Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Local government is an integral part of body politics of the country. Historically, local
government was always there in Bengal. Only its forms differed from age to age. The
ancient and medieval governments of Bengal were heavily dependent on village
institutions, which made the structure of the local government. After the
independence of Bangladesh, many changes have been made to constitute and re-
constitute the localgovernment system.The institution of local government can help to
establish democratic process and practice as well as ensure participatory development
at grass roots. Without doubt local government has a tremendous role to play in the
efficacious existence and maturation, Syndromes of democracy. Local Self
Government institutions in every country are the significant breeding grounds for
democracy. They help the rural people understand democratic spirit and value. By
taking part in the local bodies the people can taste the fruit of democracy.

1.2 Rationale of the Study

A strong and effective local government is one of the most important elements for
ensuring quality of good governance and strengthening local government body. The
local representatives of a local body based on democratic ideas can promote the
greater socio-economic emancipation of the people of the country (Khan, 2014) that
largely depends upon the maximum utilization of her people, both men and women
for its overall development. In this study it is wanted to be shown that the awareness
level of community people of Atra Union Parishad.

1.3 Scope of the Study

This study covers a wide scope of local government like Awareness level of local
people, level of participation of local people in the activities of Union Parishad,
effectiveness of CBO as well as roles and responsibilities performed by Union
Parishad, social safety net services, women participation in decision making and so
on.

1
1.4 Objectives of the study
Every research work has its objectives. It must be concrete and specific with the
study. The objective of this study is given-
i. To measure the awareness level of rural people

1.5 Research Questions

For achieving the research objective of the study, chalking out of research questions is
very important. Accordingly the research questions of this study are-
i. How aware are the respondents about their roles and responsibilities as
citizen in relation to UP?
ii. How effective are the existing CBOs in voicing the demand of extreme
poor citizens as well as enlisting woman to the UP?
iii. What is the view of local people regarding roles and responsibilities
fulfilled by elected members?
iv. How satisfactory is the performance of SCs/PICs?
v. What is the satisfaction level of respondents regarding the issue of
safety net programs?
vi. What is the satisfaction level of respondents regarding the issue of
women participation?

1.6 Limitations of the Study

The study emphasizes on the gender issues in local government at grassroots levels in
Bangladesh. That number of sample size required for a qualified could not be be
completed due to time and budget constraint. It was difficult to manage time for
interviewing of some of them. It took sometimes a week or more than one week to
take an appointment from them because some women members were out of their
place during the period of data collection. Some of them were totally not interested to
give interviews as they felt that the result for the improvement of their role in local
level politics may not be effective. Some others were reluctant or frustrated. The
respondents were able to spend 15 to 20 minutes which were not at all sufficient to
gain an overall idea about the research topic. Lot of difficulties was faced during data
processing. Although method of interview is very much preferable to social science
research, it is also difficult to cross check the information gathered from the
respondents.

2
 Chapter Two
Literature Review

Customer oriented approach was prevalent in public administration since 8th decade of
20th century. Later a new public service idea was proposed which put importance on
public participation in delivering public service. Along with increasing effectiveness
in public service delivery this idea emphasizes on participation of citizens in the
governance service process. This paper focuses that the improvement of institutional
performance is highly dependent on democratization in public service that is public
participation is needed for ensuring quality public service. In public policy decision
and public service provision the interaction of citizens and public administrators are
defined as public administration. In order to ensure citizen participation in public
policy making and its implementation citizens act as the main force in the local
governance process. Now-a-days, democratic society faces some problems due to
heterogeneous society and interest. In order to solve this problem, it is very important
that both providers and users- would like to work together and would be motivated to
improve public service quality. But high level satisfaction of citizens is very difficult
due to differences in public service nature. The traditional representative approach to
local democracy is therefore increasingly supplemented with forms of direct
democracy. However the institutional design of citizen participation is weakly
developed at local level and many tensions between representative and direct
democracy still exist. As a result, citizens and local authorities become disappointed if
there is no agreement between both sides of democratization forms of public service
provision and concrete procedures of the ways, by which citizens are able to
participate in public service quality improvement process. (Vilkisene, 2011)

The need for governance exists anytime a group of people come together to
accomplish an end. Though the governance literature proposes different definitions,
most rest on three dimensions: authority, decision making and accountability.
Governance determines who has power, which makes decisions, how other players
make their voice heard and how account is rendered. Governance is how society or
groups within it, organize to make decisions. Furthermore, good governance is an
approach to government that is committed to making decisions which are effective,
inclusive and transparent. It is a commitment to doing the best with the resource

