DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY

India is now one of the major emerging power of the world. However on the eve independence there was a major problem of Poverty with which the government of India had to deal. A large chunk of masses were poor in this country. Poverty as a major problem still sticks within the country. Even after the 67 years of Independence, government has not been able to eradicate poverty. With the emergence of Planning Era, a number of programmes were launch to shrink poverty; however the achievements of these programmes are still debatable.

Now the question is why still this difference of standard of living still continues in Indian economy? Economic growth of a country can’t be a good indicator of the Development. Indian economy is rising at a good pace, but on the development front it is still struggling to get a high rank of HDI.  Development of a country cannot be achieved by neglecting a section of society. If we see around we can easily observe how much Inequality is raging in society. Even while walking through the posh areas of capital i.e. Delhi, you can see a number of poor families living on the footpath and struggling even for one meal. While driving on the busy roads, at the time of red light you can see little poor children coming towards you to beg for some money. Each of us observe these examples daily, but we don’t try to think about them.

Development of a country doesn’t depend on the economic growth only, but also on attainment of basic social needs. Economic growth can be a good indicator to stand at the global level. But if growth is taking place which deprive others from to enjoy fruits of growth than such growth can’t sustain longer.  Development is not the responsibility of the government alone; it is also liability of each and everyone who is the part of society. Public participation is very important. There is a need to remove the feeling of “untouchability” for others. If we all come together to help those who struggle daily by donating for them than we can have a society where the word inequality will not exist.  We have to understand our responsibilities and if we are willing than only economic growth will lead to Economic Development.