SYLHET, July 3 (BSS) : Social Welfare Minister Enamul Huq Mostafa Shaheed Friday said the government would take massive programmes for providing education and healthcare facilities for the rural people.

He urged the officials of the Directorate of Social Service to take preparations for making the project titled 'Ek Gram Ek School' a success and supporting community clinics for providing services to the people.

The minister was addressing a views-exchange meeting with officials of Sylhet, Sunamganj and Moulavibazar at the conference room of the deputy commissioner of the district.

Syeda Jebunnechha Haque, MP, and Director General of the Department of Social Service Sitangshu Sen, among others, addressed the meeting with Additional District Magistrate Mamunur Rashid in the chair.

Enamul Huq said the government has increased the old age allowance to Tk 13 billion (1,300 crore) from Tk six billion.

He directed the officials of the department to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity so that all elderly people get the allowances properly.

Stressing the need for increasing the social safety net programme, Enamul Huq said, "We have to ensure secure life for the elderly people and disadvantaged children of the country."

The minister also called upon all to work sincerely for preparing an accurate list of elderly and disabled people, and Freedom Fighters so that they could enjoy the benefits given by the government.