| Commissioning Unit: | Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Evaluation Plan: | 2017-2021 |
| Evaluation Type: | Project |
| Completion Date: | 11/2018 |
| Unit Responsible for providing Management Response: | Bangladesh
|
| Documents Related to overall Management Response: |
|
Key Action Update History
There are two recommended options for the project period:
1. Start the project's draw down in September 2019 and end the project by December 2019; or
2. Request the EUD for extension of 18 months to 2 years to allow time for the TPP to be signed for CHT where work can start as well as for government to recruit AACOs to enable the VCs to be self-sustaining.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2018/12/24]
The project has agreed to request the EUD for extension of the contract for 18 months to 2 years.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop delay recovery plan and share with EU for their approval
[Added: 2018/12/24] |
UNDP and LGD | 2018/10 | Completed | EU agreed to extend the project for one year. | |
| Review budget and multi-year plan. Prepare revised budget and plan for the period 2016-20120
[Added: 2018/12/24] |
UNDP and LGD | 2018/11 | Completed | ||
| Revise the PAGODA for extension
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
UNDP and EU | 2019/10 | Completed | One-year extension was submitted and approved on 31 October 2019. History | |
| Revise ProDoc and TPP and place for GOB approval
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/10 | Completed | Revised and approved. History | |
| Get approval of both ProDoc and TPP
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/12 | Completed | TPP was approved on 15 December 2019. History |
In 2005, the VCs supported by MLAA discussed their findings in open courts and negotiated the compensation with the parties openly. Any ‘backroom’ discussions were discouraged, and all proceedings took place in open courts. We noted during the four trial observations that in each the panel adjourned to deliberate on their decision. The chairman then delivered the ruling (each of the four hearings was an arbitration not mediation) and compensation to be awarded. This goes against the spirit of restorative justice and open dealings which ought to characterise the VCs. To address this, the AVCB team develop a quick strategy for addressing this both through formal letters from the relevant authorities, as well as project notes to VCAs and follow up on the ground and in refresher training courses.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24]
Adjourned the village courts session before deliberating the village court’s decision is not common across all hearing sessions. It depends on the situation, and if required, it may happen. However, the project will review the issues and deliver the message to the field accordingly.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review issues and provide instruction to the field through meetings, refresher training and follow-up visits
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2019/11/03] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/10 | Completed | The issue has been discussed in the refresher’s ToT for the District Training Pool (DTP) members conducted in May 2019. DTP members have already started to deliver the messages to the target groups (UP Chair, UP Panel Chair, Secretary , Members and Village Courts Assistants) during training being held at field level. History |
Eligibility for chairing the VC panel should be expanded to cover a cadre of respected members of the local community regardless of political affiliation.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2021/03/12]
Disagreed. VC Act does not have such provision.
Key Actions:
VC forms and formats should be reviewed and revisited to see how many of them are actually needed. A new form should be created to report back the court- a) receipt of the case; and b) the result / outcome of the case.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2018/12/24]
The project will review the existing VC forms and formats to see how many of them are needed and will also explore the idea on the new format.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop and place proposal to the ministry for amending the VC rules based on the assessment findings
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/12/25] |
UNDP and LGD | 2021/12 | Initiated | History | |
| Assess and review existing forms/formats to know the requirements. Add new formats on to report back the district court on- a) receipt of the case and b) the result/outcome of the case
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/12 | Completed | Form - 4 and 5 can be unified and thus number would be reduced. Furthermore, in case of register, Register – 13 and Form-2 are proposed for merging. A new format on a) receipt of the case; and b) the result/ outcome of the case is developed. Eventually, the total number of forms could be reduced from 22 to 20. History |
If District and Upazila Village Courts Management Committee (VCMC) is activated properly, these committees will be able to play a significant role in monitoring the performance of the village courts. The government should send required circulars to the DCs and UNOs to make sure District and Upazila Village Courts Management committees sit separately to discuss the VC performance under their respective jurisdictions.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2018/12/24]
At present, the VCMC meeting is taking place at district and upazila level along with others committee meetings as members of most of the committees are same.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGD will issue a directive instructing the local administration for conducting VCMC meeting separately
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
LGD and UNDP | 2019/12 | Completed | Issue was discussed with LGD. They opined, since a separate Government Circular is issued on VCMC for having periodic meeting, thus no separate circular is needed. History | |
| Provide orientation to DCs and UNOs on roles and responsibilities of VCMC
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2021/06/27] |
UNDP and LGD | 2021/06 | Completed | The project organized an event titled “Project reflection workshop” in March 2021, where all participants (DDLGs and UNOs) were oriented on the responsibilities of the VCMC accordingly. History |
Activation of the DMIE (Decentralized Monitoring, Inspection and Evaluation) framework, which the AVCB aimed to support through LGD involving the DCs and UNOs to oversee the VC affairs, ensures its quality and accountability; and in the alternative, UNDP lends their technical expertise and comparative experience to LGD in drafting a Village Court Roadmap with agreed targets, time-bound and performance framework that is realistic and accountable.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2018/12/24]
Agreed.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finalize the guideline of DMIE system in consultation with Cabinet division, MIE Wing, and UP section. Issue GO instructing DDLGs, UNOs and UP Chairmen to implement DMIE system.
