fiscal year 2021-2022.
Women Empowerment and Child Development
Madam Speaker
Gender Equality in Society and Women’s Empowerment
186. In continuation of the Seventh Five Year Plan, we are implementing various activities for establishing a gender inclusive society and empowering women following the strategies worked out in the 8th Five Year Plan. As a result, Bangladesh is ina better position internationally in terms of political, economic and social empowerment of women and elimination of gender inequality index. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2021, Bangladesh ranks 65th out of 153 countries in the world in the Gender Inequality Index, which is the highest in South Asia; this speaks of the government’s overall success in women’s development and in eliminating gender inequality. We are working to make the position of women at a satisfactory level in terms of participation in economic activities and entitlement to benefits. In the next budget, we will give importance to the skill development of young women, especially in professional and technical fields. In addition, we will consider on a priority basis activities such as adopting effective and robust institutional strategies for gender equality and women empowerment, allocating adequate funds and manpower to bring the gender issue into the mainstream and increasing skilled manpower in technology.
187. Following the commitments articulated in the Eighth Five Year Plan, the government is implementing various development activities to enhance the human capacity of women, their participation in economic activities and their entitlements to the benefits, increase the infrastructure and communication services for women to ensure their voice and representation and strengthen institutional capacity. TotthoApa: Empowerment of Women through Information and Communication Technology, Adolescent Club Establishment Project, Multi-Sectoral Programme for Prevention of Violence against Women, Income Generation Training Project for Women at Upazila (sub-district) Level, Development of Women Entrepreneurs for Economic Empowerment and Joyeeta Tower Construction Project are notable among them. The implementation of these activities will play a significant role in empowering women and eliminating gender inequality and in the human development of adolescents. Micro-credit activities are being carried out to improve the socio-economic condition of rural poor and helpless women for poverty alleviation and affording opportunities for self-employment. Loan disbursement is going on in 488 Upazilas of 64 districts on a revolving basis with the allotted funds.
Protected Children
188. The government has been continuing its efforts to establish the rights of the children and integrate them into the mainstream of their overall development. We are also giving importance in the forthcoming budget on providing essential healthcare, ensuring availability of food and nutrition, ensure access to education, training and development for the children. Necessary steps will be taken to impart healthcare knowledge among adolescents. We are taking into account the nutrition-sensitive approach and the priority of poor families including children in social security programmes. The government is working to ensure strict implementation of the previously enacted ‘Child Marriage Prohibition Act 2017’, ‘Digital Security Act 2018’ and ‘Prevention of Violence against Women and Children (Amendment) Act-2020’. In addition, the Child Day Care Centre Act, 2021 has been enacted for the daycare and safety of the children of working women and in the meantime, Child Care Centres have been set up in 6,160 industrial factories and establishments across the country.
189. To implement the strategic objectives of the government for women’s empowerment and child welfare, we have given importance to five areas in the forthcoming budget. These include food assistance for vulnerable mothers (VGD) programmes, mother and child benefit programmes on life-cycle basis, child development centres and adolescent empowerment programmes, technical, vocational, income-generating and productive training for women and prevention of violence against women.
190. For the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, I am proposing to allocate Tk.4,290 crore in the budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which wasTk. 4,190 crore in the fiscal year 2021-2022.
Planned Urbanization and Housing
Madam Speaker
191. The Government is working on planned urbanisation and housing, management of parks and water bodies, elimination of traffic congestion and waterlogging and realization of the right to shelter. The preparation of Detailed Area Plan (DAP) by RAJUK for the periods from 2016 to 2035 is at the final stage. Besides, an earthquake vulnerability assessment for the buildings situated in Dhaka city is going on under the Urban Resilience Project. A study project titled "Preparation of Chattogram Metropolitan Master Plan (2020-2041)" is being implemented by Chattogram Development Authority. Rajshahi Development Authority has prepared a master plan to be implemented in four stages in 20 years. Besides, the drafting of the ‘Urban and Regional Planning Act’ is underway aimed at planned urbanisation.
192. Under the project of excavation and development of 100 feet canals on both sides of Kuril-Purbachal Link Road in Dhaka, a 12.3 km long 14-lanes road is being constructed which includes 5 at-grade intersections, 13 arch bridges and 4 underpasses and widening of 6 bridges. Besides, construction of a 6.18 km long road with 4 bridges, spanning from Notun Bazar area of Dhaka to the Balu River along Madani Avenue is going on under RAJUK. Cleaning and re-excavation of 35 canals are underway in Chattogram to help relieve the city from waterlogging. Construction of a 16.50 km flyover from Lalkhanbazar to Shah Amanat Airport in Chattogram is also underway. In addition, the construction of 15.20 km ring road project to reduce traffic congestion in Chattogram city is nearing completion.
