Is India a superpower of poverty?

Much has been written on poverty, especially in India. Much more will be written in future. Clearly, looking at the hundreds of millions living in poverty in this country, and the depth and extent of poverty, is not the title "superpower of poverty" shameful but appropriate for India? It overrides all positives and other 'good news.' Reports of super-rich Indians add fuel to the fire. Forecasts by analysts that poverty will decline steadily — ; and has declined — can be no consolation to those living in poverty or to India as a nation. How can we embrace a new paradigm of development? Is it too complex a challenge? Is it possible to add value to the lives of the poor? Here are 12 issues to focus on to help the required change to happen and to do so with speed. First, it is not only about government schemes, allocation of funds, NREGA, etc. By and large, they are usually slow, full of leakages. The delivery systems of the Central and State governments are usually weak and inadequate. In fact, T.N. Ninan's approach suggesting that India scrap all schemes and, instead, pay Rs. 30,000 (to the intended group) merits consideration and action. This could be simple, quick and efficient and, perhaps, leak proof. But it has to go beyond giving cash. Mentors, who are volunteers, should help the poor use the money productively. This, too, can be done to support empowerment beyond money.Secondly, economic growth at 7, 8 and 9 per cent per annum has made a real difference. Across the country, new jobs have been created. People from tier 3 and 4 towns and villages have jobs in factories, shops, offices and malls. Sustaining 9 per cent growth and going beyond 10 per cent should be given the highest priority to address poverty. The decline in growth is bad news. Reversing the decline in the manufacturing sector is critical. Rapid investment in infrastructure is crucial. India can grow at 12 per cent GDP per annum to truly transform the employment and poverty scenario. The need is to focus and stretch, especially those sectors holding back high growth, e.g. mining and power. Thirdly, India has already made a mark with innovation and development of low-priced products and services. C.K. Prahalad's thesis, "the fortune at the bottom of the pyramid," is a reality, be it in health, insurance, IT services, the nano or other areas. India has creativity and talent. A simple encouragement from the government could be a five-year tax holiday where real innovation has taken place. It will provide a great fillip to innovation. The government will really lose nothing because these products/services were non-existent and the exchequer gains indirectly. The opponents will argue about misuse but innovation, especially in low-price products, will have a positive impact.