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
LGD and UNDP | 2020/02 | Completed | The government order was issued on February 2020. History | |
| Provide training to UP chairmen, UP Secretaries, and VCAs on DMIE system
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2021/03/09] |
UNDP and LGD | 2021/01 | Completed | Attendance sheet is attached as an evidence. History | |
| Provide staff (National Consultant-Monitoring Associate) to support MIE Wing, LGD to implement the DMIE system
[Added: 2018/12/24] |
UNDP and LGD | 2018/10 | Completed | History |
The duty to convene a VC should be added to a list of the 39 duties currently set down in the UP Act 2009.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24]
This inclusion will require amendment of LG (UP) Act 2009, which may not be possible during the project period. During the debriefing session of the MTR mission, the LGD mentioned that they would consider this inclusion during revision of LG (UP) Act 2009. However, given the due importance of this recommendation, the LGD agreed to issue a directive instructing all UPs to run village courts regularly.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issue a directive instructing all UPs to run village courts regularly
[Added: 2018/12/24] |
LGD and UNDP | 2018/11 | Completed | ||
| The project will send a letter to LGD requesting to address this issue.
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
LGD | 2020/05 | Completed | NPD opined, LGD may consider this issue while the Local Government (Union Parishad) Act 2009 would be amended. History |
The VC Act needs to be amended on following areas.
1. Section 5 (5) should be deleted;
2. Schedule of offences should be revised to include the type and nature of the offence (with examples in support) so as to emphasise the minor and petty nature of the dispute. Land disputes, for instance, should only be those that are simple to resolve and the value should attach to the area of land in dispute.
3. Emphasis should be placed in the VC Act on transparency of the process at all stages.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24]
Assessment of the VC Act 2006 (amended in 2013) is going on through document review and consultation with relevant stakeholders. Meanwhile, the project has generated series of recommendations and are working on developing amendment proposal.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identify the areas that need to be amended through consultations/assessment
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/09 | Completed | The areas that need to be amended were identified. History | |
| Prepare draft proposal for amendment of VC Act 2006
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/12 | Completed | Amendment proposals are made as follows: 1. Section 5(5) can’t be deleted but amended. 2. Done. 3. No specific Section is proposed but transparency issue is emphasized all along the process through putting proper check and balance clauses (e.g. no adjournment for indoor discussion before final decision declaration, open court forum, no lawyer is allowed etc.). History | |
| Finalize the proposal for amendment in consultation with relevant stakeholders
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2021/03/09] |
UNDP and LGD | 2021/03 | Completed | The proposal is attached as an evidence. History | |
| Submit proposal for amendment to the concern ministry
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2021/06/27] |
UNDP and LGD | 2021/06 | Completed | The project submitted the amendment proposal of VC Act, 2006 to the Local Government Division (LGD), and the proposal has been sent to the Cabinet Division from the LGD. History |
Stories from the VCs should be developed and put on the air in the four most popular TV channels.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24]
Developing drama and airing them on TV would not increase awareness drastically as this communications tool was mostly popular during the 80s-90s, when people had limited media choices - only state-owned TV, no social media or online platforms etc. However, at present, wider competition exists among various media choices of audience. In addition, developing and airing 4 dramas on 4 popular TV channels at one time would cost approximately USD 120,482, which was not budgeted in TPP, AWP etc. Considering importance of these communications tools as well as contemporary media and content choices of audience, 2 dramas would be developed to broadcast on local dish channels and would explore to air on BTV, the state-owned TV channel to air free or subsidized cost. In addition, these two dramas would be placed in online platforms e.g. Youtube, Facebook, twitter etc. for no cost/less cost.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop proposal and concept note on 2 dramas, following remarkable cases successfully resolved by VC (and allocate budget USD 48,190 in AWP and TPP etc.)
