Since Independence, poverty in India has always remained a prevalent concern. If you check the figures of Economy Watch, more than 37% Indian population still lives below the poverty line. More than 22% of the rural population and 15% of the urban population of India stay in this difficult financial dilemma. In 2009-2010, the per capita daily consumption in rural areas was merely Rs. 22.42 as compared to Rs. 28.65 in urban areas. As per the recent government surveys released for 2011-12 on household consumer expenditure, the poorest 10% of India’s rural population had an average monthly per capita expenditure of Rs. 503.49 per month, as reported in Economic Times.
Similar is the story of NSSO (National Sample Survey Organisation) for the last two years in India regarding the monthly income. These figures are alarming and need immediate attention, but this could be possible only when our government officials wake up from their deep slumber and start doing some measures to alleviate poverty.
Mohd Ziyaullah Khan
Nagpur, M.S