Archana Nair- On Poor Progress

Being a country of 1.13 billion people, it is no surprise that India has at least 3 of the world’s richest men, but that the very same figure is inclusive of the many that have no clue from where their next meal is to appear, is perhaps a matter of marvel for us.

If the World Bank’s estimate on poverty is to be held as a bench mark, India has 456 million people, 41.6% of its population, living below the new international poverty line of $1.25. This is no where close to the estimates of our Planning Commission which believes that the percentage of poor in this country is 26% to 27%. Of course that is because we hold a much lower poverty line in terms of our currency and calories.

Much has been debated and discussed about the measures of reducing poverty. This is in view of the high level of poverty in rural India, the income inequalities and the uneven wealth distribution in the country. However one wonders how much of the poverty alleviation programme is actually about the man on the streets who owns nothing and has no one. The government has done credible work by distributing basic commodities at controlled prices, by ensuring employment and by helping the poor attain self sufficiency. But is that satisfactory?

10% of statistical reduction in the poor takes half a century, that too in a country that is showing the brightest prospects of economic development. Given that independent India is a young country, both historically and demographically, given also that our political ideology is progressive, encouraging and dynamic and that ours is the land of thinkers and resources; It is hard to believe that the India that claims 8% growth and has opened her economy with great applause, has been able to accomplish precious little for the least advantaged.

Yet there is hope for a better tomorrow. Present times have seen a steep rise in the stress on education, employment and reservations in public lives. Literacy levels and quality of education are on a visible rise. Above all, there is awareness amongst the people of India.

The growth of voluntary organizations and Non Government Organization and the pressure felt by the administration will surely add polish to the armor we wear to battle poverty. That the vicious circle of poverty is never ending will perhaps be proved as a wrong assumption. If only the able lent so little as a smile to those who seek hope, then perhaps I-who proclaim poverty to be eradicable- shall no more be a reluctant optimist.

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The author is a Iyr Journalism Honours student and a Executive Team Member of DevelopmentChannel.org