Expressing deep concern over the increasing rate of poverty in India despite of its economic growth, Indo-American Hindu leader Rajan Zed has stated in a statement in Nevada, USA, that poverty is a monumental crisis and biggest challenge India is facing today and hence should be dealt at an emergency level.
Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said: “Although India is on track to become a global power, but its new prosperity has remained evasive for many. Despite economic miracle, many Indians still live in desperate poverty. Inequalities in opportunities block poor people from participating in the growth process and they remain trapped in vicious cycle of poverty.”
He cited widening income gap, uneven wealth distribution and irregular growth among various economic and social groups in India where about one third of world’s poor live. He said large population of India works in informal labor sector, with no steady jobs and no social security. The number of poor living on less than $1.25 a day has increased. It is blight on a country, which prides itself on having joined the league of hottest growth economies.
Zed further pointed out problems like severe malnutrition; spiraling food prices; ineffectual government programs; lack of access to medical facilities, potable water, energy sources, sanitation; illiteracy; etc., which need to be immediately dealt with.
Poverty has lead to many other societal problems, which the country faces today. Basic inequalities need to be addressed if India wants all of her people to be able to share the fruits of the growth.
He also underlined the role of religions by saying that religions too should put their share in poverty eradication programs in the communities. Large corporations, which have enormously benefited from India’s economic growth, are also obligated to cater to social and environmental concerns and should take responsibility in poverty elimination, Zed mentioned.
Zed warned that India should wake up to the magnitude of the emergency of poverty. Raising people above the poverty line is an achievable task. It just needs strong political and social will. Make it a policy priority; treat it as a crisis, he added.
|
|
Comments:
