Category: Miscellaneous

26 Dec 2022 21:52

Joined:	20/04/2018
Level:	Gold
Points:	55771

Points:	5

Can we all resolve to be very honest at least wherever possible?

One does not know whether the income criteria is applicable to anyone who applies for the ration card. In Tamil Nadu, years ago, since I had applied through the manual prescribed form method( not so much computerization was there in those days), an official came home and asked for my visiting card. He had done his homework and also mentioned my designation, even before I could hand over any document to him. I remember giving him a photocopy of my latest salary slip that indicated an amount considered very high in those days. The official immediately indicated that I would be eligible for what is called the sugar card only and not claim any rice that is given only for those with limited income and the very poor.

Immediately, I told him that I want a ration card for identity and I will be happy to claim just the 4.5 kg sugar I am eligible to get every month. Within a few days, I was able to get a ration card.

In the year 2021, some three months before the Assembly election the then ruling party declared that those who wanted to opt for the 20 kg of rice could do so. Millions did just that. However, at least fifteen of my friends agreed with me. Till this date, we are getting only the sugar.

If we can maintain some decency and not use all loopholes to claim Government subsidies that should go only to the poor, the world will be a far better place to live in.

#768075

26 Dec 2022 22:38

Joined:	10/12/2022
Level:	Silver
Points:	229

Points:	3

I am fully agreeing with the author. My personal opinion in this forum is, all State and Central Govt employees, Bank, Public Sector, and other govt corporations employees have come forward to give some sort of declaration kind of things, not to buy any item in ration shops, only ID purpose it. Here the exception is retired pensioners.

In our country, more than 50 per cent of the population is unable to get psychological needs. Further, many are working in unorganised sectors without any rules and regulations. According to me, all the subsidies have to be passed on to them without any second thought. Even daily labourers, Auto Drivers, deserve to get govt subsidies. A change has to come from the mindset of the public to put up these kind of proposal to rulers, through proper channels. I hope change is inevitable, and I pray to God all the above things must happen before I leave this world.

#768085

27 Dec 2022 14:07

Joined:	02/06/2009
Level:	Diamond
Points:	145329

Points:	4 (₹ 2)

Many rich people not responded when our Prime Minister asked rich people to forego subsidies on cooking gas and many people criticised him. Actually, I feel we should not think of a free issue or concession for items when we have the required capability to purchase them at a normal price. I know some private employees who earn very well also not declaring their income and taking white ration cards on which they will get rice also at a marginal rate. This is more in villages. Some very rich people who are having good agricultural incomes also go for these cards.

I have no ration card. I have an Aadhar card, PAN card, passport and voter card. I am using them as ID cards wherever necessary. I feel we should be honest everywhere.

drrao
always confident

#768094

27 Dec 2022 17:36

Joined:	10/07/2018
Level:	Gold
Points:	33389

Points:	5

I do not know whether the author is paying for the monthly allotment of sugar to him but if he is not paying and only claiming then I would say give it up totally would definitely be an honest gesture.

Some will surely remain honest and would never take undue advantage but we cannot expect all to behave in that way. As long as there are loopholes in the system it will be exploited. The thing is to make the system foolproof. When the government requests all of us to link all our ID cards, I am sure they will have all the information related to financial transactions and payment of taxes. Based on them, a robust system can be made where a person in the higher income bracket will not be able to apply for schemes meant for economically weaker sections by mentioning her/his ID card numbers which have to be made mandatory. I agree that we all need to be honest and some of us can take a pledge but many will not follow the same path and we need to implement a stronger system in place.

Sankalan

"Life is easier when you enjoy what you do"

#768099

27 Dec 2022 22:34

Joined:	20/04/2018
Level:	Gold
Points:	55771

Points:	1

Mr. Sankalp. Please be informed that we do pay money to buy the ration sugar. It is a subdized rate and am not eligible to get anything more. At times, am allowed one kg of Dal and 500 grams of Palm oil at subsidized rates. I pay for it and pass on the oil to my servant maid as a gift as she consumes only palm oil. I do not know about other States, but now corruption has been greatly reduced. The CM himself conducts so many surprise checks. There is a computerized record of inventory, sales and so on and link of ration card with Aadhar card. However, please do note that the State Government bears most of the subsidy and only some portion of the subsidy towards rice is borne by the Central Government.

#768126

28 Dec 2022 21:06

Joined:	10/07/2018
Level:	Gold
Points:	33389

Points:	3

ABSivakumar, please spell my name correctly. Where you found such a spelling of my name?

I have nothing to do regarding who pays the subsidy. whether it's the central government or the state government, a subsidy remains a subsidy only. My point is if one can afford to buy things at the market price why she/he should go for a subsidy? If she/he opts for the subsidy can we call it a very honest decision?

Sankalan

"Life is easier when you enjoy what you do"

#768138

29 Dec 2022 11:43

Joined:	20/04/2018
Level:	Gold
Points:	55771

Points:	1

I get only sugar my dear friend. This is as per my eligibility, Mr. Sankalan Bhattacharya. Am a senior citizen now. My total earnings from all sources does not even touch 3.75 lakh rupees. I pay my taxes as per law and file IT returns as per law. I get some refund after the auditors take over. There is now a very good online agency that does the job for me.

It is not a crime to claim some subsidy if am eligible for it. The change to the rice card was massive corruption. Even those who earn one hundred thousand rupees get the subsidized rice. The previous Govt allowed this for purely political reasons.

The present Govt is trying to undo everything. We are very much concerned about benefits reaching the very poor. We do not want the rich to corner away all subsidies.

Apart from this subsidy of sugar of just 4.5 kg per month, and that small quantity of Dal if it is available and the half liter of palm oil, am not eligible for any subsidy from the Govt.

I have been writing letters to all Govt officials, whenever I hear about corruption anywhere. The Govt is very serious about massive reforms everywhere. It is giving massive subsidies in educating the poor as well. I will go on supporting such schemes. We do not give lectures on radio or TV spending lakhs of rupees like some great "leaders". We focus only on outcomes.

Never will I allow the rich to become corrupt.

#768140

29 Dec 2022 13:34

Joined:	10/12/2016
Level:	Diamond
Points:	109182

Points:	4

Author has raised a very thought provoking point and I agree that within our scope of activities if all of us try to be honest and genuine then many problems which are there due to accumulation of small sins would go away. Of course we do not have any control on the bigger sins being executed by rich and influencial people in this world but at least we can do what is within our purview.
It is said that corruption cannot be eradicated but it can be minimised and can be contained. From that perspective our little efforts are also of some value especially in a cumulative manner.

Knowledge is power.

Can we all resolve to be very honest at least wherever possible?

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