193. The use of modern and eco-friendly blocks, as an alternative to bricks, is being encouraged to ensure sustainable development. Besides, work is underway to build a pilot plant for making eco-friendly ‘Autoclave Aerated Concrete Panel’. As a result, we expect that the implementation of the government’s policy of reducing the use of bricks to zero by 2025 will be accelerated. In addition, steps have been taken for ensuring the use of rapid building construction technology in line with the construction engineering practiced in the developed world, preferring high-rise buildings to ensure optimal use of land, making the construction industry modern and sustainable through the maximum use of local materials, technologies and skilled manpower, bringing old government buildings under earthquake resistance system (seismic retrofitting) according to the needs and importance, making all government buildings environment-friendly, energy-efficient and rich with green technologies by minimizing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the use of renewable energy.
Construction of Houses for the Homeless
194. In order to bring the backward citizens into the mainstream, we are building houses for them and transferring the ownership of lands permanently at free of cost. With the sincere participation of people from different classes and professions of the society, this special initiative of the Government has turned into a social movement in Mujib Barsho. Similarly, for the development of ethnic minorities living in the plainland, houses with similar design and estimated cost from the Ashrayon-2 project have been constructed on the occasion of Mujib Barsho for the homeless small minority families under the ‘Development Assistance for Special Areas’ programme. Houses have also been provided, through this project, to the families living in the three hill districts.On the occasion of Mujib Barsho, funds have been earmarked for the construction of a total of 1,83,157 semi-pucca single houses, each built on two decimal khaas land allocated to each family; thus 62,011 families have been receiving shelters under the Ashrayan project, 1,13,557 families through the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief and 7,589 families through the Guchchhogram (CVRP) project of the Ministry of Land. Providing a home to a landless family has not only created the immense opportunity for them to break out from the vicious cycle of poverty, but also given a homeless family the opportunity to be included in the facilities such as safe housing, education, health, sanitation, potable water, women’s empowerment or women’s rights.
Sports, Culture and Religion
Madam Speaker
195. The government has been constructing and developing various sports infrastructures including modern stadiums, gymnasiums and swimming pools with the aim of improving the quality of sports and augmenting sports opportunities. There are 8 ongoing projects in FY2021-2022 for construction and development of sports infrastructure, one of which is the ‘Construction of Sheikh Russell Mini Stadium at Upazila level’ project. Side by side, training for the players by skilled and experienced coaches with the aim of producing skilled players, improving the quality of rural sports and provision of long-term trainings for talented players selected through sports talent search. In addition, regular financial grants and sports equipment are being allocated to various sportsfederations/associations/organisations for organising sports events and participating in domestic and international sports events. The Sheikh Kamal National Sports Council Award has been introduced to promote the sports, which is being awarded to the eminent athletes/organisers.
196. The government is working for the preservation of the non-communal democratic heritage of Bengali culture and for creative development and expansion of national languages, literature, art, music and drama. Funds are being allocated regularly for the development of indigenous culture and cultural heritage, research, exhibition and publication nurturing the spirit of the liberation war and contemporary art and literature, identification, excavation, renovation, preservation and exhibition of archaeological sites, giving copyright protection to the creative works and observing the historical 7 March, providing EkusheyPadak and observing national days including the Bangla New Year. Financial assistance is being provided to insolvent cultural activists and cultural institutions every fiscal year. With the help of information technology, digital preservation and management of films has been introduced in place of traditional methods. Bangladesh Film Artists Welfare Trust has been formed in 2021 for the welfare of film artists.
197. We have introduced ‘e-Hajj Management’ to modernize the Hajj management system. In addition, for smooth and efficient management of approved Hajj and Umrah agencies, the License Management System Platform and ‘Agency Profile Management System’ have been introduced. The Hajj and Umrah Management Act, 2021 has been framed to ensure transparency and accountability in Hajj management. Work is underway to establish 560 model mosques and Islamic cultural centres in all districts and upazilas of Bangladesh of which 100 are planned to be inaugurated in FY2021-2022 and another 100 in FY2022-2023. A project has been taken up for renovation and development of 2,595 mosques, 2,526 graveyards, and 2,560 Eidgahs of public importance. The government is working, through the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Welfare Trusts, for the welfare of concerned communities and also to ensure overall social welfare, communal harmony, and peaceful social order. Allocations are being made, through the Hindu Welfare Trust, to help the poor and to celebrate the Durga Puja, the main religious festival of the Hindus. Funds are being provided for the treatment of monks or shamans in Buddhist monasteries and also other helpless people. For the Christians, grants are allocated from the profits of their Trust Endowment Fund for the construction, renovation, repair and development of churches/cemeteries/religious institutions, and financial assistance are also provided from the relief and welfare fund of the Hon’ble Prime Minister for the celebration of Christmas.