3
available within the context of the challenges facing governance. But this is quite
impossible to achieve good governance. One of the crucial factors that matters in
good enough governance is a well-functioning public sector. The effectiveness of
government does depend less on the acts of politicians who are only able to distort
interpersonal and institutional trust by making empty promises. It depends to a much
higher extent on the capacities of a public sector able to restore trust by actually
delivering the needed services. Whether their work is done on behalf of a religious or
secular government is of secondary importance. People may watch, listen, support or
oppose politicians and media may scrutinize the acts of presidents and
parliamentarians. At the end of the day, nothing will have been accomplished without
a capacitated public service. If one thing should be stable, or if there is one thing
where stability should be created immediately after conflict, it is within the public
service. It has to prepare and implement the policies crucial for the development of
the country and the well-being of society. This could be the focus of our common
responsibility. This article addresses trade-offs and dilemmas in citizens’
responsibility for the development of policies were the basic right of each individual
is respected while difficult choices can be made more democratically (de Vries,
2013).

Empowerment is a process that challenges our assumption about the way things are
and can be. It challenges the basic assumptions about power, helping, achieving, and
succeeding. Empowering and involvement of the community are the necessary
ingredients of Good governance practice. There has to be enough scope for increasing
incentives for participation in public affairs and reducing the gap between the citizens
and the governance system. This paper concentrates on the people’s participation and
empowerment in local government. People's participation is a pre-condition for
success of any developmental programs and there must be an inbuilt mechanism to
involve people in their conceptualization, planning, implementation, monitoring and
management of resources. Citizen participation in local government involves ordinary
citizens assessing their own needs and participating in local project planning and
budget monitoring. People’s participation ensure strengthening of local government
by creating awareness, access to information, participation in decision making process
etc. Thus empowerment enables positive growth and equity as well as development of
local government (Patel, 2009).

4
The role of the citizen, citizen organizations, and local government employees in
facilitating participation is described in this case study. The case describes how a local
government’s failure to attain its key participation objectives which resulted in the
acceptance of the multi-faceted nature of participation, and how the process of
adjustment led to the creation of an on-going process of citizen empowerment . The
personnel of local government were authorized to create a method by which
participation may occur because the creation and continuing existence of the Elgin
Community Network is proof that innovation in the government-citizen relationships
not always one of empowering only citizens. This reason to forgo control and become
adaptive resulted in a lasting forum for participation. It was committed to the ideal of
citizen input into government, a local government willing to give staff the freedom to
recognize and develop the complexity inherent in participation, and citizens willing to
be engaged in the development of civic capacity of their friends and neighbors were
key elements in the case. The true innovation occurred when the Elgin staff
purposively brought these forces together and embraced the complexity of the
environment to sustain the empowerment of the citizens of Elgin (Koenig, 2005).

Functioning of local government as well as the legal and practical constraints

associated with strengthen of local government. This study applied explanatory
research using survey, in-depth interview and focus group discussion for collecting
primary data. Secondary data were collected by reviewing relevant research materials
and reports of various committees and commissions on local government. The study
area included 90 unions covering all six divisions of the country. Through purposive
sampling method, the chairman, 1 general member, 1 member from reserved seats,
and the secretary from each selected union were chosen. One-fourth of the total
respondents were women drawn from the reserved seats. The principle objective of
this study is to identify legal and practical constraints which are affecting the
functions of local government. In accordance with this finding, the study breaks down
some other objectives such as to find out ways and means so that it can remove lack
of institutional efficiency, to draw opinions about transformation of the structure of
local government so as to enable it to discharge its official responsibilities properly, to
draw opinions about probable mechanisms to stop bureaucratic and political
interference in functioning of local government. In this study, the constraints created
image problem for the local government that has resulted in a gap between the local

5
government and the community people. A large number of people argued that they
did not get cooperation from the local authorities. This indicates poor credibility of
the local government in public eyes so that people can consider local government as
inefficient, unresponsive and more specifically corrupt to their needs. According to
this study, clear and specific constitutional directions will restrain the executive organ
which is extremely important for institutionalization of the local self-government
system of Bangladesh (Khan, 2008).

