SC questions ‘scientific’ basis of BPL classification, flags misuse of ration cards

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked whether states are following any scientific method to identify and classify the poor strata of the society to receive the BPL benefits.

A division bench headed by Justice Surya Kant expressed concern on whether the Below Poverty Line (BPL) benefits were being meted out to the deserving candidates.

Speaking for the bench, Justice Kant verbally remarked that certain states, despite bragging about having high per capita income, also claim benefits meant for the BPL section by claiming that the majority of their population is poor.


The bench further remarked that certain states boast of supplying subsidised essential goods to those in need through the ration system, but such ration often does not reach the BPL families. Justice Kant further orally remarked that ration cards are used for optics by certain states which boast of issuing a sizable number of ration cards.

The development took place during the resumed hearing of a suo motu case pertaining to the difficulties faced by migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bench was apprised by one of the counsels that several migrant workers were not able to secure the ration benefits that they are entitled to.

This prompted SC to flag concerns over the misuse of ration cards by others who do not deserve ration supplies. Sharing his concern, Justice Kant orally observed, "Our concern is: Are benefits meant for genuine BPL (families) percolating to those pockets who do not deserve it? Ration card has become a 'popularity card' now."