The Hindu : National : Experts to help in transparent identification of BPL families

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Experts to help in transparent identification of BPL families

Special Correspondent

They will suggest methodology for conducting BPL census

Existing process of identification in rural areas complicated
Experts will go into issue of putting a limit on the total number to be identified

NEW DELHI: The Union Rural Development Ministry has constituted an expert group to recommend a more suitable methodology for conducting the next Below Poverty Line (BPL) census.

The existing process of identification of the BPL families in rural areas is complicated and the need has been felt to evolve a simple and more transparent methodology so as to identify the actually poor BPL households there.

The expert group will recommend a methodology to conduct the next BPL census with simple, transparent and objectively measurable indicators for identification of families for providing assistance under the ministry’s programmes; will recommend an institutional system for conducting a survey, processing of data validation and approval of the BPL list at various levels; and will suggest an institutional mechanism to address grievances of the public over exclusion/inclusion in the list.

The experts will also look at the relationship between estimation and identification of the poor and the issue of putting a limit on the total number of BPL families to be identified. The group will submit its report within six months.

The team

Headed by the former Rural Development Secretary M. Shankar, the group will have 16 members including Raghav Gaiha, Professor of Economics (Delhi University); N.J. Kurien, former Advisor (Planning Commission); P. Sainath of The Hindu; Harsh Mander and N.C. Saxena, Commissioners of the Supreme Court; M.N. Roy, Principal Secretary, Rural Development (West Bengal); K. Raju, Principal Secretary, (Andhra Pradesh); Ram Lubhaya, Principal Secretary (Rajasthan); Manoj Kumar Singh, Commissioner (Uttar Pradesh); Santosh Mehrotra, senior consultant (Planning Commission); Devendra Kumar, Commissioner & Secretary, Assam; Wilfred Lakhra, retired IAS officer; Aruna Roy of the Mazdoor Kissan Shakti Sangathan, and representatives from the Union Rural Development Ministry.

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