The influence of the competence of local government mechanisms and the

professionalism of the governmental internal controlling mechanisms towards GGG
and their implications of the local government accountability performance is
indentified in this study. This study applied explanatory research and the purpose of
the study is to test hypothesis. Data was collected by using questionnaires as the
primary data and reports of the evaluation on accountability performance in the unit
of local infrastructure of Riau province as the secondary data. This study applies
cluster sampling. The minimum sample of the study was 54 working units, in which
further proportionally fragmented into 17 working units in the province, and 37
working units in both main regency areas and regional divisions. The results of this
study show that, competence of the local government mechanism and professionalism
of the governmental internal controlling mechanism positively influenced the
implementation of GGG. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the competence of the
local government mechanism, professionalism of the governmental internal
controlling mechanism, as well as the implementation of GGG positively influenced
performance accountability (Nofianti and Suseno, 2014).

6
 Chapter Three

Methodology
Actually methodology helps to organize the experiences, observations, examinations,
analysis of data and information and their logical expression in a systematic process
to achieve the ultimate goal and the objectives of the research. The steps that had been
followed to finalize this report mention below:

3.1 Conceptualization
At first, the course instructor made open discussion with students for selecting the
topic. After determining an objective and some research questions, a specific topic
was identified for the study. After some consultation the course instructor selected the
significant and objective related title of the study.

3.2 Study Area

This study has covered Atra union of Phultala upazilla of Khulna of the South-West
region of Bangladesh.

3.3 Sampling
The study area is in the south west region of Bangladesh. To find out the objectives a
purposive sampling is done to select the study places from the south west region of
Bangladesh. For shortage of information related with the population of concerned
area, author cannot able to do random sampling.

3.4 Sources of Data

The main sources of data of this study were information provided by the local people.
Author made a pilot survey before the main survey and used some secondary data
also.

3.5 Variable Selection

For the study purpose there will need some corresponding variables. In this study
some demographic and socio-economic aspects such as age, family pattern, household
income etc are included. Then the major factors like supply and demand side of Local
Government services are included. Some major variables like people’s rules and
regulations, problems solving, voting power exercise, UP services, women

7
participation in community works, activities of CBOs and SCs/PICs, implementations
of plan and disclose of budget are included to execute the study properly.

3.6 Instrument of Data Collection

A questionnaire in English was prepared on this concerned topic and finalized through
pre test and used for data collection.

3.7 Data Collection Technique

The study is based on both primary and secondary data in accordance with the
objectives.

3.7.1 Primary Data Collection

Primary data collected from study area using both methods of formal and informal
interviews. The study based on primary data and it includes investigation of the field.
According to the interview method, interviewers collected data from the respondents
through face to face interview. In survey method two kinds of survey were under
taken- Questionnaire and Physical survey.

3.7.2 Secondary Data Collection

The study also uses secondary data from various reports, project documents, social
statistics and journal articles.

3.8 Data Processing and Analysis

The author computerized, analyzed and interpreted the data using software like MS
Word, MS Excel and statistical tools like central tendency, percentage and weighted
mean index. Those are shown by graphs, charts and tabulation format.

3.9 Presentation of the Report

The author presented study findings through written study report.Author prepared a
draft report and gave it to the supervisor for comments and suggestions. According to
the suggestions the report was revised and finalized and submitted it to the concerned
authority.

8
 Chapter Four
Results and Discussion

4.1 Socio-economic and Demographic Aspects

4.1.1 Category of Respondents
Table 4.1 represents the category of the respondents. In this table, it is shown that
there are six categories of people included in the sample of the study. They are
government line agency workers, traditional leader, religious leader, CBO workers,
NGO workers and community people. According to this table, 65% of the respondents
are community people and this is the largest proportion of the sample. There are 4%
religious leader exist in the study which is the smallest proportion among the category
of people.
Table 4.1 Category of Respondents
Category Frequency Percentage
Govt. line agency 2 7
Traditional leader 2 8
Religious leader 1 4
Community people 17 65
CBO 2 8
NGO workers 2 8
Total 26 100
Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

4.1.2 Age Distribution

Table 4.2 represents the age distribution of the respondents where respondents of 20-
60 aged are found. From the field survey, it is found that youngest age of respondents
is 21 and oldest age of respondents is 60. From the given table it can be stated that
most of the respondents are in age group 25-30. And in age group 50-55 and 55-60,
there exists only one people in each group.

9
Table 4.2 Age distribution of respondents
Category Frequency Percentage
20-25 3 11
25-30 7 27
30-35 4 15
35-40 6 23
40-45 2 8
45-50 2 8
50-55 1 4
55-60 1 4
Total 26 100
Average age= 40.5
Standard deviation= 6.60
Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

4.1.3 Gender Distribution

Figure 4.1 represents the gender distribution of the respondents. In this figure it is
shown that there are 77% of male respondents and 23% of female in the sample of the
study area.
Figure 4.1 Gender Distributions of Respondents

23%

Female
Male

77%

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

4.1.4 Educational Status

Table 4.3 represents the educational status of the respondents where respondents of 0-
20 years of schooling are found. From the field survey, it is found that minimum year
of schooling of respondents is 0 and maximum year of schooling of respondents is 18.
From the given table it can be stated that most of the respondents are in group 10-15.

