A daylong fair and workshop related to the Sarbojanin Pension Scheme (Universal Pension Scheme) was held at Hazi Muhammad Mohsin Government High School playground in the city today (Friday).
National Pension Authority (NPA) and Commissioner Office of Rajshahi division jointly organized the divisional event aimed at familiarizing the public in general with the pension scheme along with its contribution to the national economy.
Around 200 officials from various government and non-government offices and institutions, public and private banks and other financial establishments showcased the aspects of the pension scheme in 117 stalls.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office Tofazzal Hossain Mian addressed the opening ceremony as chief guest with Commissioner of Rajshahi division Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir in the chair.
Financial Institutions Division Secretary Sheikh Muhammad Salim Ullah, Executive Vice-chairman of Microcredit Regulatory Authority Muhammd Fasiullah and Director General of NGO Affairs Bureau Saidur Rahman also talked about the strategy selection of making the pension scheme successful.
Director General (Administration) of Prime Minister’s Office Ahsan Kibria Siddiqui spoke on publicity tactics of the universal pension scheme.
Subsequently, they also attended a workshop at Jail Training Centre auditorium where NPA Member Golam Mostofa presented a keynote paper highlighting the aspects and significance of the pension scheme.
They exchanged views with some of the participants on how to make the pension scheme more successful.
Addressing the workshop Tofazzal Hossain Mian said the contribution towards pension will be treated as investment and eligible for tax concession and the monthly pension will be free from income tax.
Government will pay part of the subscription for the insolvent and those are of low-income threshold.
He also said the government has already started its activities by establishing the National Pension Authority. The Universal Pension Management System has been developed on a complete IT platform in line with the implementation of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s goal to achieve ‘Smart Bangladesh’.