Social Aid: A Revision of the Poverty Line Expected in the Upcoming Budget

An announcement is anticipated in the upcoming Budget regarding a revision of the poverty line as well as the eligibility criteria for social aid. This was stated by the Junior Minister for Social Security, Kugan Parapen.

According to him, the current figures used no longer reflect the realities on the ground. As of now, the poverty line is set at less than Rs 3,500 per person. However, Kugan Parapen asserts that there is a desire to double this amount to better align with the actual living conditions of households.

Such a revision would also expand the number of beneficiaries of social aid programs.