However, the Sonepat district administration, which saw the doubling of the BPL families in the last 10 years, has found a new way to deal with this situation. Recently, a news report in The Hindu, dated 17th September said that the Sonepat district administration in Haryana plans to put up banners outside the homes of BPL families which would read “BPL family”. This, they believe would put to shame the fake BPL families. Afterall, who would like “BPL family” to be written on the wall of their sprawling bungalow?
No wonder, it is a refreshingly new method to deal with the rising fake BPL cardholders. By involving the society, it becomes a matter of a person’s respect and integrity. Social humiliation is the last thing one would want.
However, the success of this initiative is debatable. First and foremost, will the authorities make sure that each and every BPL family has this written on their walls? And would they be able to make sure that it is not removed? Seems unlikely. Atleast, I doubt.
Earlier, to prevent the misuse of ration cards, the Government had confined its use to obtain foodgrains only, while cutting down its other benefits like obtaining driving licences, housing sites under the Ashraya scheme and school admissions. But is reducing the benefits a solution?
References:
http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/17/stories/2008091755150500.htm
http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/29/stories/2007042905790400.htm
