Katsina assembly committed to protecting underprivileged, special needs people- Deputy speaker
The Katsina State House of Assembly is committed to enacting laws that benefit the public, prioritizing the interests of the less privileged and people with special needs.
Deputy Speaker of the assembly, Alhaji Abduljalal Runka, made this known while declaring open a public hearing on the establishment of a Social Protection (SP) intervention agency in the state.
The public hearing, he said, is aimed to hear the opinions of relevant stakeholders, to assist the lawmakers towards having an effective SP intervention agency.
Runka, who is also the Chairman of the Social Protection Legislative Forum, said the executive bill is named Social Investment and Protection Intervention Agency (KASIPIA).
”If it becomes a law, it will assist the government to have an easy channel through which the less privileged and people with special needs can be supported.
”The assembly is expecting contributions from different stakeholders. I am confident that the bill will soon become a law,” he said.
Also speaking, a Director in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Tijjani Umar, suggested that the agency should be named ‘Social Protection Investment Agency.
”The bill has provided the sources of funding for the agency when established. The initial take off grant is coming from the state and local governments.
”At least, 0.5 per cent of the state government and 0.1 per cent from each of the 34 local governments monthly grants will be allocated to the agency.
”Also, at least 0.1 per cent is expected from the state annual internally Generated Revenue (IGR) will be allocated to finance the SP intervention programmes,” he said.
Also contributing, retired Lt-Col Hudu Usman, the Senior Special Adviser to Gov. Dikko Radda on people with special needs, said the bill aims to ensure the well-being of the people with special need.
Usman assured that if established, the agency will tackle street begging, citing an example with some southern states where such agency has been established.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, the state department of Girl Child Education and Girls Development, Alhaji Aminu Badaru, said the agency will be a great support to the department.
The representative of the Katsina social protection network, Malam Muhammad Ibrahim-Maifada, assured the assembly of his support for the passage of the bill.
News Men reports that the United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF) Kano Field office, supported the state government in drafting and validating the social protection bill.
