Employment Generation Program for the Poorest (EGPP)

An Analytical Report

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Background and Inception of the Program

3. Objectives and Goals of EGPP

4. Beneficiary Selection Criteria

5. Activities and Types of Projects

6. Financing and Implementation Process

7. Positive Impacts of EGPP

8. Challenges

9. Future Actions and Recommendations

10. Conclusion

1. Introduction

Poverty remains one of the major barriers to Bangladesh’s socioeconomic progress. Particularly, the ultra-poor population struggles to meet their basic needs. In this context, the government introduced the "Employment Generation Program for the Poorest" (EGPP) as part of its social safety net initiatives, aiming to reduce seasonal unemployment and create employment opportunities for the ultra-poor.

2. Background and Inception of the Program

The EGPP was launched during the 2008–2009 fiscal year, amidst a global economic crisis that intensified food insecurity and inflation. The program was designed to provide immediate support to vulnerable populations and to accelerate rural development initiatives.

3. Objectives and Goals of EGPP

• To create seasonal employment for the ultra-poor.

• To enhance food security for poor households.

• To provide support before and after natural disasters.

• To empower women by increasing their labor force participation.

• To develop rural infrastructure, fostering long-term sustainable growth.

4. Beneficiary Selection Criteria

Beneficiaries are selected based on specific criteria, including:

• Being landless or owning very little land (up to 0.15 acres).

• Aged between 18 and 60 years and physically capable of labor.

• Not currently enrolled in other government social safety net programs.

• Special preference given to women, especially widows and divorced individuals.

5. Activities and Types of Projects

Under EGPP, a range of labor-intensive projects are implemented, such as:

• Construction and repair of rural roads.

• Canal excavation and re-excavation.

• Construction and maintenance of embankments and flood control structures.

• Reforestation and environment-friendly activities.

• Construction of small infrastructures like culverts and footbridges.

6. Financing and Implementation Process

• The program is fully financed by the Government of Bangladesh.

• Projects are implemented under the supervision of the Local Government Division and Upazila (sub-district) administration.

• Wages are paid directly to workers via mobile banking to ensure transparency.

• Workers typically receive a daily wage, adjusted periodically based on economic conditions.

7. Positive Impacts of EGPP

The EGPP has brought significant positive changes:

• Helped tackle seasonal food insecurity among the ultra-poor.

• Provided steady income to vulnerable households.

• Increased women's participation in economic activities.

• Enhanced rural infrastructure, boosting local economic activities.

A government survey indicated that around 70% of EGPP beneficiaries are women, highlighting the program’s role in promoting gender empowerment.

8. Challenges

Despite its success, EGPP faces several challenges:

• Influence of local politics in project and beneficiary selection.

• Delays in the disbursement of funds.

• Inadequate alignment of wage rates with market standards.

• In some areas, projects failing to maintain genuine labor-intensive nature.

9. Future Actions and Recommendations

To further enhance the effectiveness of EGPP, the following measures are recommended:

• Ensure greater transparency in project selection and beneficiary enlistment.

• Introduce skill development training for beneficiaries.

• Link EGPP activities with microcredit and small enterprise development programs.

• Strengthen the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) for management and monitoring.

• Improve monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

10. Conclusion

The Employment Generation Program for the Poorest (EGPP) stands out as a highly effective initiative within Bangladesh's social protection landscape. By addressing immediate needs while also contributing to longer-term development, EGPP has played a critical role in improving the lives of the ultra-poor. With strategic improvements, the program has the potential to make an even greater impact on poverty alleviation and inclusive development in Bangladesh.