10
And in group 15-20, there exists only one person. Average year of schooling of
respondents is 8 and the standard deviation is 2.33.
Table 4.3 Educational Status of Respondents
Year of Schooling Frequency Percentage
0-5 8 30.77
5-10 7 26.92
10-15 10 38.46
15-20 1 3.85
Total 26 100
Average year of schooling=8
Standard deviation=2.33
Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

4.1.5 Occupation
Figure 4.2 represents the occupation of the respondents. In this figure, it is shown that
there are six categories of people included in the study. Those are public service,
small business, agriculture, housewife and others. According to this figure, 35% of the
respondents are engaged with small business and this is the largest proportion of
occupation of the respondents. There are 8% NGO workers exist in the study which is
the smallest proportion among the category of people. There are 12% respondents,
who are engaged in public service, 15% are in agriculture and 15% are housewives. In
this figure 15% other sectors indicates the people who are engaged in day labour,
private service holding etc.
Figure4.2 Occupational Status of the Respondents

8%
12%
public service
15% small business

agriculture

others
35%
15% housewife

ngo

15%

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

11
4.1.6 Income Analysis
Table 4.4 represents the income distribution of the respondents where respondents of
0-30000 income group are found. From the field survey, it is found that minimum
income of respondents is BDT5000. And maximum income of respondents is
BDT30000. From the given table it can be stated that most of the respondents are in
income group 5000-10000. And in income group 20000-25000, there exists no one
person in this group. Here, average income of the respondents is BDT8269.23 and
standard deviation is BDT5100.41.
Table 4.4 Income Pattern of Respondents
Income group Frequency Percentage
0-5000 7 27
5000-10000 13 50
10000-15000 3 11
15000-20000 2 8
20000-25000 0 0
25000-30000 1 4
Total 26 100
Average income= 8269.23
Standard deviation= 5100.41
Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

4.1.7 Family Type

From the field survey, it is found that 42% respondents are living in joint family and
rest of 58% is in nuclear family. So it can be said that nuclear family occupies the
larger portion of the type of family of the respondents.
Figure 4.3 Family Types of Respondents

42%

joint

58% nuclear

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

4.1.8 Family Size
12
Table 4.5 represents the family size of the respondents where respondents of 0-15
household size group are found. From the field survey, it is found that minimum
number of family member of respondents is 3and maximum size offamilyis13. From
the given table it can be stated that most of the respondents are in group 5-10. And in
group 10-15, there exists only 5 people in this group. Here, average household size of
the respondents is 7 and standard deviation is1.40.
Table 4.5 Family Size of Respondents
HH Size Frequency Percentage
0-5 9 34.62
5-10 12 46.15
10-15 5 19.23
Total 26 100
Average household size= 7
Standard deviation= 1.40
Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

4.1.9 Land Ownership

Table 4.6 represents the ownership of land of the respondents where some
respondents are landless as well as some have land ownership. In this study, we have
considered ownership of land at the unit of decimal. From the field survey, it is found
that minimum ownership of land of respondents is 0 decimal which indicates those
respondents are landless. The number of landless people is 9 in accordance with this
study. And maximum land ownership of respondents is 66 decimals. From the given
table it can be stated that most of the respondents are in group 1-15 who are 13 in
number. And in group 31-45 and 46-60, there exists no person in this group.

Table 4.6 Land Ownership of Respondents

13
 Land (in decimal) Frequency Percentage
Landless 9 34.62
1-15 13 50.00
16-30 0 0
31-45 1 3.85
46-60 0 0
61-75 3 11.54
Total 26 100
Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

4.1.10 Membership in Organizations

In this study area, there exist some social organizations named Rangdhanu, Ekata and
Juba Sanghya.From the field survey it is stated that 54% respondents are not engaged
in any organization and rest of the 46% respondents are affiliated in such
organizational works.
Figure 4.4 Memberships in Organizations of Respondents

46%

54% Member Non-member

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

4.1.11 Party Afflation

From this field survey, it can be stated that only 19% respondents have political party
attachment and rest of the 81% respondents have no affiliation in political party. This
81% people are almost indifferent about the activities of political parties. Those who
are affiliated in political party are all in government party affiliation.

