Pathankot-Founder of the international organization PCT Humanity, Dr. Joginder Singh Salaria, has said that the list of people living below the poverty line (BPL) in India is being grossly misused by government and political parties for vote-bank purposes. He stated that instead of providing free ration to BPL cardholders, the government should ensure permanent employment opportunities that enable them to live with dignity and self-respect, rather than relying on state assistance.Dr. Salaria said that the current government policies are depriving citizens, especially the youth, of employment. “Rather than empowering people through work, they are being made dependent on schemes designed for political gain,” he remarked. He added that many genuinely poor families are being deprived of their rights, while economically stable households continue to exploit benefits under the BPL category.
Calling for an immediate nationwide survey, Dr. Salaria demanded that families with sufficient economic means should have their BPL benefits cancelled without delay, so that genuine and deserving beneficiaries can be helped. He pointed out that there are numerous cases across the country where BPL cardholders own two-wheelers, four-wheelers, expensive mobile phones, and even air conditioners, yet continue to avail free ration and subsidies — an injustice to truly needy families and a burden on the national exchequer.
Expressing concern, Dr. Salaria said that when a genuinely poor person approaches government offices for help, they are often ignored or ridiculed. “Such behavior is against the democratic spirit of the nation,” he said, urging governments to establish a transparent, fair, and accountable system that ensures no deserving person is left out of welfare benefits.
In a sharp tone, he said that BPL beneficiaries should not live on the mercy of the government but should be encouraged to become self-reliant. Mockingly, he remarked that “Those who enjoy all comforts yet exploit the BPL category should hang a ‘Board of Sympathy’ outside their homes so society knows who the real poor are.” He emphasized that the government must conduct on-ground verification of BPL lists in villages, towns, and cities, treating this not merely as an audit but as a matter of social justice and economic balance.
Dr. Salaria further stated that to make India a Vishwaguru (Global Leader), transparency, accountability, and honesty must be ensured in all government policies. “A soldier of the nation is not defined by wearing a uniform, but by performing his duties with integrity,” he said.
He appealed to all individuals who are now economically sound but still enlisted under the BPL category to voluntarily surrender their cards, allowing the aid to reach those who genuinely deserve it.
Expressing concern over the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dr. Salaria said that millions of youth are losing jobs due to rapid automation. While technology is necessary, he warned, it should not come at the cost of mass unemployment.
In conclusion, Dr. Salaria demanded a comprehensive investigation into those misusing BPL benefits and urged strict legal action against negligent officials. He also appealed for the immediate inclusion of all genuine poor families who remain outside the BPL list.
He concluded by saying, “India’s development will not come merely through schemes but through honest policies and sincere efforts. To make India a true Vishwaguru, transparency, accountability, and justice must prevail at every level — be it government, administration, or citizens themselves.”