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2019/06/04] |
UNDP | 2019/05 | No Longer Applicable |
[Justification: Due to budget constraint, the project has dropped all actions proposed to meet Recommendation 09.] History |
|
| Procure vendor to develop 2 dramas and complete production along with approval on draft script, performers and shooting locations
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2019/06/04] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/09 | No Longer Applicable |
[Justification: Due to budget constraint, the project has dropped all actions proposed to meet Recommendation 09.] History |
|
| Share dramas with local administrations for directives and take initiatives to air on local dish channels, BTV and online platforms to broadcast (allocate budget USD 18,000 for airing 2 dramas on BTV)
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2019/06/04] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/12 | No Longer Applicable |
[Justification: Due to budget constraint, the project has dropped all actions proposed to meet Recommendation 09.] History |
The Ward Shavas, Open budget meetings, Public hearings and Upazila level Women Development Forums should be approached to communicate the VC message (especially to women).
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24]
Creating demands of village courts towards the communities, especially women, is one of the important objectives of the project. Therefore, the project has agreed to explore the proposed means of communication to deliver the village courts messages.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approach the Ward Shavas, Open budget meetings, Public hearings and Upazila level Women Development Forums to communicate the VC message (especially to women)
[Added: 2020/06/03] [Last Updated: 2021/03/09] |
UNDP and LGD | 2021/01 | Completed | VC messages were communicated through the Ward Shavas in 3 districts in coordination with UNDP-EALG project. History | |
| Organize meeting with Cabinet, LGSP-III and other relevant projects and influence them through LGD to issue a directive to discuss VC issue in the Ward Shavas, Open budget meetings, Public hearings and Upazila-level Women Development Forums
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/06/03] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/11 | No Longer Applicable |
[Justification: This is no longer applicable due to change of project context. The project is working on the alternative key action through our field level staff, which has been newly set up under Recommendation 10.] History |
|
| Develop and distribute guideline and key messages (highlighting access to VC by women) for field staff on VC, aiming to deliver VC messages
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/06/03] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/12 | No Longer Applicable |
[Justification: This is no longer applicable due to change of project context. The project is working on the alternative key action through our field level staff, which has been newly set up under Recommendation 10.] History |
|
| Deliver VC messages through different platform mentioned above
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/06/03] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/12 | No Longer Applicable |
[Justification: This is no longer applicable due to change of project context. The project is working on the alternative key action through our field level staff, which has been newly set up under Recommendation 10.] History |
|
| Individual lobby with the Upazila Vice Chairs influencing them to raise awareness about access to VC by women during their community interactions
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/06/03] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/12 | No Longer Applicable |
[Justification: This is no longer applicable due to change of project context. The project is working on the alternative key action through our field level staff, which has been newly set up under Recommendation 10.] History |
District Information Offices are mandated to increase public awareness about government projects, programs and policies. This office can be used to help raising the awareness of the local people about the village courts. A directive sent by the Ministry of Information would be needed to activate the District Information Office to this end. Alternatively, an instruction from the DC office should be sent to the District Information Office, requesting the office to popularize the concept of VCs covering different UPs and Upazilas under the district. A joint meeting should be also organized involving the District Administration, UNDP and the District Information Office to reach consensus and discuss the modalities of future cooperation on the front of awareness raising about the village court.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24]
The project has agreed to work with the District Information Offices through the Ministry of Information and explore the ideas on possible collaboration aiming to disseminate the village courts messages through government channel. This issue will be discussed in the upcoming PIC and PSC meetings as the Ministry of Information is the member of both committees.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Influence the Ministry of Information through PSC and PIC to issue a directive instructing the District Information Office to popularize the concept of VCs covering different UPs and Upazilas under the district
