UNDP-supported project helps enhance institutional capacity of local government

The UNDP-supported Union Parishad Governance Project (UPGP) has helped to enhance institutional capacity of the local government bodies at the grassroots, the UN body said.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 22 Oct 2017, 08:02 PM
Updated : 22 Oct 2017, 08:02 PM

At a concluding workshop on Sunday in Dhaka, the organisers showcased the results, achievements, innovations, best practices and lessons learned from the project that began in November 2011 ended in June 2017.

Local Government Division Secretary Abdul Malek was present at the programme as chief guest. UNDP Bangladesh Country Director Sudipto Mukerjee and Team Leader for Governance of the European Union Audrey Maillot were also present.

According to UNDP, the project helped activate the Ward Shavas, Standing Committees, open budget meetings and increased the civic and local community engagement at local level planning and budgeting.

The LGD has directly implemented the UPGP with financial and technical support from EU, Danida, UNDP and UNCDF from 2012 to 2017 in 564 Union Parishads under seven districts---Kishoreganj, Brahmanbaria, Sirajganj, Khulna, Barguna, Sunamganj and Rangpur.

“UPGP was a flagship project of LGD which has achieved tremendous results over the years and developed several valuable innovations, best practices to strengthen local governance,” LGD Secretary Malek said.

The project has implemented a total of 4,630 MDG-related schemes in 564 UPs in project areas aimed at empowering the women.

The project has also introduced a web-based UP MIS and Accounting software in all 564 UPs of the project area to make the UP more accountable and transparent.