BPL numbers drop in Haryana to 48L in two months

In 2020-21, the number of BPL families stood at just 8.67 lakh, but by 2025, that number soared to 5 million, covering about 70% of state's population.

- NEERAJ MOHAN CHANDIGARH

The Haryana government has reported a significant drop in the number of families listed as Below Poverty Line (BPL). Official figures show that the BPL household count fell from 51.96 lakh on March 30 to 48.05 lakh by June 1 – a decline of nearly 3.91 lakh families in just over two months.

As per the officials, these families were found to have illegally obtained BPL status to avail of benefits under various government schemes. The number declined after the state government had warned that those who fail to voluntarily remove their names from the BPL category will face legal action, including the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs).

The state government attributes this drop to a special verification drive launched in April, during which residents were asked to update their income details on the state's Family ID portal.