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/12/25] |
UNDP and LGD | 2020/12 | No Longer Applicable |
[Justification: We have addressed the recommendation alternatively by ensuring participation of 27 District Information Officers in GO & NGO coordination meeting held in 27 districts.] History |
|
| Organize meeting with 27 District Information Officers at Dhaka in coordination with the Ministry of Information
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/12/25] |
UNDP and LGD | 2020/12 | No Longer Applicable |
[Justification: We have addressed the recommendation alternatively by ensuring participation of 27 District Information Officers in GO & NGO coordination meeting held in 27 districts.] History |
|
| Ensure dissemination of VC messages through the District Information Office
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/12/25] |
UNDP and LGD | 2020/12 | No Longer Applicable |
[Justification: We have addressed the recommendation alternatively by ensuring participation of 27 District Information Officers in GO & NGO coordination meeting held in 27 districts.] History |
Using the Government media, such as BTV and Bangladesh Betar, would help raise awareness of the VCs. This modality would also be cost-effective.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2018/12/24]
This activity is included in the project’s outreach strategy; therefore, the VC messages would be promoted on BTV and Bangladesh Betar through airing drama, TVC (advertisement), news and talk shows etc. (Note: while Bangladesh Betar is cost effective, airing cost on BTV is equal/higher than many popular private TV channels, however project would explore low cost/subsidized programmes on BTV). Opportunities with community radios would be also explored.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air the news on BTV and Bangladesh Betar
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/12/25] |
UNDP and LGD | 2021/12 | Initiated | Ongoing. BTV has been telecasted minimum on an average two news in each month. History | |
| Explore talk shows on BTV and Bangladesh Betar
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/12/25] |
UNDP and LGD | 2021/12 | Initiated | The project has discussed with BTV and Bangladesh Betar to hold talk show on VCs with free of cost. But they did not make any commitment due to limited number of talk shows on legal issue, however, they are committed to considering it in future if opportunity arises. The project will continue to explore it. History | |
| Air TVC (advertisement) on BTV and Bangladesh Betar
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/12/25] |
UNDP and LGD | 2021/12 | Initiated | NPD sent a letter to DG of BTV requesting to broadcast TVC on village courts on 28th October 2019 but yet to get response despite of repeated follow ups. History | |
| Air drama on BTV and Bangladesh Betar
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/12/25] |
UNDP and LGD | 2021/12 | Initiated | A possibility for airing drama through Betar will be explored further once a Communication consultant will be on board as the Advocacy, Communications and Outreach Specialist position is vacant at the moment. History | |
| Explore opportunities with community radios
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/12 | Completed | VC messages have been broadcasted through three community radios (Barguna, Moulvibazar and Gaibandha). Six dramas and six magazine programmes were also developed and aired during February 2020 focusing on gender issues and VC services. In response to LGD’s request, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has taken initiative to broadcast village court related message, every month, through mobile phone since May 2019. Therefore, 160 million hand phone subscribers receiving mobile sms on village court issue once in every month. History |
A directive from Cabinet Division/LGD should be sent to the DCs and UNOs to organize the NGO coordination meetings. NGOs will be persuaded to take part in the awareness raising campaign along with their regular activities in the rural areas.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24]
The outreach strategy developed by the project has already addressed this recommendation.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communicate with LGD and provide supports to LGD to issue a directive
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/11 | Completed | No new directive is needed for this as DCs and UNOs have already been organizing NGO coordination meetings as an ongoing practice. History | |
| Influence DC and UNO to issue a directive to the local NGOs to include village courts issue in their regular activities
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2020/05/26] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/12 | Completed | 108 directives have been issued by UNOs. History | |
| Organize meetings/workshops at national, district and upazila level with GO and NGO to add village courts issues in their regular outreach activities
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2019/06/04] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/09 | Completed | Evidence is shown in the project annual progress report 2018 attached (Page 31). History | |
| Ensure dissemination of VC messages through local NGOs
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2021/03/09] |
UNDP and LGD | 2021/01 | Completed | VC messages were disseminated through local NGOs, including BRAC and CNRS. History |
In consultation with BLAST and MLAA, a strategy is developed for engaging with the Bar.
