The editorial “One step forward” (February 22) has rightly brought into focus the pitfall of the proposed cash transfer scheme — fraudulent identification of those who claim eligibility. This has always been the bane of most social welfare schemes in India. Subsidies and cash transfers can only provide interim relief to the poor till such time economic growth trickles down to the bottom. But they can’t be a substitute for long-term measures aimed at helping the poor gain self-sufficiency. For that, the government must formulate effective policies for inclusive development.
Kishor Kulkarni, Mumbai
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