Figure 4.5 Party Affiliations of Respondents

14
 19%

Affliated

Non-affliated

81%

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

4.1.12 Religion

In this study, it is found that 73% of the total respondents are Muslims and rests of
27% are other religions.
Figure 4.6 Religions of Respondents

27%

Islam

others

73%

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

4.2. Awareness Level of Demand Side

4.2.1 Rules and Responsibilities
In accordance with figure 4.7, it is found that 10 respondents follow rules and
responsibilities always. 8 people follow rules and regulations partly. 6 respondents
have no interest on rules and regulations of Union Parishad. 2 respondents even don’t
know about the rules and responsibilities of Union Parishad.

15
 Figure 4.7 Rules and Responsibilities Performed by the Respondents

10
9
8
7
no of respondents

6
5
4
3
2
1
0
fully
partly
not at all
do not know
satisfaction level

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.38 which represent the same situation that most
of the respondents are indifferent about the rules and responsibilities to the UP.

4.2.2 Participation in Meetings

In accordance with figure 4.8, it is found that 54% respondents participates meetings
held by Union Parishad always. 42%people attend partialy. 4% respondents have no
interest on joining the meetings of Union Parishad.

16
 Figure 4.8 Respondents’ Participation in Public Meetings

4%

fully
42% partly
54%
not at all
do not know

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.27 which represent that level of participation of
the respondents in different public meetings in relation to the UP is medium.

4.2.3 Explanation of Issues

In accordance with figure 4.9, it is found that 10 respondents are fully capable of
explaining issues to others regarding their problems and other matters. 8 people are
capable of explaining their issues partly. 6 respondents have no interest on explaining
their issues on Union Parishad. 2 respondents even don’t know about the issues of
Union Parishad.
Figure 4.9 Explaining Issue to Others by Respondents

17
 10
9
8
no of respondents 7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
fully
partly
not at all
do not know
satisfaction level

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.00 which represent that respondents are partly
capable in explain an issue rationally to the UP and to others.

4.2.4 Excercising Voting Power

In accordance with figure 4.10, it is found that 54% respondents are fully capable of
exercising their voting power. 42% people are partly capable of exercising their
voting power. 4% respondents are indifferent to exercise the voting power in Union
Parishad.

Figure 4.10 Exercising Voting power by Respondents

4%

fully

42% partly
54%
not at all

do not know

18
Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.46 which represent that respondents are almost
free to exercise their voting power.

4.2.5 Payment of Holding Tax

Table 4.7 represents the payment of holding tax against ownership of the land and
house of the respondents where some respondents are landless as well as some have
land ownership. From the given table it can be stated that most of the respondents are
fully pay their holding tax and this contains 56% of the respondents. 28% respondents
are indifferent about holding tax and 12% people don’t even know about the payment
process and rules and regulation against holding tax.

Table 4.7 Payment of Holding Tax by Respondents

Category Frequency Percentage
fully 15 56
partly 1 4
not at all 7 28
do not know 3 12
Total 26 100

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.08 which represent that respondents pay their
holding tax sometimes.

4.2.6 Satifaction of CBOs Activities

Figure 4.11 represents satisfaction of respondents on CBO activities. From the given
figure it can be stated that 50% of the respondents are fully satisfied with CBO
activities. 46%respondents are almost satisfied about CBO activities and only 4%
people are indifferent about the CBO activities.
Figure 4.11 Satisfactions of CBOs Activities

19
 4%

fully

partly
50%
46% not at all

do not know

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.46 which represent that CBOs are partially
effective in voicing the demands of extreme poor citizens to the UP.

4.2.7 Success of CBO

CBO works for the betterment of community people. In this purpose these types of
community based organizations provides training facilities, workshop, seminar etc.
They also work for the poor and marginalized people in the UP committies. For the
recreation of local people they organize various types of recreational programs. In this
study, success of CBO is taken in concern from the view point of the respondents.
In accordance with Figure 4.12, it can be stated that 10 people of the total respondents
believe that the CBOs are successful. 13 respondents are almost satisfied with CBO
activities and they partly believe on the success of CBOs and only 2 respondents are
indifferent about the success CBO activities. Here only one person among the total
respondents has no idea about CBOs whether they are successful or not.

Figure 4.12 Successes of CBOs

20
 14

12

10
level of satisfaction
8

0
fully
partly
not at all
do not know
respondents size

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.23 which represent that the CBOs are partially
successful in this issue.

