The government has undertaken a mega project “My Village, My Town” in a bid to provide every village with urban facilities. The mega project is getting special importance in the government’s 8th-five-year plan. To this end, the general economic division (GED) of the planning commission has prepared a concept plan for implementing the project. It will be implemented in 2021-2025 timeframe, sources said.
A senior official of the planning commission said that the concept paper of ‘My Village, My Town’ would be finalized after placing it before the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina soon. The official said modern road communication and information technology services are the key element to reduce difference between urban and rural areas. The government is giving more priority on these two sectors for implementing the project.
As per the ruling Awami League’s pledges in its election manifesto, initiatives have been taken to ensure facilities including improved road communication, safe drinking water, modern healthcare and proper treatment, standard education, developed sewerage and waste management, increasing electricity and fuel supply, computer and high speed internet facilities, electric equipment and standard consumer goods.
On the other hand, the government has already started working to update facilities for rural people like that in towns. At first introduction of digital system is urgently needed in the villages in order to upgrade their lifestyle and regular activities. The government’s first task is to spread light of development everywhere and illuminate every house of the country within next five years.
All villages will be connected with upazila and district headquarters through alphalted road where all modern amenities, including education, safe drinking water, upgraded sewerage system, sound entertainment, sporting infrastructures will be ensured, according to the plan. Besides, the government has started formulating different plans and boosting up previous ones to strengthen local government bodies to ensure transparency, accountability and raising people’s participation in every development step.
Sources said the government facilities like job application form, general diary with police station, and passport application will be ensured in digital format so that the countrymen can avail these services from houses or nearest digital service points. The government has also a plan to develop an app where all the governmental digital services will be available.
The government, as part of the move, will decentralize the financial and administrative authorities up to local government bodies, according to the LGRD and Cooperatives ministry.