Story of Ahmad
Ahmad, a rickshaw puller in Bangalore, embodies the struggles of the economically weaker sections of society. Having moved from Jhumri Taliah with his family, including three brothers, two sisters, and elderly parents, Ahmad's sole income source comes from his daily rickshaw-pulling activities. The fluctuating nature of his earnings means that on some days, he can save after covering daily necessities, while on other days, he can barely afford to feed his family.
One of the key elements in Ahmad's survival strategy is the yellow card he possesses. This card identifies him as a Below Poverty Line (BPL) individual enrolled in the Public Distribution System (PDS). With this card, he can purchase essential food items such as wheat, rice, sugar, and kerosene at half their market price, significantly subsidizing his family's food security. This system represents a crucial lifeline for Ahmad, allowing him to better manage the hardships of living with less than sufficient income while supporting a sizeable family.
Ahmad's story highlights the importance of government programs designed to support those facing extreme economic hardship and the ongoing challenges in food security that persist in society.