4.3. Awareness Level of Supply Side

4.3.1 Roles and Responsibilities of UP members
Elected local government bodies have been formed and abolished at different levels at
different times in the history of Bangladesh, largely for national political reasons.
Local government bodies have tended to be perceived and exploited by national
governments as agents for political mobilization and consolidation rather than as
autonomous, decentralized institutions. However, UPs have a continuity of existence
as elected bodies and offer the greatest potential to become accountable bodies which
respond to the development priorities of local people. Assessment of the supply side
relates to a series of different aspects of the functioning of UPs: their development
priorities, planning, resource mobilization, capacity constraints, the role of women UP
members, dispute resolution, and the transparency and accountability of UPs.

Figure 4.13 Roles and Responsibilities of UP Members

21
 19%

fully
8%
50% partly

not at all

do not know
23%

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

In accordance with Figure 4.13, it can be stated that 50% people of the total
respondents believe that the UP members practice their roles and responsibilities. 23%
respondents are almost satisfied with the roles and responsibilities maintained by the
UP members and only 8% respondents are indifferent about the matter. Here 19%
people among the total respondents have no idea about UP members’ roles and
responsibilities.
Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.04 which represent that most of the respondents
are indifferent about the rules and responsibilities performed by the elected members
of UP.
4.3.2 Maintenance of UP Hours
In accordance with Figure 4.14, it can be stated that 14 people of the total respondents
are aware of UP hours. They found that UP members are maintaining the office hour
and local people get various facilities from the UP within that time.8 respondents are
almost satisfied with the UP hours maintained by the UP members and only 4
respondents among the total respondents have no idea about UP members’
maintenance of UP hours.

Figure 4.14 Maintenance of UP hours

22
 14

12

10
No . o f respondents
8

0
fully
partly
not at all
do not know
satisfaction level

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.12 which represent that UP office open
irregularly.

4.3.3 Updated Notice Board

Notice board is an important element for every UP office. An updated notice board
represents various notices, rules and regulations, different information for the
betterment of local people.
Figure 4.15 Updated Notice Board

15%
fully
4%
partly
46%
not at all

do not know
35%

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

In accordance with Figure 4.15, it can be stated that 35% people of the total
respondents are aware of UP notice board. They follow the instructions given by UP
and gather information provided by the UP. 46% respondents are almost satisfied with
the UP notice board. According to them, UP notice board are not always updated with

23
information and only 4% respondents among the total respondents are indifferent
regarding this issue. Rest of the 15% have no idea about the notice board of UP.
Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.12 which represent that UP notice board is
updated sometimes.

4.3.4 Open Meetings for UP Plans

UP takes various plans for the betterment of the local people. In this purpose they
have to arrange open meetings with the people of certain UP.
Figure 4.16 represents the view of local people regarding the issue if they have
knowledge about UP plans through open meetings or not. According to this table,
only 23% respondents have knowledge about UP plans. Field survey enounces that
this 23% represents the traditional leaders as well as important bodies in the UP. 58%
respondents are partly know about the plans of Union Parishad, 15% respondents are
indifferent about this issue and 4% respondents have no idea regarding this matter.
Figure 4.16 Open Meetings for UP Plans

15% 4% 23%

fully
partly
not at all
do not know
58%

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 2.15 which represent that open meetings often
held in the wards of respondents for developing and reviewing the UP plan and
budget.

4.3.5 Disclose of UP Budget

Figure 4.17 represents the view of local people regarding the issue if they have
knowledge about UP budgets or not. According to this table, no respondent has
knowledge about UP budget. Field survey enounces that UP members do not disclose
the budget in front of local people. 8 respondents are partly know about the budget of
Union Parishad but this knowledge is not given by the UP, 12 respondents are
indifferent about this issue and 6 respondents have no idea regarding this matter.

24
 Figure 4.17 Disclose of UP budget

12

10
No. of respondents

0
fully
partly
not at all
do not know
level of satisfaction

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 2.08 which represent that UP does not disclose
expenditures and incomes to the public at all.

4.3.6 SCs/PICs performance

Figure 4.18 represents the view of local people regardingSCs/PICs performance.
According to this figure, only 11% respondents are fully satisfied with the
performance of SCs/PICs. 54% respondents are partly satisfied with their
performance, 12% respondents are indifferent about this issue and 23% respondents
have no idea regarding this matter.
Figure 4.18 SCs/PICs Performance

23% 12%

fully

partly
12%
not at all

54% do not know

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 2.54 which represent that the performance of
SCs/PICs is not too satisfactory.

