Introduction:

Anyone performing a dual or multiple tasks at one stroke is considered as an able and competent individual worthy of emulation. The Holy Ramayana and the epic Mahabharata are replete with examples of chivalry of a single individual taking on thousand of his like or less and killing them all at one go in a solitary arrow. My reason for referring to above acts is to highlight the poverty identification formulae of our Planning Commission which, at the stroke of a pen, has turned cores of poor people into rich people without any spurt in their standard of living or riches, if any. In fact, the ground reality is that scores of people are dipping downwards in want and poverty due to ever-rising inflation.

The government is hiding the whole truth by taking undue and unwanted credit in hitting two targets at one stroke. Firstly, the government is satisfied having reduced people living below poverty line in cores, at least, in pen and paper. Similarly, the government is receiving international accolades for being able to reduce poverty at jet speed as per statistics shown to them outside. The government has reduced life’s yardstick by their anti people, anti country and anti laborer measures, shading and shattering hopes and aspirations of people at large.

Many preys and one shot:

In order to multiply the criticism of the Planning Commission, the government has come out with welfare measures for the beneficiaries below the poverty line with food security measures pending for legislation in the form of an ordinance. But, what the government has done so far, at the stroke of a pen it has turned cores of population from BPL (Below Poverty Line) to APL (Above Poverty Line), thereby saving thousands and thousands of cores of rupees of the government exchequer and taking credit for nothing. Such steps of the government are both undemocratic and anti-poor. This is a cruel joke on the people of the country. Generally, the National Sample Research Bureau, a wing of the Planning Commission, basing on per capital expenditure of consumers of national and state averages, comes out with statistics on BPL, APL and rich persons.

On the other hand, Rural Development Corporation and Urban Housing and Poverty amelioration department of the government, identify families living below poverty lines. The system of vague since 1962 when per capital income of less than 20 rupees in rural areas and less than 25 rupees in urban areas was the yardstick of judging poverty.

Poverty identification yardstick:

In 1979, government poverty identification yardstick was in terms of consumption of calories which has less than 2435 and 2095 in rural and urban population respectively. Succeeding years saw change of calories into expenses once again and consumer price index for people was fixed at 49 rupees for agricultural and laborers and 56 rupees for industrial workers. Such a notion created a chaotic difference among states based on the purchasing powers of consumers in the respective areas. In the wake of arguments and counter arguments, the government appointed a committee known as Suresh Tendulkar Committee to fix different norms of poverty.

Mr.. Suresh Tendulkar was earlier the chairman of the Prime Minister’s financial advisory committee. The Tendulkar Committee followed the mixed reference period system instead of uniform reference period system. According to the uniform recall (reference) period system, petitioners give information on goods and services they use during the past 30 days. On the other hand, according to mix recall (reference) period petitioners scarcely using five non-food items, such as clothes, shoes, socks, expenses on education and hospital for the last 365 days are excluded. In order to exclude more and more people below the poverty line, 2100 calories of the urban yardstick was reduced to 1775 calories were per capital expenses on education and health were considered 30 rupees a month.

The Planning Commission announcement on poverty yard stick:

In this manner, the poverty yard stick of 2004-05 in urban areas was 578.80 rupees and 446.68 rupees for rural areas. The urban and rural poor were fixed at 25.7% and 41.8% as per the above calculation. But what now Tendulkar has arrived at is irrational and unfounded conclusion. Basing on 66th sample survey of 2009-10, the Planning Commission announced in 2011 that per capital income exceeding 26 rupees in rural areas and 32 rupees in urban areas are thought people above the poverty line.

To add fuel to the fire, the Planning Commission further slashed the per capital income level to 28.65 rupees and 22.42 rupees amid protests all around. Also further revision of poverty criteria, the Planning Commission on 23rd July of 2013, has re-fixed the per capita per day income at 27.20 rupees and 33.33 rupees for rural and urban poor respectively. Poverty line calculation is turning to be starvation line calculation. Our status in the world has come down considerably during the past few years.  In the Human Development Index, India is in 136th position among 186 countries. In the Starvation Index, we are in 65th place among 79 countries.

Conclusion:

The appalling situation is that the urban and the rural poor are the result of faulty planning and irrational attitude of the government. It is high time that the poverty line is re drawn and the actual calculation should be in place to see a developed India and a smiling poor.

Introduction:

Drinking has become a fashion and a mark of aristocracy now-a-days in parties, celebrations, picnics, feasts and in marriage-occasions and anybody not arranging it on such occasions is derided upon as an outdated, out-modeled man. Instances of the father-in-law and the bridegroom consuming alcohol during the marriage are not uncommon. Also, I have come across news in a Odia daily that a bride did leave the marriage altar at the sight of a drunken husband.

Why only in marriage functions alone, relatives attending a funeral ceremony, sacred thread ceremony also have sometimes been found in a drunken state. People carry the corpse only when they are presented with drinks in many cases. A bereaved family is made to take a break from their tears and arrange liquor to satisfy relatives and to see that the corpse is lifted. People dip themselves in the drinks on occasion of immersion ceremony of idols of Gods. Holiness and purity are relegated to the background and ridiculously and shamelessly substituted by dances and music under the heinous influence of wine. A man under the influence of liquor performs double or treble the task he is used to.

