10% of rural India lives on less than Rs 17 a day: NSSO survey

 Studies have shown that a greater part of the benefits of economic development have gone to small section of the rural as well as urban population. As a result inequalities in the distribution of income and wealth has also shown considerable rise over the years, particularly in the post reform period. For a large proportion of the population survival is a problem. For a greater proportion of the poor, the per capita consumption expenditure is far below the minimum required level and survival is a serious problem. The preliminary data release by the National Sample Survey Organisation's (NSSO) 68th round of survey ( July 2011 to June 2012) have reinforced the earlier findings that inequality has increased over the years in both rural and urban areas in the post reform period. The process of economic development has benefited only the upper-middle sections of the society much more than the middle, lower-middle, and poorer sections of society. Therefore, inequality has risen considerably over the years. As the income earned by the poor is generally insufficient to support the family, which is generally large, these people live in slums and squatter settlements in deplorable living conditions and degraded environment. The numerous anti-poverty measures have failed to make an effective dent on poverty. It is a common knowledge that many anti-poverty measures have ended with target setting. They continue to be in the grip of corrupt officials and greedy politicians, who largely control much of the investment related activities on anti-poverty programmes. In a way, poverty alleviation programmes are known for leakage to the various intermediaries than benefit to the people.Dr.C.Murukadas , The Times of India, 03 Aug, 2012 11:01 AM