NEW DELHI, Feb. 17 -- Are they parasites? Are the people receiving state help or freebies?

YES and NO!

Let us start with the 'No!'

No, if the state, under citizens' Fundamental Right to Life (Art. 21), reaches out to the really indigent and deserving people so that they are not exposed to a lack of basic necessities of life. The state has a bounden duty to protect the unprotected and to preserve citizens' lives. Such beneficiaries are not parasites.

In our top-heavy system, controlled by the socially, economically and politically powerful forces, there are helpless victims unable even to survive. Are they parasites if the state comes to the help of such victims?

However, this should only be the first step as far as the state's duty i...