The root cause of loss of peaceful social climate:

Drunkards are so smart and punctual that on the Republic Day, on the Independence Day, on the second of October and the election days, they never run short of liquor, even if liquor shops remain closed on these days. They made hay when sun shone. Their stocks are more than adequate for any occasion. The drunkards can go to any distance and spend any amount to procure a bottle, but they are seldom prepared to go a furlong if their own children are crying for a bottle of milk.

A laborer spends his lion’s share of money earned on liquor, neglecting his own wife and children and ignoring his individual self in the process as he drinks more and eats less. Drug addiction has taken so huge a dimension now-a-days that teenaged boys and girls working in garages and hotels and working women fall prey to addiction. Many students in schools and colleges fall easy prey to drugs and ruin their careers and lives.

The root cause of disturbance and loss of peaceful social climate in modern day homes is due to large scale consumption of liquor. All rapists, criminals and murderers are drunkards or druggists. According to a survey conducted on crimes by drunkards by ALAC, a de-addiction organization of New Zealand, in its survey has come out with the report that out of every five cases of premature deaths, one is from road accident, three from family violence and one on property matters. The average expenditure of police budget worldwide is 15% on curbing drinking-related violence.

Statistics:

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the USA in its survey report says that 37% of rapes, 27% of physical violence and 15% of the thefts were committed under the influence of liquor. The victims of the crime are primarily among women, children and members of the culprit’s family or friends. In addition, thousands die of poisonous liquor every year for which the government pays ex-gratia besides spending on the treatment of the victims. Colossal amounts are also spent by the Government on inquiry commissions.

It is true that a fair amount is collected from the purchase and sale of liquor as government revenue, but a major portion of this revenue is spent on the liquor-crimes and liquor-criminals. Any revenue left thereafter is just a flash in the pan. This ill-got money is immoral in nature and the benefit derived out of it should never glorify theft, robbery and other illegal, immoral activities connected with it. Gujarat, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur, Laccadives are among a few Indian states which have banned the production and sale of contraband including liquor. Gujarat is the only Indian state where provision for the death penalty exists for production and sale of poisonous liquor.

Conclusion:

No developmental work has suffered owing to less collection of revenue in these states. Ban on the sale of gutkha has been well-received by people and ban on production and sale of liquor will make people happier still. Public opinion is clearly in favor of a total ban on production and sale of contraband in any form and of any nature. Women activists have come out in huge numbers, destroying the products. A new Excise Act should be made by the government and strictly implemented. No more atonement on criminal revenue should be the motto of the Government.                          

Life is a mingled yarn of good and bad both. The warp and wool of fabric of life is made up of tears and smiles together things shine through contrast. They become dull through monotonous similarity. Its is perhaps, the tears and trials of life that bring the smile of life under the sharpest focus. We rise no paradox if we say that the sorrows are the sufferings of life are infact, responsible for keeping us blooming with smiles and bubbling with enthusiasm. Life would have been sapless, dark and drag if there would have been no tears to tear off this curtain of similarity so produced by the permanence of smile. Tears present a more vivid image of human life and greatly enliven our lives.

Undoubtedly, the weight of constant sufferings and sorrows is apt to prey upon the human arid mind as it did when someone broke out into a lyrical cry:

"Oh God! lift me as a wave, a leaf, a cloud.

I fall upon the thrones of, I bleed"

We can clearly conclude that our life without tears is as dull as our life without smiles. That is the reason why tragedies of Shakespeare touch us more than his comedies. Sorrow is a great amplifier of happiness as it brings the latter in a broad relief. Perhaps, this very reason made me sing in the praise of sorrow.

"Sweetest sorrow!

Like me, our baby and I nurse thee on my fest,

I thought to leave thee,

But now of all the world I love thee best."

Many times, it happens that we are busy in doing some work and if it is not completed by us on time then, they become a disturbing element and result in creating frustration in our mind. It is the tear of earth that keeps our smile in bloom with our loved ones and friends. It is true that ten-thousand times ribbed and edged at the anvil of human experience without love. We know that days are pleasant when night follows it. Have we ever thought why the moonlight look lovely at night? Moonlight is charming because sunlight comes after it. Sorrows are bearable because we expect joys. Sorrows are changing moods, appeal to every heart. Joys would have been little known if there would have been no sorrow.

Life is both sweet and bitter. Sometimes, it surrounds us with grieve, bewail and pain while sometimes it gives the pleasure of cheers, glee and optimize our life. The important thing is that we should never give up. We should enjoy our life. It is natural, a God-given fact that a man has to spend his life with both happiness and difficulties. from both the  make friends as joy of your life so that you may not be sad or feel lonely in life. Because time hangs heavy in our hands and makes us frustrated because they are the only ones who stand with you as the pillars of "Sorrow and Joy" and are the friends of your loved ones.

