Strictly monitor eligibility

Refer to ‘Inflated BPL data?’; the sudden jump in the number of families in Haryana below the poverty line is quite worrisome. The data reveals 44 per cent increase in just two years. Such an exponential increase in poverty runs counter to the tall claim of pulling BPL families out of poverty. It is clear that the benefits of the welfare schemes are not percolating down to the deserving ones. The Centre claimed that over 24 crore poor people had been drawn out of poverty, which appears to be an inflated figure. The identification of BPL families for extending benefits needs to be monitored strictly. It will help in drawing a transparent and accurate picture of those actually deserving the benefits.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Inauthentic data provided

Apropos of ‘Inflated BPL data?’; more and more households understated their annual income, perhaps in connivance with data-collecting officials, to reap the benefits of welfare schemes meant for genuine BPL families. As per the NITI Aayog’s report, Haryana ranks as a frontrunner in goals like economic growth and ‘decent work’. Contrary to it, the data reflecting a sharp increase in poverty appears to be inauthentic and manipulated. The data-compiling bodies must be held accountable for painting such a fabricated picture, which is far removed from the reality of the state. If ineligible and undeserving persons are reaping benefits of welfare schemes by getting their names registered among BPL families, it is reflective of the poor administration.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Government’s claims exposed

With reference to ‘Inflated BPL data?’; Haryana has witnessed an alarming increase in its BPL population. This belies the state government’s loud claims of economic growth and development. It appears that in collusion with government officials, many ineligible people registered themselves in the BPL category to gain benefits from the government’s welfare scheme. The government must enforce strict measures to ensure that only the truly deserving receive the benefits.

Harbinder S Dhillon, Una

Stop dividing Indians

With reference to ‘Jharkhand battle’; be it Jharkhand, Maharashtra or any other state elections, divisive politics draws deep battlelines between various sections of society. Irrespective of who wins, the common man and, consequently, the nation, is the one that always loses. Politicians refuse to learn a lesson from the dangerous outcome of their inflammatory and divisive agenda in Manipur. Besides, voters’ opinions are sought to be influenced by a blame game. To stop the influx of illegal migrants from neighbouring countries is the duty of the government at the Centre, but states are blamed for it during electioneering.

Hira Sharma, by mail

Manipur crisis a wake-up call

Refer to ‘Women a soft target in Manipur’; violence in the state continues to spiral out of control, with the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities escalating again. Several gruesome incidents have shocked the nation. Ethnic strife has deep roots in the state and resolving it requires stringent measures. But, justice for victims and accountability of those indulging in violence or abetting it remain elusive. The government must take concrete steps to tackle the major causes of the conflict, while also ensuring the safety and dignity of all communities in the state. The Manipur crisis is a wake-up call and a lesson for all states. It doesn’t take long for seemingly harmless fanatics to turn violent. Keep fanaticism in check or just avoid it.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Voters don’t reveal choices

Apropos of ‘Third time, this time, pollsters underestimated Trump’; apparently, core issues — jobs, inflation, immigration — mattered more than anything else to American voters. However, pollsters made a serious error by forecasting a close contest between Harris and Trump. Opinion polls may be off the mark when respondents do not reveal their true political preferences for fear of being loathed or berated for their choices. This is especially true if their preferred candidate is subjected to personal attacks. Voters usually avoid laying bare their leaning towards controversial politicians.

Chander Shekhar Dogra, Jalandhar

Letters to the Editor, typed in double space, should not exceed the 200-word limit. These should be cogently written and can be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribunemail.com