Poverty reduced

It is indeed heartening to note that the number of poor in the country has reduced to 12.9 percent. There is no denying that the social safety net programmes of the government, along with economic growth and the tireless efforts of some non-government organisations, have contributed to this success.

Significant hurdles, however, remain. According to the World Bank's revised estimate, a whopping 20 million people, larger than the total population of many countries, are extremely poor, consuming below 1,805 calories a day. While we rejoice at the very significant reduction in the number of poor, there is a dire need to raise the nutritional standards of the populace, as extreme poverty is chronic and can adversely affect the physical and mental development of children.

That being the reality, it is time to carry out institutional policy reforms keeping in mind the unique needs of those who are yet to taste the fruit of the country's economic growth. Also it must not be forgotten that the campaign against poverty will run dry if it is not carried out in a transparent manner and partisan people are allowed to lay their hands on what should be going to the poor. Also, the number of landless farmers, which is shooting up by the day needs to be arrested on an urgent basis. There is little question that while social safety net programmes are essential in the short run, any poverty reduction strategy ought to consider skill development, which, we believe, is essential for long term sustainable economic growth.