Social Welfare: The Other Side

“Social Welfare Is Not A Handout; It Is A Helping Hand For Those In Need. It Is An Investment In Human Potential And Dignity.”   - Kamala Harris

Social welfare is not only helping an individual or a vulnerable population monetarily, but it refers more to the well-being of the masses while keeping their dignity in consideration. But unfortunately, our Department of Social Welfare has failed to do so. It has breached the confidentiality of the individuals while providing financial assistance to them, as well as violated their personal rights.

There are the walls containing the names and parentage of the beneficiaries who receive financial assistance under the Integrated Social Security Scheme - National Social Assistance Program (ISSS-NSAP). This is completely unethical and unacceptable. It is a misrepresentation of the principle of transparency.

In the name of transparency, these individuals are facing humiliation. Just imagine the trauma they and their families would be going through whenever they themselves or someone else sees their name(s) there.

Even if the names are put there after taking their consent, that is only because that time financial needs are more important to them than any other thing. But we should not take benefit out of their helplessness.

It is the moral obligation of both governmental as well as non-governmental agencies to maintain the confidentiality and secure the worth and dignity of the individuals while providing a helping hand to them. All the concerned authorities must take cognizance of the issue and ensure the individuals’ rights are not violated in the name of welfare, transparency and any other such thing.

Anzar Ul Aijaz, Research Scholar, Department of Social Work, University of Kashmir