No one can receive two state benefits at once: State Minister Farzana Putul

State Minister for Women and Children
Affairs and Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul has said recipients of the
family card programme are not eligible for old-age, widow or other government
allowances simultaneously.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Business
Standard, she said the higher benefits offered under the family card scheme are
driving its popularity among beneficiaries.
Under the programme, each recipient receives Tk2,500 per
month – significantly higher than the Tk750-Tk800 provided through existing
allowances for the elderly, widows and persons with disabilities.
"There is no direct link between the family card and the discontinuation
of previous allowances," the state minister said. "However, the rule
is that one person cannot receive two benefits at the same time. While filling
out the family card form, beneficiaries are asked which benefit they wish to
retain."
She added that most beneficiaries are opting for the family
card due to its higher value. "Once they accept the family card, the
previous allowance is discontinued as per the rules," she said.
"The rule is one person cannot receive two government
benefits at the same time. Once someone accepts the family card, the previous
allowance is discontinued as per the rules."
The government launched the family card
programme earlier this month as part of its broader social protection
initiative, with an initial focus on vulnerable groups.
Ensuring
transparency
Addressing concerns over transparency, Putul said the
programme is still in its pilot phase and may involve some "trial and
error." However, she emphasised that the ministry is taking a strict
stance against irregularities.
"In my constituency, we have identified 44 ineligible
individuals who received cards. Their cards have been put on hold for now. The
poorest will be prioritised," she said, adding that issues will be
resolved through a review process before scaling up the programme.
Zero tolerance
for corruption
On administrative reform, the state minister said tackling
corruption requires both legal measures and a shift in mindset.
"Whoever commits wrongdoing will be handed over to the
law. I want to ensure full transparency in both my constituency and the
ministry," she said.
Commitment to
July Charter
Clarifying her position on the July uprising and the
"July Charter," she said the spirit of the movement must be
translated into lasting reforms through legal and parliamentary processes.
"The July uprising belongs to all of us. We fully
embrace its spirit. But to make reforms sustainable, they must be
institutionalised through proper legal and parliamentary frameworks," she
said.
Regarding BNP's decision not to take oath as members of the
constitutional reform council, she said there were "logical and legal
reasons" behind the move. She added that the aspirations of the July
movement would be implemented through parliamentary committees.
Balancing
public duty and personal life
As one of the youngest female state ministers, Putul said
balancing official responsibilities with constituency engagement remains
challenging.
"Ministerial duties require round-the-clock work. It
has become difficult to spend as much time in my constituency as before. Still,
I try to visit villages and listen to people's problems directly," she
said.
Concluding the interview, she urged young people and women
to join politics and reaffirmed her commitment to institutionalising the ideals
of the July uprising through legal frameworks.
















