Khasland Management in Rajshahi District and its Socio-Economic Impact

Abstract

Bangladesh predominantly is an agricultural country where poverty alleviation is the burning issue. In this country, around 80 million of people are landless; 45 million people have less than daily income of 1 US Dollar, and 35 million of people have no work at all. Population has been increasing at the total fertility rate 1.31, for this almost 2.2 million people added a year and additional 0.45 metric tons of food-stuff is required to feed this growing population. According to Millennium Development Goal (MDG), it is needed to reduce 50% poverty by 2015. The Government of Bangladesh (GOB) has drawn an attention to the economic mechanism of Khasland Management (KLM) as the poverty alleviation device. Khasland distribution has been proved as an effective tool for creation of assets, income generation and facing shock of the poor and landless. Though khasland is being distributing but this system does not work properly due to socio-economic pattern, agricultural and rural economy could not take place properly. Poverty with the rapid population growth and their consequences compel men to over exploit natural resources like land The management of natural resources especially khasland is important factor in determining the country's development. To manage any resource properly, it's a must that individuals, household's communities actively manage their resources in an attempt to achieve the best possible outcome. Rural poor depend on common property like khasland for their livelihood who are geographically isolated, social and culturally marginalized Khasland distribution strategy is not only the safeguard of the poor 's livelihood but also the mechanism of eradication of poverty which can bring affirmative changes in the life style. In course of analysis, it is examined clearly the interconnectivity between KLM and socio-economic impact. Bangladesh can not get rid of the bad conditions of being one of developing country due to food security, miserable poverty, huge corruption, and social insecurity. Land plays a vital role in developing countries like Bangladesh of which khasland is one of the important part. The purpose of this study was to highlight the effectiveness of the KLM of the government. This thesis paper focuses some points of the KLM in Rajshahi as well as Bangladesh, problems and prospects and also given some suggestions to overcome the future challenges. The present knowledge about the status of KLM degradation process and its level of impact on national development and rural livelihood system is inadequate and requires further investigation and research. The specific objective of the study is to analyze the socio-economz·c if h impact o t e KLM along with empowerment and co nsciousness among the poor, landless and destitute. The study is an empirical one based on both primay and seconday data. Three hundred and twenty five beneficiaries and stakeholders have been interviewed with a particular interview schedule. Concerned officials have also interviewed both the ways of focus group discussion (FGD) and participatory rural appraisal (PRA) methods. They have been expressed their valuable comments against specific questionnaire. Econometric analysis has been used on the sample data to points out the following reasons for managemental discrepancies and its socio-economic impacts in the study areas. Discussions in various chapters suggest that along with traditional managemental problems, some new features emerged out of this research. The special features relate mainly to KLM and its outcome in the society. The thesis on the whole has looked mainly into above mentioned issues through its various chapters and has provide d some policy suggestions for KLM along with sustainable development of the country. The m ajorfindings of the study are the Managemental loopholes, discrepancies and shortcoming of the KLM and its socio-economic impacts in th e life of beneficiaries and the society. Field level KLM performance is not satisfactory as per aspiration of the people. The socio-economic impacts of the beneficiaries w ere evident by increasing income, expenditure, standard of living, awareness building, state of educ ation, participation in socio-politico-economic activities. The beneficiaries who have control over khasland allocated by the government are benefited minimum level. People have also some discontents about local KLM Desire d revenue incomes of the government from khasland are not realized. In legal arena, conflict and litigation are the common phenomenon which leads the nation in deep law and order concern. A holistic approach has been taken to know the real problems and prospects regarding KLM To find out appropriate preventive measure s and certain implementations are also urgently needed to impudence further deterioration.