Poverty will be removed by, and only by, economic growth

The history of the world, particularly of Asia, over the last 60 years shows that poverty can be removed through sustained growth of over seven per cent. Poverty-eradication schemes plastered upon with some Gandhi’s name cannot help the poor in the country. Such were the thoughts brainstormed at the All-India Congress Committee meeting in Delhi on November 2.

It was concluded at the meeting that poverty would be removed by, and only by, economic growth. Hence, Rahul Gandhi sought to focus on achieving economic growth to improve the lot of the poor.

It is to be noted that with per-capita incomes growing at close to seven per cent, thanks to not only the high growth rate of the economy but also the decline of India’s population growth rate to 1.5 per cent, India is now well placed to redeem its teeming millions from the degradation of poverty.

The party appreciated the newly created laws like right to information, forest dwellers’ rights and employment guarantee to mobilize the rural poor into self-empowerment.

The leaders at the meeting agreed that political leadership could not be outsourced to a charismatic figure or two at the top. It is crucial to have the political party be the much-needed link between the people and the state, enforcing delivery of entitlements and making the state responsive to the people.