25
4.3.7 UP Services Regarding Certificates
UP provides services by providing various ceritificates like birth certificate, character
certificate, death certificate and so on to the local people.
Figure 4.19 UP Services Regarding Certificates

14

12

10
N o. of respondents

0
fully
partly
not at all
do not know
Level of satisfaction

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

In accordance with Figure 4.19, it can be stated that 5 people of the total respondents
are fully satisfied with the service regarding certificates provided by UP. 14
respondents are almost satisfied with the service and only 7 respondents among the
total respondents are indifferent regarding this issue.
Hence, the weighted mean value is 2.92 which represent the situation that respondents
are not so satisfied in regard to issuing certificates, registrations etc. provided by the
UP.

4.3.8 Selection of Safety Net Beneficiaries

UP provides some safety net programs for the poor and pro poor of the certain
community. These are Kabikha, Kabita,VGD, VGF, old age pension, widow
allowance etc.
Figure 4.20 represents the view of local people regarding the issue if they are satisfied
with safety net beneficiaries or not. According to this figure, only 46% respondents
are satisfied with these programs. 39% respondents are partly satisfied with these
programs of Union Parishad, 15% respondents are indifferent about this issue.
Figure 4.20 Selection of Safety Net Beneficiaries

26
 15%

fully
46%
partly

not at all

do not know
38%

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.31 which represent that the level of satisfaction
of respondents with the beneficiaries of safety net programs is medium.

4.3.9 Basic Services Provided by UP

Figure 4.21 represents the view of local people regarding the issue if they are satisfied
with the basic services provided by the UP or not. According to this figure, only 54%
respondents are satisfied with these services. 31% respondents are partly
satisfied,11% respondents are indifferent about this issue. Only 4% respondents have
no idea about the issues.
Figure 4.21 Basic Services Provided by UP

4%

12%

fully

partly

not at all
54%
do not know
31%

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

27
Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.46 which represent that the level of satisfaction
of respondents provided in the fields of health, agriculture, family planning and access
to public resources like khas land and water bodies is medium.

4.3.10 Women Support in Community

Union Parishad has some responsibilities to provide support to the women citizens.
These supports are like respects towards them,presence of women in shalish/village
court, skills training and many more.
Figure 4.22 Women Support in Community

4% 15%

fully
partly
50% not at all
31% do not know

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Figure 4.22 represents the view of local people regarding the issue if they are satisfied
with the UP’s support for women in the community or not. According to this figure,
only 15% respondents are satisfied with this issue. 31% respondents are partly
satisfied, 50% respondents are indifferent about this issue. Only 4% respondents have
no idea about the issues. Field survey announces that, in the study area there is no
presence of women citizens in the village court.
Hence, the weighted mean value is 2.58 which represent that the satisfaction level
with the UP support for women in the community is very poor.

4.3.11 Satisfaction of Village Court

Figure 4.23 represents the view of local people regarding the issue if they are satisfied
with the activities of village court or not. According to this figure, only 11
respondents are satisfied with this issue. 11 respondents are partly satisfied, only one
respondent is indifferent about this issue. And 3 respondents have no idea about the
issues.
28
 Figure 4.23Satisfaction of Village Court

12

N o. of Re sponde nts 10

0
fully
partly
not at all
do not know
Satisfaction Level

Source: Authors’ own calculation based on field survey, 2017

Hence, the weighted mean value is 3.15 which represent that the satisfaction level
with resolutions of the village court is medium to the respondents.

29
 Chapter Five
Concluding Remarks

5.1 Findings
The government is committed to establish strong local government institutions at
various levels through active participation of the elected representatives in the
administration as well as development activities. Local Government Division is
implementing various development and service-oriented activities for poverty
alleviation and to make the rural people’s life more comfortable, sound and
meaningful. Activities are extended up to grass-root level of the country. Major
findings of the study are given below:
i. 65% of the respondents are community people and this is the largest
proportion of the sample. There are 4% religious leader exist in the study
which is the smallest proportion among the category of people.
ii. Most of the respondents are in age group 25-30. And in age group 50-55
and 55-60, there exists only one people in each group. It is found that
youngest age of respondents is 21 and oldest age of respondents is 60.
iii. There are 77% of male respondents and 23% of female in the sample of
the study area.
iv. Minimum year of schooling of respondents is 0 and maximum year of
schooling of respondents is 18.
v. 35% of the respondents are engaged with small business and this is the
largest proportion of occupation of the respondents. There are 8% NGO
workers exist in the study which is the smallest proportion among the
category of people. There are 12% respondents, who are engaged in public
service, 15% are in agriculture and 15% are housewives. 15% other sectors
indicates the people who are engaged in day labour, private service
holding etc. Where minimum income of respondents is BDT5000 and
maximum income of respondents is BDT30000.
vi. 42% respondents are living in joint family and rest of 58% is in nuclear
family.
vii. In this study, we have considered ownership of land at the unit of decimal.
Minimum ownership of land of respondents is 0 decimal which indicates

