Regardless of how well-intentioned this latest $500 initiative by the PM for deserving families seems, it is simply another subsidy that we are going to regret in the future. If history has taught us anything is it that these “deserving families” are never satisfied and the cry and demonstrations in the future are going to be “$500 a month cannot feed my child, I need $1,000,” and soon this subsidy will grow completely out of hand, like all the others.
It will also encourage the delinquent fathers of these “deserving families” not to accept the responsibility of caring and providing for their offspring. A responsible approach will be to increase funding to organisations such as the Family Planning Association and others, to allow them to strengthen their services and maybe target communities of these “deserving families.” Educating these families is the only long-term solution. Not hand outs.
If, however, my sentiments are not shared by those in authority, please ensure that whatever system is put in place to distribute this subsidy prevents it from being used to purchase brand-named items not necessary for the intended purpose. Just my two cents...
Richard Trestrail
Via e-mail