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‘Anomaly in BPL beneficiaries selection’

Raising serious concern, RTI activist has pointed out absence of proper mechanism in selection of Below Poverty Line (BPL) beneficiaries…

‘Anomaly in BPL beneficiaries selection’

Representational Image (PHOTO: Getty Images)

Raising serious concern, RTI activist has pointed out absence of proper mechanism in selection of Below Poverty Line (BPL) beneficiaries in Himachal.

RTI activist Dev Ashish Bhattacharaya has alleged that various schemes of poverty eradication of central government are being misused by the rich and influential people, while the poor remain marginalised and cheated.

Bhattacharaya had filed a complaint with the PMO, stating that the RTI sought from the government agencies, the gram panchyats of Bhoranj Block in Hamirpur, points out that two Pradhans, up-pradhans, 4 BDC members and 63 Ward Members have managed to get themselves included in the list.

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He complained that the persons who are given mandate by the people to monitor the BPL sections, have managed to include themselves in the BPL list.

After investigation, the then State Information Commissioner (CIC) Bhim Sen had issued directions under section 19(8) of the RTI Act 2005 to the government of Himachal Pradesh in general and Block Development Officer (BDO) Bhoranj in particular to select the BPL families on the basis of the evidence based parameters.

Bhattacharaya had sought Prime Minister’s intervention to initiate inquiry on his complaint, so that the guilty persons could be punished.

“In response to my complaint, the PMO has intervened and asked the Union Ministery at Panchyati Raj to look into the matter after which a letter was issued to the Principal Secretary, Rural Development and Panchyati Raj to take necessary action on my petition.

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