Eradication of Poverty is Not a Tough Task

To eliminate poverty from this country, I have a few suggestions. The Government, as well as the unofficial agencies, should ensure durable employment to every adult. If everyone in rural and urban areas is provided means of earning one’s livelihood, poverty would decrease substantially. After all, it is the lack of remunerative occupation that accounts for hunger and poverty. So the topmost priority should be given to provision of jobs to unemployed people, both men and women. The Government has from time to time announced schemes for alleviating poverty, but the implementation of these schemes is wholly unsatisfactory. The waste, corruption and inefficiency in this process must be eliminated with the earnest cooperation of all sections of the people. This waste and leakage at various levels must be stopped.

Of all the plans formulated during the past few years at a heavy cost, the minimum needs program is the most promising. Obviously, if the basic needs of the masses are effectively met, the main problem of poverty would be almost wholly solved. Then there is the question of soaring prices which have worsened the plight of the poor. The impact of low incomes of the mass of the people is thus compounded by the continuing fall-in the value if the rupee. High prices of the essential commodities, such as food, clothing and shelter, bring misery to the people.

Exploitation of the poor such as the landless is also a major problem that should be, systematically tackled. Vested interests prevent justice from being done to the poor in distribution of land and of essential commodities. Besides, it is the bureaucratic approach and excess of officialdom that are responsible for the inadequate relief being given to the poor and really needy people. Education can also play an important part in reducing distress. It would adequately equip the people with the requisite training and skills; these would increase their earning capacity.