সমাজসেবা অধিদফতর, পদ সংখ্যাঃ ১,৪৮৫টি।

The Department of Social Services (DSS) (সমাজসেবা অধিদপ্তর) is a major directorate under the Ministry of Social Welfare of the Government of Bangladesh. Established in 1961 (and reorganized post-independence), it is the apex public institution responsible for implementing national social security, poverty alleviation, and welfare programs for the marginalized populations of the country.

Key Functions & Programs

The DSS is widely known for implementing the government’s massive safety net initiatives:

• Social Safety Net Allowances: Managing and distributing core state allowances, including:

  • Old Age Allowance (বয়স্ক ভাতা)

  • Widow and Deserted Women Allowance (বিধবা ও স্বামী নিগৃহীতা ভাতা)

  • Insolvent Persons with Disabilities Allowance (অসচ্ছল প্রতিবন্ধী ভাতা)

• Socio-Economic Development: Providing interest-free micro-credits to underprivileged communities in rural and urban areas to promote self-employment.

• Child Protection & Institutional Care: Running institutions like Sarker Shishu Paribar (Government Children’s Homes) for orphans and juveniles, along with rehabilitation centers for vulnerable children.

• Disability Identification and Empowerment: Maintaining the Disability Detection Survey System to ensure individuals with physical or mental disabilities receive proper state assistance, training, and education stipends.

Organizational Structure

The DSS operates a highly extensive network reaching the grassroots level of Bangladesh:

• Divisional & District Offices: Coordinating regional strategies.

• Upazila and Urban Social Service Offices: Executing social security programs directly within local sub-districts and municipalities.

• Union Level Field-Workers: Working directly with communities to identify eligible beneficiaries and distribute support.

Official Portals

• Official Website: www.dss.gov.bd

• Integrated Management System (MIS): dss.bhata.gov.bd (used for processing welfare allowance applications and tracking).

• Application Link: dss.teletalk.com.bd