As the government prepares to launch the one-time special financial assistance of ₹2,000 in cash to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in the city, it has data of only half of the households under the BPL category.
According to data filed in 2004, 5.1 lakh families in the city fell under the BPL category. Till now, data on 2.5 lakh households has been updated. Around 50% of the families recorded in 2004 have not yet been traced, sources said.
Meanwhile, the forms meant for the BPL families are being distributed in posh residential areas in East Coast Road and middle-class localities like Choolaimedu.
Kumaran, a resident of ECR, said that in his locality even people residing in upscale apartments and bungalows were being given forms. “It is common sense that people here don’t fall under the BPL category. Even if their intention is data collection — they should know where to go. It’s a criminal waste of time for the staff collecting data to give these forms in posh localities. These staff should be redeployed for productive work.”
Vijay Kumar, another resident of ECR, said, “When the staff came home, I clearly told them that I don’t fall under BPL category. I ticked the “opt out” option in the form. But it was unfortunate to see many upper middle class and high net worth people opting for this cash scheme. People should understand that the money is for the poor people and not be greedy,” he said.
D. Mythili, a resident of Choolaimedu, said a Corporation official visited her house on Sunday and asked her to submit the form with details of bank account, Aadhaar and ration card on Monday.
Forms submitted
“Most of the residents here are not Below Poverty Line, but they have filled and submitted the form. The officials said all of them will get the cash. We said we don’t want the money,” said Ms. Mythili.
While there are 17.7 lakh households in the city, the government has completed survey of 3.9 lakh households by Sunday.
In the 15 zones, 8.4 lakh copies of the applications forms meant for BPL families had been distributed so far, officials said.