Wednesday 9 March 2011

http://uk.oneworld.net( Poverty Line Politics )

Poverty Line Politics

Official poverty statistics in India are not only out of date but lack legitimacy. The income threshold that defines the national poverty line has not been thoroughly reviewed since 1979. Inadequate adjustments for inflation have progressively eroded its purchasing value to an embarrassingly frugal basket of food.

Garbage piled high in Indian municipal dumps
Garbage piled high in Indian municipal dumps ©Centre for Science and Environment
Describing the national poverty line as a “starvation line”, campaigners lobbied successfully for a review which was completed in 2009. However, the Tendulkar Committee, a government-appointed body,fudged the opportunity to restore the benchmark to a credible food poverty line, let alone add in the value of some basic non-food items.

The committee recommended no change to the urban rate and only a small increase in the rural poverty line. The purchasing power equates to daily food purchases of only 1776 calories and 1999 calories respectively. The proposals have passed a first stage of government approval during 2010.

Despite the modest adjustment, applying the recommendation to the 2004/05 data lifts the national poverty rate from 28.3% to 37.2%, an increase of 100 million people. The sensitivity of this calculation feeds directly into the national budget as most welfare benefits are targeted to families identified as below the poverty line (BPL).

National pride is already embarrassed by India's contribution of about one third of global poverty numbers. The country’s most critical development indicator is therefore at risk of assessment by virtue of political and economic influences rather than human necessity.

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MY PRIDE DID YOU KNOW THAT.......

India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, spanning a period of more than 4000 years, and witnessing the fusion of several customs and traditions, which are reflective of the rich culture and heritage of the Country.

The history of the nation gives a glimpse into the magnanimity of its evolution - from a Country reeling under colonialism, to one of the leading economies in the global scenario within a span of fifty years. More than anything, the nationalistic fervour of the people is the contributing force behind the culmination of such a development. This transformation of the nation instills a sense of national pride in the heart of every Indian within the Country and abroad, and this section is a modest attempt at keeping its flame alive.

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