Management Response: [Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2021/03/12]
The Project will engage legal practitioners, lawyers through Bar Association to make them aware about village court and its function so that they can move from spoiler to supporter of village courts.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explore the idea on possibilities of engagement of Bar and moving them from ‘spoiler’ to supporter having consultation with BLAST and MLAA
[Added: 2018/12/24] [Last Updated: 2021/03/12] |
UNDP | 2019/09 | Completed | Discussed with both BLAST and MLAA. Both discouraged the engagement of lawyer as it will ruin the spirit of VC and may increase the cost and complexity in VC procedures. History |
Local Government Division (LGD) opens up a discussion with the World Bank as the Local Governance Support Project (LGSP III) is now being implemented throughout the country covering all UPs with a view to identify the potential areas for future cooperation and synergies. For activating the village courts, it is, however, possible for the UPs to use part of the block grants made available to UPs under the other different parallel governance development programmes such as LGSPIII and others which are being funded by different development partners in collaboration with the government of Bangladesh.
Management Response: [Added: 2021/03/12] [Last Updated: 2021/03/12]
Disagreed. LGD did not have any discussion with the World Bank on this account as LGSP III phasing out as a project concept and is gradually being mainstreamed within the ministry. However, alternatively, collaboration is practiced in following areas with LGSP III:
- Replication of VCMIS system that was piloted in AVCB Phase-I required hardware support and following several meetings with LGSP III, it is recently agreed that LGSPII will provide computer support facilities in 100 UPs for VCMIS replication.
- In response to LGSP III’s request, AVCBII project are providing technical supports (training, materials) to develop capacity of UP representatives - outside of project areas- on village courts where LGSP III and district administration are bearing the training costs
- LGD formed a Working Group for replicating VC across the country where LGSP III together with A2I are actively taking part as the Working Group members.
Key Actions:
A pilot scheme in 4 sites (under each of the four PNGOs) to test the economic viability of retaining the VCAs and eventually transitioning them to a contract, or cooperation agreement, with NLASO (sourced from the Legal Aid Fund) to provide a broader set of legal services to the local community as ‘paralegals’ offering basic advice, assistance and referral services in line with the initiatives under consideration by GIZ and DFID, as well as organise continuous training on the VC Act and Rules (in support of the DTPs) and ensure the VC continue to function within the ambit of the law.
Management Response: [Added: 2021/03/12]
The project has decided to do a piloting the UP complex and VC as a hub for referral and other services in one district. NLASO and LGD will work together for piloting this mini project.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop and finalize concept note
[Added: 2021/03/12] |
UNDP | 2019/03 | Completed | Concept note has attached as evidence. | |
| Ensure fund for implementing the pilot initiative
[Added: 2021/03/12] |
UNDP | 2019/04 | Completed | Mail correspondence about funding is attached as evidence. | |
| Start piloting the UP complex and VC as a hub for referral and other services
[Added: 2021/03/12] |
UNDP, LGD and NLASO | 2020/12 | Completed | Pilot was initiated. |
UNOs should be co-opted as a member of the DTP. This will help to encourage their ownership of the VC.
Management Response: [Added: 2021/03/12] [Last Updated: 2021/03/12]
As per TPP, DTP will be comprised equally of the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) officials and trained staff from NGOs. Thus, as the GoB officials, the respective UNOs can be co-opted as DTP members.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Co-opt UNO as DTP member having consultation with LGD
[Added: 2021/03/12] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/04 | Completed | Consultation was made. The letter was issued. | |
| Provide ToT on VC to all UNOs of AVCB II Project areas
[Added: 2021/03/12] |
UNDP and LGD | 2019/05 | Completed | ToT was organized. |
Local Government Division (LGD) take the lead role in pursuing government to complete the appointment of the AACOs to all the UPs (with priority to the project area UPs) without further delay.
Management Response: [Added: 2021/03/12]
LGD has started the process of appointing Assistant Account-Cum-Computer Operators (AACOs) for each union of Bangladesh who, in addition to other responsibilities, will administer village courts issues. The process is in limbo due to a court order which the Local Government Division is looking into. Meanwhile 105 AACOs already recruited. The project/UNDP cannot intervene in this issue as it is a government concern.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Influence LGD to complete the appointment of the AACOs to all the UPs (with priority to the project area UPs) without further delay
[Added: 2021/03/12] |
UNDP | 2021/12 | Initiated |
Terms and conditions offered to the Village Police be reviewed as a matter of urgency as they play an essential role in serve summons’ on parties and maintaining order and decorum in the VC.
Management Response: [Added: 2021/03/12]
Disagreed. It is found that, according to Village Police Rules 2015, roles and responsibilities of Village Police to run village courts have already been included in their ToR.
Key Actions: