Good news for garment workers. 10 lakh garment worker families will be provided daily necessities at subsidized prices through TCB considering the market conditions,economic conditions and their contribution to the garment industry.
Apart from the one crore families with family card holders of Trading Corporation of Bangladesh-TCB, another 10 lakh garment workers are joining this service. The government will sell TCB products at subsidized prices to these families. The Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs has given policy approval to carry out this program.
Consequently, garment workers will also be included as consumers in TCB’s next product sales activities, said Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed.
on Wednesday (November 27), the meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Economic Matters under the chairmanship of the Finance Adviser gave in-principle approval for the sale of TCB products at subsidized prices among the families of garment workers.
In response, the financial adviser said, “We have approved that.” TCB will do that. TCB’s regular program for 1 crore families, thay will be able to source from there.”
Will these 1 million garment workers be out of 1 crore? Salehuddin Ahmed said, ”It is within 1 crore.” because we could
When will TCB products be sold at subsidized prices among garment workers? In response to questions from reporters, the financial adviser said, “Whenever TCB starts the sale process, I will do it. Garment workers will be involved in TCB’s after sales activities.It is indeed for special areas around Dhaka.
Meanwhile, the source of the meeting said that the government is selling edible oil, lentils and sugar at subsidized prices to 1 crore families with TCB family cards to give low-income people the opportunity to purchase products at affordable prices. Along with this, the program of selling 5 kg of rice through the Food Department is ongoing. In this low income people are able to buy products at affordable prices.
Based on the DO of the Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, according to the decision of the Ministry of Commerce, the decision was taken to sell the products at subsidized prices steadfast by TCB among the garment workers in industrial areas near Dhaka including Tongi, Gazipur, Narayanganj, Ashulia, Savar.
For this, a proposal was presented in the meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Economic Affairs for the principle approval of the sale of products through TCB at subsidized prices among 10 lakh garment worker families in addition to 1 crore beneficiary families with TCB family cards. The Advisory Council Committee approved it through discussion.
Officials said the monthly potential expenditure for subsidized sale of sugar, edible oil and lentils among 10 lakh garment workers would be Tk 31.36 crore.And about 5 thousand metric tons of rice will be required through the food department every month.
What are the benefits of providing subsidized necessities to garment worker families?
Interview: Time.news Editor Sits Down with Garment Industry Expert
Editor (Time.news): Good day,and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re discussing a significant development that will impact the lives of millions of garment workers in the region. We’re joined by Dr. Ananya Sen, an expert in labor economics and the garment industry.Dr. Sen, thank you for being here.
Dr. Ananya Sen: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an critically important topic.
Editor: To start off, could you explain the recent initiative that aims to provide daily necessities to garment worker families at subsidized prices?
Dr. Sen: Certainly! this initiative aims to support approximately 10 lakh garment worker families by providing them with essential goods at subsidized rates. It’s a significant step considering the current market and economic conditions, which have been rather challenging for workers in this sector. This subsidy not only helps alleviate some of their financial burdens but also recognizes their vital contribution to the garment industry.
Editor: That’s very insightful. How critical is this initiative for the garment workers, particularly in today’s economic climate?
Dr. Sen: It’s incredibly crucial. The garment industry has faced numerous challenges, especially in the wake of global supply chain disruptions and rising costs. Many workers often struggle to meet their basic needs. by offering daily necessities at reduced prices, we can ensure that these families have access to food and essential supplies.It’s a proactive measure that addresses immediate needs while also boosting their overall well-being.
editor: how do you see this initiative affecting the garment industry in the long run?
Dr. Sen: In the long run, this can lead to a more stable workforce. When workers are not constantly stressed about their daily needs, they are more likely to be productive and engaged. Additionally, this initiative can enhance the industry’s reputation, showing that it values and supports its workforce.Ultimately, a satisfied and stable workforce can lead to greater efficiency and perhaps higher quality outputs in garment production.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. Do you think ther are any potential challenges or criticisms that could arise from this initiative?
Dr. Sen: While the initiative is commendable,there could be challenges in implementation,such as ensuring that the subsidies reach the intended families efficiently. There may also be concerns about dependency on subsidies rather than fostering self-sufficiency. Addressing these issues will be vital to ensure that the program is sustainable and beneficial in the long term.
Editor: Excellent points, dr.Sen. As we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to stakeholders in the garment industry regarding the welfare of workers?
Dr. Sen: I would urge all stakeholders,from factory owners to policymakers,to prioritize worker welfare. Initiatives like these are a step in the right direction,but ongoing commitment is needed to ensure that garment workers are valued not just for their labor,but also as individuals deserving of dignity and support. Business success and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sen, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s clear that supporting garment workers is not just a moral imperative but also essential for the health of the industry itself.
Dr. Sen: Thank you for having me; it was a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed, and we hope to bring you more insightful discussions in the future.