Financial support to farmers should not be extended to all but only to those affected by climatic conditions such as drought, floods and pests. However, financial support should reach farmers when they most need it after verification. Instead of blanket schemes, registered farmers may be disbursed a national pension after attaining the age of 55-60 years. Even free housing schemes should be discouraged and affordable amounts in flexible installments should be recovered from beneficiaries, without undue impediments. Subsidized ration in the form of edible items like rice, wheat, sugar and edible oils as well as distribution of small LPG cylinders should be continued on the basis of financial necessity. The idea behind rationalizing of welfare measures is that except the most vulnerable sections of society, most should contribute their mite towards nation-building. Having learned the lessons from the debacle of how families and individuals were caught unawares due to the lack of savings and financial support, citizens should be encouraged to save regularly in safe schemes so that they are able to support themselves in lean times. Social welfare schemes may be continued for those in adversity, for the senior citizens as well as the disadvantaged sections such as widows, the disabled as well as the disadvantaged.
