Strengthening Social Protection for Improved Resilience, Inclusion and Targeting

active

Prospective

The Government of Bangladesh’s vision for social protection is to develop an integrated and comprehensive social protection platform focused on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable across the life-cycle. The Ministry of Social Welfare has been designated the nodal agency for social protection in the country as per National Social Security Strategy (NSSS) 2025 and is responsible for the largest share of the cash transfer budget. Given its lead role, the Project aims to support the Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Welfare to expand coverage and strengthen delivery of the national social protection system to serve the poorest and most vulnerable households in Bangladesh through three components : (i) Strengthening social protection delivery systems for the poor through the establishment and roll-out of a national dynamic social registry for evidence-based eligibility determination, transparent targeting and linkages across programs (ii) Strengthening cash transfers for the poorest through financial support for core safety nets programs implemented by DSS (iii) Strengthening livelihood support services for the poor through financing skills training (financial literacy, business skills, life skills), mentorship, case management, counselling and outreach activities through the DSS implemented livelihoods program. Progress will be measured by the (i) improved coverage and targeting of cash transfer benefits and complementary livelihoods services (ii) increased use of the dynamic social registry across SP programs for intake and targeting. The project will be anchored by the Ministry of Social Welfare. The Ministry of Social Welfare will coordinate with Finance Division's Social Protection Budget Management Unit for activities financing the dynamic social registry.

World Bank Group

Project

Government