30
 those respondents are landless. Maximum land ownership of respondents
is 66 decimals.
viii. 54% respondents are not engaged in any organization and rests of the 46%
respondents are affiliated in such organizational works. Where 19%
respondents have political party attachment and rest of the 81%
respondents have no affiliation in political party. This 81% people are
almost indifferent about the activities of political parties. Those who are
affiliated in political party are all in government party affiliation.
ix. 73% of the total respondents are Muslims and rests of 27% are other
religions.10 respondents follow rules and responsibilities always. 8 people
follow rules and regulations partly. 6 respondents have no interest on rules
and regulations of Union Parishad. 2 respondents even don’t know about
the rules and responsibilities of Union Parishad. 54% respondents
participates meetings held by Union Parishad always. 42%people attend
partialy. 4% respondents have no interest on joining the meetings of Union
Parishad.
x. 54% respondents are fully capable of exercising their voting power. 42%
people are partly capable of exercising their voting power. 4% respondents
are indifferent to exercise the voting power in Union Parishad.
xi. Most of the respondents are fully pay their holding tax and this contains
56% of the respondents. 28% respondents are indifferent about holding tax
and 12% people don’t even know about the payment process and rules and
regulation against holding tax.
xii. 50% of the respondents are fully satisfied with CBO activities.
46%respondents are almost satisfied about CBO activities and only 4%
people are indifferent about the CBO activities.
xiii. It can be stated that 50% people of the total respondents believe that the
UP members practice their roles and responsibilities. 8 respondents are
almost satisfied with the UP hours maintained by the UP members and
only 4 respondents among the total respondents have no idea about UP
members’ maintenance of UP hours.
xiv. 23% represents the traditional leaders as well as important bodies in the
UP. 58% respondents are partly know about the plans of Union Parishad,
15% respondents are indifferent about this issue and 4% respondents have
31
 no idea regarding this matter. No respondent has knowledge about UP
budget. Only 11% respondents are fully satisfied with the performance of
SCs/PICs.
xv. Respondents are not so satisfied in regard to issuing certificates,
registrations etc. provided by the UP. Only 5 people of the total
respondents are fully satisfied with the service regarding certificates
provided by UP.
xvi. UP provides some safety net programs in which Kabikha, Kabita,VGD,
VGF, old age pension, widow allowance etc. are included. But it is a
matter of sorrow that only 46% respondents are satisfied with these
programs. 39% respondents are partly satisfied with these programs of
Union Parishad, 15% respondents are indifferent about this issue.
xvii. In the study area there is no presence of women citizens in the village
court.
5.2 Recommendations
Local government of Bangladesh is encountered with some problems. Some of the
problems have found in this study. To solve these kinds of problems as well as
enhance awareness level of local people, there are some recommendations-
i. As most of the people are engaged with non-firm activities with poor
income, some training facilities should be conducted for their skill
development in order to increase their living standard.
ii. As there is presence of landless people in the study area, the authority of
local government can enhance the use of khas lands and also reduce land
rent.
iii. Attachment in organizations should be increased because this attachment
will help in mind development of local people.
iv. Local people should follow the rules and regulations of local government
and their participation in local government’s meeting and other attempts
should be increased.
v. Local government should follow the law and order properly to provide
different facilities to the local people.
vi. In the selection of beneficiaries of CBOs, it should be in concern that only
marginal poor people can get those facilities to increase their livelihood.
Political power should be removed in this case.
32
 vii. Participation of women must be increased in the issues of local
government as well as community works.

5.3 Conclusion
The grass root institutions will remain genuine institutions of democracy if there is
genuine scope for people's participation and empowerment otherwise these
institutions will remain as institutions without roots. It can be said that the real
strength of local governance lies in the awareness, involvement and participation of
inhabitants of the area in all the activities concerning them. It is visualized that
literacy, awareness, access to information and involvement in the decision-making
accelerate the pace of people's participation in local governance. In sum,
strengthening of governing institutions at local level ensures the overall growth and
development of the country. People's participation and empowerment enable growth
with equity along with ensuring the development of democratic process.

33