A hundred tribal families lived with this declaration painted on their walls: I am poor.The humiliating disclosure was forced upon them by the local panchayats in Goplaganj in Madhya Pradesh. The intention was to clearly indicate which families are genuine Below Poverty Line (BPL) cases, so that they can collect their share of free rations. However, the families in question did not consent to this.Families like Bheekham's who asked that the signs erased immediately. "It is very painful to be branded like this. Now that everyone has come to know we are poor, it will be difficult to get proposals for our daughter," Bheekham says.

The administration, embarrassed by media reports, has removed the signs. But what has upset tribals is that this is not the first time that they've had to fight for their dignity.Last year, the same thing was done in neighbouring Narsinghpur. This time, the tribals have complained to the National Human Rights Commission. "The markings have been removed and the matter will be investigated," said Savitha Samle, a senior official of the District Panchayat.