In order to effectively implementing the NSSS, those managing social security programmes require additional training and capacity development. This Training Needs Assessment identifies the knowledge gaps of UP staff and suggests areas to focus on to improve local-level capabilities compliance with the NSSS.
The study identifies programme implementation challenges such UP representatives being overburdened by a multitude of programmes and political pressure in selection of beneficiaries. The size of the target group exceeds the budget allocation, beneficiaries feel aggrieved by the small amounts of benefits received and the burden of this is borne by the local government representatives. There are no tools to help Union Parishads manage programmes and no database or register to help them with beneficiary selection. Beneficiary registration and programme reporting is still a paper-based system; a one-way reporting mechanism with manual filing that the UP Secretary is meant to keep in order without monitoring and supervision.
The NSSS lays out the foundation to overcome these challenges. Through training, capacity building, digital management tools and performance incentives the Government of Bangladesh aims to improve the efficiency, transparency and impact of its programmes. This Training Needs Assessment is part of the process of understanding the ground realities for reforming the existing system in order to better serve the citizens of Bangladesh.
