Himachal Pradesh Revises BPL Criteria: Stricter Rules for Fairer Selection

The Himachal Pradesh government has revamped the criteria for Below Poverty Line (BPL) classification, introducing stricter eligibility rules while raising the annual income limit. The aim is to ensure that benefits reach only the most deserving families through a more transparent selection process.

New Verification Process for Transparency

Previously, Panchayat Pradhans played a role in verifying BPL applications. However, under the new system, a committee led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) will oversee the verification process. This shift is expected to eliminate biases and ensure fairness in determining eligibility.

Who Qualifies Under the New Criteria?

The revised guidelines now extend BPL eligibility to certain vulnerable groups. Families headed by women with no adult member between the ages of 18 and 59 will qualify. Similarly, households where the head has more than 50% disability or where earning members suffer from serious illnesses such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, or thalassemia—leading to permanent disability—will also be included.

Application and Approval Process

To be considered for the BPL list, families must submit a written application to their respective Gram Panchayat by January 31 each year. However, final verification and selection will be conducted by the SDM-led committee. The Gram Sabha retains the authority to recommend the removal of ineligible families, and the entire process must be completed by May 15 annually.

Revised Income Limit and Exclusion Criteria

The government has raised the annual income limit for BPL eligibility from Rs 36,000 to Rs 50,000. However, certain conditions will lead to exclusion from the list:

• Families owning more than one hectare of land.
• Households where any member is employed in a government, semi-government, or private job.
• Individuals who own a permanent house or pay income tax.

To ensure compliance, applicants must submit an affidavit confirming that they meet the eligibility criteria. Additionally, if a BPL family member applies to register as a separate household, the newly formed unit will not be eligible for BPL benefits for the next three years.

With these changes, the Himachal Pradesh government aims to tighten the BPL selection process, ensuring that assistance is directed only to families that genuinely need support.

The revised article presents the updates in a more engaging and reader-friendly way while maintaining clarity and emphasizing fairness in the new selection process. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!