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Voter ID for Welfare Schemes: Why it Will Deprive Eligible Beneficiaries
Insisting on Voter ID for welfare schemes will only amount to further increasing problems for significant numbers of eligible people.
Voter ID requirements for welfare schemes raise concerns about potentially excluding eligible beneficiaries. (Representative Image)
Key Takeaways
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Normally, it should be obvious to everyone that the benefits of various government welfare schemes should reach all eligible persons, according to the criteria provided in each scheme. In fact, the government, panchayats, and other relevant bodies should publicize these schemes adequately so that potential beneficiaries currently unaware of them can also avail themselves of the benefits.
Nevertheless, it now appears important to re-emphasize the obvious need to ensure that no one is deprived. This refers to a statement made by Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lallan Singh., Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lallan Singh. The Indian Express provided an exact translation of this statement, which was also reported more widely (see report by Harikishan Sharma titled ‘Biometrics, voter IDs for beneficiary payments, not Aadhaar’, Indian Express, November 3)., voter IDs for beneficiary payments, not Aadhar’, Indian Express November 3). Addressing a workshop on October 30 the Minister is reported to have said, “The Aadhaar card will no longer be the basis. Instead, payments to beneficiaries will be processed using their biometrics and their voter ID (EPIC) number.”
It is well-known that, at the implementation level, biometrics-based identification of beneficiaries has created many practical problems for several eligible individuals. If in addition voter ID EPIC number becomes an essential criteria then this can result in denying benefits to several people who are eligible.
A big debate is taking place at present regarding missing names in electoral rolls, and it is important to emphasize that all eligible voters should be included, no one to be left out but at the same time the extent of the problem should not be exaggerated to such an extent beyond the reality that is harmful to the country. It is important to protect each citizen’s right to vote. It is important to protect India from the kind of highly exaggerated criticism that can be harmful for the country, particularly when misused by others. Both considerations are important.
However, given the current reality that significant numbers of people, more so than in normal times, have legitimate and deeply felt grievances regarding their names not being on the electoral rolls, it will only exacerbate their problems if they are asked for their Voter ID (EPIC) number to access welfare schemes to which they are otherwise entitled. So while linking access to Voter card EPIC number would be problematic even in normal times, it is particularly unfair so in present times.
India has a significant number of important welfare and support schemes. If these are well implemented, they can collectively have a significant impact on reducing the problems and distress of vulnerable sections. In addition taken together these can also contribute to reducing the burden created by high level of inequalities. While the first preferred response should be to take strong structural steps for reducing inequalities, including land reforms of the kind that can still work in India’s conditions, a second line of defense is to implement well the existing welfare enhancing, economically helpful schemes backed by adequate budget allocations and strong fiscal as well as administrative support. In the course of visiting many villages and slums, I have encountered families and individuals from eligible, vulnerable groups who tried to avail these benefits but could not due to various implementation problems. These problems could increase significantly if the insistence on the Voter ID (EPIC) number, as mentioned by the minister, is not withdrawn. Hence, it is very clear that the government should not insist on imposing this additional proof of identity on the beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries of various important government schemes.
Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Rift.
