The Himachal Pradesh Government has come out with a unique method of making people forego their BPl status, which entitles them to subsidies and benefits under various Government schemes. It has started branding the families as "BPl", as a result of which people who were misusing the facility meant for the poor, have started shying away from the practice.
Though the data of people who have surrendered their BPl status is yet to be ascertained, but the idea has been been saving unnecessary burden of subsidies on the government, Anil Sharma, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Himachal Pradesh said here.
He said the state government agencies have started earmarking houses of families covered under BPl or IRDP (Integrated Rural Development Program), by putting placards on such houses.
Talking to media persons in a 'Meet the Press' programme organized by Shimla Press Club, he eleborated on the achievements of his department, saying the government has spent Rs. 337 crore on various developmental works under MNREGA during this financial year.