A unique event in remote village

A partial view of the 'budget session 'held at Joynagar. PHOTO: STAR

Over 2000 enthusiastic people had a day-long 'Union Parishad budget session', held on Badrunnesa Girls High School premises on Saturday.

The aim was to ensure accountability of the local government body and transparency in its activities.

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Joynagar Union Parishad organised the session with the help of Manusher Jonno, a local NGO.

Joynagar UP Chairman Tapan Kumar Saha presented the budget for his UP for fiscal 2004-5 and also presided over the session. Retired principal of Satkhira Government College Asit Kumar Majumdar was the chief guest.

NGO representatives Farzana Nayeem, Shila Tasmin and Nikesh Kumar; Noakhali-based Gandhi Ashram Trust Project Co-ordinator Begum Souda, Romjan Nagar Union Parishad Chairman Alamgir Haidar, Advocate Dilip Kumar Dev and Principal Abu Bakar Siddique were present as special guests.

Abdus Sabur, director, of a local NGO, Agragati Sangstha, narrated the aim of the budget session, conducted by Asit Kumar Banerjee.

Tapan Kumar replied to questions from villagers on the budget.

People from all sections-- rich and poor-- spontaneously attended the meeting and asked various questions on how the money would be spent. They also gave suggestions.