Letters: Elusive poverty line

Letters: Elusive poverty line: With reference to 'NITI Aayog to hold regional consultations on poverty debate' (January 18), it is a welcome gesture from NITI Aayog to look for parameters at the regional level to help the planning body understand the extent of poverty in India. A



With reference to "NITI Aayog to hold regional consultations on poverty debate" (January 18), it is a welcome gesture from NITI Aayog to look for parameters at the regional level to help the planning body understand the extent of poverty in India. A good diagnosis expedites cure, and we can expect faster results in poverty elimination (as against poverty alleviation sought to be achieved so far) now. As prescriptions from NITI Aayog for a long-term solution for poverty will take time, and politically the delay may be harmful, some first-aid kind of approach is suggested to help out the real poor until they are identified as "poor" by NITI Aayog.

For the purpose of issue of ration cards, states prescribe some norms for identifying BPL (Below Poverty Line) category of families. Local self-government (LSG) bodies, municipal corporations and gram panchayats can easily access the details of BPL families in their respective areas. Centre and state governments could consider coordinating efforts by LSGs to support these families in improving their lifestyle. For them, better lifestyle will mean better nutrition (plainly put, two square meals a day), health care, educating children below the age of 18 and shelter.

Coming to specifics, encourage social organisations and religious bodies providing free food to give preference to BPL citizens. Establish BPL food outlets, where subsidised food should be distributed to eligible families (where foodgrains are distributed, rampant malpractices are being reported). Ensure adequate facilities in primary health centres for BPL families until the benefits of universal health insurance scheme reaches them; improve affordable education facilities in schools and provide common facilities for families without houses.
M G Warrier Mumbai

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

NAVAGRAHA STOTRAM

NAVAGRAHA STOTRAM* According to astrology, the positions of the nine planets in the twelve constellations of the zodiac and their movements are considered to be quite significant. The nine planets ‘Navagraha’ affect every aspect of human life. They play an important role in the activities, physical and mental health and life of any individual. The unfavorable positioning of any of these planets can be the cause of problems, bad health, and stagnation for many people. However, there is a solution to avoid the ill effects of the position and movement of the ‘Navagraha’ in our lives. Navagraha mantras (or stotram) are simple mantras which work as powerful healing tools to reduce the negative effects of any of the nine planets. These mantras are Hindu holy hymn addressing the nine planets. Benefits Of Navagraha Stotram And The Way to Practice The Navagraha Stotram is written b y Rishi Vyasa and is considered to be the peace mantra for the nine planets. They are powerful m
Read more

THE SUNSET OF THE CENTURY

*SUNSET OF THE CENTURY: Rabindranath Tagore THE LAST SUN OF THE CENTURY SETS AMIDST THE BLOOD-RED COLOURS OF THE WEST AND THE WHIRLWIND OF HATRED. THE NAKED PASSION OF SELF-LOVE OF NATIONS IN ITS DRUNKEN DELIRIUM OF GREED IS DANCING TO THE CLASH OF STEEL AND THE HOWLING VERSES OF VENGEANCE. THE HUNGRY SELF OF THE NATION SHALL BURST IN A VIOLENCE OF FURY FROM ITS OWNSHAMELESS FEEDING FOR IT HAS MADE THE WORLDITS FOOD, AND LICKING IT, CRUNCHING IT AND SWALLOWING IT IN BIG MORSELS, IT SWELLS AND SWELLS TILL IN THE MIDST OF ITS UNHOLY FEAST DESCENDS THE SUDDEN HEAVEN PIERCING ITS HEART OF GROSSNESS…   *Note: “The Sunset of the Century”, translated by the poet, from Naivedya; The English Writings of   Rabindranathtagore, Volume II,Delhi 1996, page 466. Quoted in his article ‘Critiquing nationalism’ by K Satchidanandan (Frontline, November 14, 2014). The article takes you to a much broader spectrum. HAPPY READING(READ MORE STAN
Read more

The King of Ragas: Sankarabharanam

                       The King of Ragas                      --------------------------     Long ago  serpents were put to lot of hardships.They  were afraid of other animals. They had to seek refuge in the hermitage of sage Saraba.The sage was a true devotee of Lord Shiva.He used to pray Shiva with melodious songs. As he sang a particular raga the snakes were much inspired and they began to dance,. Slowly the serpents became friendly with the sage. They brought water in their mouths for the pooja.They secreted  a special fluid in which the flowers got stuck to their bodies.The sage was much astonished by the service of the snakes.As the sarpas became very close to the sage ,they requested him to help having Darsan of Lord Siva. As requested by the sage Shiva appeared in the form of  a  Kapalika and stayed in the ashram.The music and dance of the snakes continued. The snakes rendered service to the kapalika as they considered him  a Shiva bhakta.Shiva was much pleased with t
Read more