The report of the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) has exposed all the claims of the government with regard to the poverty in the country.

In its report covering July 2009- June 2010, NSSO has reported that “the poorest in India’s rural population had an average monthly per capita consumer expenditure of Rs. 453. The poorest 10% of the urban population had an average MPCE of Rs. 599.”

The survey further pointed out that 10% of the population at the lowest level in the rural areas lives on Rs.15 a day while in urban areas the figure is Rs. 20 a day.

This is a very serious and pitiable situation. India got independence 65 years back. Many five-year plans have been implemented. The government always proudly declare about the growth of GDP and development in the country. But the majority of the people in the rural areas are far below the poverty line, somehow managing to live. The condition of the poor in urban areas is not different as the NSSO report reveals. While on the one side big business barons like Jindals and Ambanis get Rs 65 crores and Rs.51 crores salary in a year, whereas  the poor in the country exists on Rs. 15 per day. Despite this the government is moving on with its neo-liberal policies, which will further reduce the living conditions of the poor in the country.

A sustained struggle with massive participation of the people is required to defeat the neo-liberal policy of the government which is increasing the misery, the inequality. The time is already late; It should not become too late.