Economic Reporter :Experts, activists and the people who are working for promoting and protecting the rights of the children have suggested introducing a more specific and targeted child budget. The suggestion came on the eve of the National Children Day, to be observed on Thursday, marking the birthday of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. To protect the rights of the children in a better way, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith in the national budget for 2015-16 financial year (FY16) included a report titled “Shishuder Niye Budget Vabna” (Budget thoughts for Children).The report has been prepared by taking into account the budgetary allocations of five ministries those are directly related to socioeconomic development of children, the finance minister told the Jatiya Sangsad while presenting the budget document last June.”A complete budget with specific and effective implementation plan is required for the wellbeing of the children”, said Shabira Sultana Nupur, National Advocacy Coordinator (Child Protection and Education) for the World Vision Bangladesh (WBV’s). Nupur said there was no specific sector-wise allocation in the child budget, which was presented last year involving five ministries. Besides, she said it was also unclear whether the ministries had their own implementation plan to this effect. She said the child budget also lacked allocation for addressing the child labour issue.
