Per Capita Income Claims vs. High BPL Population: SC Observation, Pg12

SC Questions Economic Contradictions

• Supreme Court questioned how some states claim high per capita income & development while 70% of their population remains Below Poverty Line (BPL).
• Court raised concerns over inequality & effectiveness of welfare schemes.

Concerns Over Subsidised Ration System

• Court doubted if ration distribution is politically motivated rather than aimed at genuine food security.
• Noted growing disparity:
  • Few individuals own wealth worth crores.
  • Majority of the population survives on ₹30-₹40 per day.

Fundamental Right to Food Security

• Advocates argued ration distribution suffers from corruption & mismanagement.
• Supreme Court upheld that the right to access food is part of the fundamental right to life.

Centre’s Defense of PDS

• Government justified its role under the National Food Security Act:
  • 81.35% coverage ensured under the Act.
  • Additional coverage for 11 crore people under Anganwadi scheme & 22 crore others.

Mains Mock Question:

"Examine the contradiction between high per capita income claims and the persistence of poverty in certain states. Discuss how targeted welfare policies can bridge the gap between economic growth and equitable distribution of resources."