Chapter Eight
Reform and Good Governance
Madam Speaker
198. Although the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic stagnated the global economy, Bangladesh could keep up the pace of development by adopting timely and far-sighted policies and strategies. To sustain this trend and to harness its benefits, it is essential to take forward the reforms for establishing good governance. This is why we have been initiating and implementing various reform measures. I would like to highlight here some of the reform initiatives taken by our government in various sectors.
Private Sector Development
199. The private sector is the main driving force for the development of any country. The government has, therefore, taken various steps to make the private sector adaptable to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.Government incentives and advisory services are being strengthened to enable large industries to adopt appropriate technologies to meet the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and create more employment opportunities.In addition, the government continues to provide various incentives and loan assistance to increase the capacity of small and medium enterprises.
200. The government is working to promote the development of private sector and to attract investment. A One-Stop Service portal has been set up to provide investment-related services from a single platform. Investment-related services of various companies are being added to the portal in phases. With the aim of providing 150 investment-related services by 39 agencies through the One-Stop Service Portal, currently, as many as 58 services by 19 agencies are being provided. The remaining services will be added to the portal soon. The implementation activities of Customs Bonded Automation are in progress and will be completed soon. In addition, steps will be taken to simplify the renewal process of Bond Licenses.
Automation of Land Management and Land Registration Process
201. The government has taken steps to complete quickly and timely the e-mutation in land management, collection of land development tax online, and distribution of ledger and mouza map through the postal department. The e-mutation activities have been introduced in a total of 487 Upazila and Circle Land Offices and 3,617 Union Land Offices across the country, except in three hill districts. This has reduced time, cost, travel, suffering and harassment of the people. Service Portal (land.gov.bd) or Call Center (16122) or Union Digital Center (UDC) has been launched. It is because of these interventions, landowners at any time from any part of the world can get QR code enriched receipts instantly for paying land development tax online. Bangladesh has recently been awarded prestigious “World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)” for successfully implementing the online Land Development Tax System. Steps have been taken to deliver e-Record of Right (ROR) called Khatian to the citizens through the Bangladesh Postal Department. Moreover, arrangements have been made to get printed Records of Rights immediately by setting up kiosks in various populated places. A call center has been set up through which people can lodge any complaints and receive any services related to land.
202. Steps have been taken to establish a link between e-registration and e-mutation system to simplify land service and improve its quality. As a result, sub-registrars will be able to verify the land records from the Digital Record Room System online before land registration. Similarly, the Assistant Commissioner (Land) will get the documents of registration and information of the land sold through the e-mutation system along with the registration, on the basis of which the mutation process can be started automatically. Once the e-mutation is connected with the e-registration across the country, the suffering of the people will be reduced and the relevant land records will be updated automatically. As a result, the chances of lawsuits and forgery will be reduced.
203. As part of digital land management, arrangements have been made to upload all information related to acquired land and Sairat Mahal. There are initiatives to preserve all the information in Land Information Bank related to waterbody, balumahal, khas land, vested property, hat-bazar, tea garden, chingrimahal and all information related to the acquired land.As a result, it is possible to get all the information related to the leased and settled land, Sairat Mahal, the public landed property immediately. Moreover, the Land Information Bank is also playing an important role in making decisions regarding land acquisition and land allotment.
Initiatives to Reduce Land-Related Crimes
204. The major share of the country’s criminal and civil cases originate from land disputes. In order to reduce the number of land-related lawsuits, the government has taken steps to reform laws and regulations and introduce new laws and regulations. Notable among them is the drafting of the law titled ‘Prevention and Remedies of Land Related Offenses Act’. Once enacted, it will enable immediate trial of land-related offenses and reduce the number of criminal and civil cases involving land.
Initiatives to Protect Agricultural Land
205. To protect agricultural land and ensure food security, steps have been taken to complete National Digital Land Zoning based on mouzas and plots across the country. and the general public. Particularly, the government is encouraging the introduction and widespread expansion of crop insurance. Moreover, there are initiatives to fully automate the insurance sector to ease the hassle of collecting the payouts of insurance claims. Steps will be taken to strengthen financial inclusion and promote national savings by increasing the coverage of insurance.