This refers to the report “India rolls out new welfare scheme for poor” (Jan.2). I think the scheme proposed by the Indian government is good. It is aimed to help the poor and the needy who find it difficult to earn two square meals a day for themselves and their families. But, the biggest challenge for the government lies in the proper implementation of the scheme so that what is meant for the poor actually reaches them.
Because most of the money allocated as part of the welfare programs are siphoned off by bureaucrats and middlemen. Keeping this in mind, the government this time around has decided to deposit the cash in the bank accounts of those who are eligible for the benefits as per data in Aadhar card.
According to Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, 440 million people are living below poverty line in India. Therefore, providing Aadhar card to everyone will be a tough task. The other issue is the biometric machine being used in India is not of a high class as there is a fear that the machine will deprive many of the benefits.
Moreover, the government of India should not follow Brazil’s Bolsa Familia program, as Brazil’s situation is different from that of India. In Brazil, poverty line is not as deep as in India. The Indian government should rather devise its own plan that suits its people.
Also, many people living below poverty line do not have documents to get government entitlements, their inclusion in the program must be ensured. I think, people should use the assigned government fund for their genuine needs only and they should not waste their money on drinking and gambling.
And if this mentality persists then, the government’s plan to eradicate poverty will go waste. Let us hope the government and people will know their responsibilities earnestly to achieve the goal on a positive note. — Anees Lokhande, Alkhobar
