Tag BPL households; name, shame fraudulent and fake beneficiaries

The term Below Poverty Line (BPL) has become one of the most misused, if not outright abused, classifications in welfare distribution. It often serves as a shield for unscrupulous individuals and families, who manipulate the system to unfairly claim benefits meant for the truly needy. Who really qualifies as a BPL individual or family? Certainly not those living in lavish homes or driving luxury cars. If such individuals manage to find their way onto BPL lists, it is not just a case of systemic failure but a betrayal of genuine beneficiaries. Such families must be identified, named, and shamed publicly.

The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families, a subset of BPL families, specifically the poorest of the poor, of Jammu and Kashmir are all set to get 200 units free power, a promise though made for all in the Union Territory by the National Conference while unveiling the Manifesto for the 2024 Legislative Assembly elections on August 19, 2024.. This is obviously antagonizing the people, who were promised the moon but left with nothing after formation of the new government after gubernatorial rule of five years. It always happens; political parties making lavish promises with a caveat of not keeping these. This pattern is all too familiar in politics-grand promises during campaigns, only to be selectively implemented or conveniently forgotten once power is secured
In the latest version of parliamentary democracy, the benefits of various welfare schemes are generally extended to BPL families to ‘ease the burden on vulnerable households. However, given that public funds are at stake, it becomes crucial to ensure transparency and accountability in the entire process-from verification to distribution. When taxpayer money funds welfare measures, every rupee must reach households that genuinely need help. Past instances have revealed that politically connected or influential individuals have sometimes manipulated the system to secure inclusion on the BPL lists. There have been experiences in Jammu and Kashmir and across India where politically connected or influential individuals have often manipulated the system to be classified as BPL, thereby diverting resources away from truly needy families. To curb this malpractice, a robust verification must be a continuous process therefore, because the poor can turn rich anytime and vice versa. There is a growing call to publicly expose fake BPL beneficiaries to deter fraudulent claims.
To ensure that benefits of welfare schemes reach genuine families, it is important to mark their homes or issue standardized certificates. This method would ensure that only those who truly qualify receive benefits. Tags on houses will empower the neighbors, who often have a clear understanding of local socio-economic conditions, to help verify the authenticity of each household, eventually leading to breaking the nexus besides putting brakes on manipulation and undue influence. There is a growing call for public exposure of fake BPL families. Implementing such measures will also lead to publicly naming and shaming those who fraudulently claim BPL status. This can act as a strong deterrent. Releasing the names and addresses of the BPL families will also provide general masses an opportunity to pinpoint the discrepancies. Such exposure would not only shame the culprits but also help prevent recurrence. Once done so, strict financial and legal penalties should be levied against those found guilty of fraud. This punitive approach can safeguard public funds and discourage manipulation. Equally important is holding verifying agencies accountable. If agencies responsible for the certification process fail to maintain rigorous standards, they too should face actions. Such measures will help break any existing nexus that may allow undue political or social influence to interfere with the welfare system, thereby ensuring that benefits reach only those who deserve them. This dual accountability-both of beneficiaries and the institutions meant to verify them-is vital to restore trust in the welfare system.
By implementing reforms, the Jammu and Kashmir Government can restore public trust and ensure that welfare measures serve as an effective lifeline for those who need them most. There is no scope for unethical practices to flare up the numbers as this will not only deprive the genuine families from the assistance they need but also fleece the taxpayers, who remain always on the receiving end.