India is a great
country and a superpower in the making. In 1992, the wave of globalization also
touched India and eminent economists had told at that point of time that there
is a case of trickle down theory of development. This theory tells that if the
economy in general flourishes then its positive effects can also be seen and
observed in the lives of poor. However, it seems this theory is not working
here in India as the absolute no. of poverty is still too much for a country to
say loudly that it is a superpower in the making.
Though, we all know
that liberalization has improved the lives of the vast middle class in India.
Now, the need of the hour is not to turn back the economy but to redress the
problem of the poverty by maintaining the same economic policy. It may be tough
but we all know that it is urgently required.
The starting point
may be to redefine what the poverty is. We all know that in India poverty is
defined in terms of calorie intake. This was recommended by Lakdawala committee
in 1985. Though till mid 90s of the previous century it was a good benchmark,
but in a changed scenario it is nothing but making the mockery of whole poverty
alleviation program. Just earning a cent above the poor will make a family
unable to get the benefit of any programs. In this case, the idea of Amartya
sen is handy. His benchmark for the definition of poverty is most suitable in
the current scenario and the government should think seriously regarding this.