Most people are suffering in some way in the society. The government is devising and implementing new social security schemes for such people. It is also a measure to increase the popularity of the government. The victory in the election will be on the success of various welfare schemes. But the main reason why many of these welfare schemes could not be carried forward, later on, might be due to the insufficiency of the funds required for them. Delay in funds for welfare schemes has become a norm nowadays. When the outcry gets louder, the authorities silence the critics by providing two or three months' allocation.

Steps have been taken to distribute two installments of the social welfare scheme, which has the largest number of beneficiaries in the state. There are still arrears to be paid. More than fifty lakh people are receiving social security pension. Even though the government tries its best not to delay installments despite the shortages, it is often unable to do so. While social welfare pensions may be considered a government boon, others are not. For example, cooks, who are part of the school lunch program, awaiting their payment is a sad sight. As per the law, wages should be paid without delay to those engaged in any profession. Not only the cooks, but also the pre-primary teachers, maids, and ASHA workers often have to struggle to get their wages as they have to work without payment from time to time. Ordinary families benefit the most from the services of this category of employees. Not only is it not provided on time but the wages are very low. Even with the instructions of the High Court, the service and wage conditions of the pre-primary teachers have not yet been formulated. The same is the case with ASHA workers. They also work for meagre wages. Now the government is also reducing their retirement age from 65 years to 62. They won't be getting any retirement benefits as well.

Implementation of existing schemes for indigent patients suffering from serious diseases is also not possible due to financial constraints. Projects like 'Samashwasam' which are meant for the poorest patients, can be taken forward without any problems if the authorities can have the heart for it. The 'Ashwasakiranam' scheme to provide financial assistance to inpatient care providers is also stalled due to lack of funds. Funding under this project has been suspended for almost one and a half years.

People will benefit only if the number of welfare schemes is increased and their implementation is exemplary. The budget should also include adequate funds for their implementation. Effective implementation of welfare schemes under various departments is the responsibility of the respective department. Try not to mislead the poor with promises of welfare schemes.