"Its your life, make it large"

Introduction:

In the course of corruption and sky rocketing rise of prices of essential commodities in government of the day, promulgates long awaited food security ordinance. The government is unable to stop stiff price hike of essential commodities and vegetables. Honorable President of India approved food security ordinance and now it becomes a law. During the last general election of 2009, United Progressive Alliance had promised in their manifesto to people of India to bring forward food security bill within 100 days of staying power. Now, they are at the helm of affairs in national politics for more than four years. Monsoon session of parliament is round the corner. Without waiting for approval from Parliament, abrupt announcement of Ordinance of food security bills raises few eyebrows. According to some eminent political observers, the single most motive behind the introduction of this ordinance is to strengthen the political base of theirs. Though, it is a completely separate matter is, how this ordinance will benefit UPA (United Progressive Alliance) in the upcoming general election to be held next year. The Alliance in power at the center, UPA is trying hard for a record comeback to civic center by introducing food security ordinance when the general election is hardly a year away. It is a completely separate matter but how this scheme is going to eradicate hunger and  poverty among paupers is to be seen.

Poverty eradication:

In our country one percentage of the population has difficulty in arranging their livelihoods in day-to-day matters. We have achieved independence six decades ago, but a huge chunk of people of India is still reeling under abject poverty. Sometimes, they have to resort to eating jungle grass and small insects in order to stay alive. It is a shame for citizens of this great country, when lakhs of people have to stay with no food or half food. The United Nations had called to eradicate poverty and rootlessness from developing countries by 2015. Till this date nation of the world including Brazil has achieved this terrific achievement of removing poverty and hunger in their respective countries. India is still trailing in achieving the objective of completely eradicating poverty by 2015. Brazil has achieved this due to favorable economic environment and stable government at the centre. It is time to rethink our fiscal policies as why 30 countries have succeeded, in achieving this inevitable. During 1990-2012, period the rank of India in terms of poverty and hunger is higher than some Asian and African countries. According to Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations, in India more than 2.17 cores of people live with hunger. It is a worrying figure from a reliable international organization. Till previous year according to world hunger index, out of 79 hungriest countries, the rank of India is 65. Pakistan and Bangladesh are ahead of India in world hunger index.

In eight states of India including Odisha, poverty and hunger are prevalent in more than 41croes of people. Till previous year, one fourth of world’s poverty is in India. China is more populated than India. Poverty in China is less than India. In India, more than 50 percentages of children have malnutrition problem since their birth. More 43 percentages of children under the age of five have lesser weight than normal. In India, 77 percentages of people are earning livelihoods for one meal per day. They are able to purchase 70 percentages of foods on a daily basis. The number of poor people according to Eleventh National Development Plan amounts to more than 300 million. Large proportions of poor people continue to live in rural areas. The poorest areas on the map of poverty in India are in parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. The major causes of poverty in rural areas are lack of proper education, financial access, productive ideas and inadequate health care.

Food security ordinance:

According to food security ordinance, a person who is recognized as unsatisfactory by state governments is entitled to five kilograms of rice per month in one to three rupees per kg. If for any valid reason, government of the day is not able to give adequate rice or vegetables than the person is to be refunded with money. Up to 75 percentages of rural population and up to 50 percentages of urban population will have equal food rights of five kilogram food grains per month on a highly subsidized rate. States have been asked to formulate and identify rural as well as urban poor. The coverage area will be determined by central government. The central government will provide ample assistance to state government who is dealing with these projects at local level. The assistance includes intrastate transportation, food grain handling charges, margins of fair price shop dealers, information and communication technology outsourcing, doorstep delivery, identifying poor people from “Adhar scheme” The Unique identification scheme. District grievance redressed officer along with state’s food commission will look into the matter of grievances and they will act like Ombudsman for the poor and the needy.

According to many organization who are dealing with permutations and combinations related with nutritional values of adults, for a senior citizen to stay strong and in good health, he needs 12-14 kg of green vegetables, one and half a kg of dal and 800 grams of oil. There is no mention of essential food items in food security bill. The essential food items consist of Dal, salt, oil and vegetables. It is true that healthy food items like that of mutton, chicken, egg are now costlier. Poor people face financial difficulties to afford such foods. In Odisha state government is giving away 35 kg of rice in subsidized prices to family below poverty lines in a month. According to food security ordinance, a family of five would be entitled to five kilograms of rice per person. This means that they will get 25 kg of rice. In Odisha alone, that family is getting 35kg of rice per month in subsidized prices from state government schemes. With the introduction of food security ordinance, the same family’s rice quota will be reduced by ten kg. Now, respective state governments are buying rice from farmers. State governments are procuring 5.76 core tons of food grains from farmers. It is 30 percentages of total rice production in India. Rest 70 percentages of rice are available in the open market. After introduction of food security ordinance, Centre will have to procure additional 7.4 core tons of food grains. It is 50 percentages of total rice production in India. There will be less rice left in the open market. This can lead to black marketing and red taping. Warehousing of surplus food grains is a grave problem in India. Food Corporation of India is unable to cope with gigantic output of paddy and wheat. Most grains are left outside to the mercy of sun and rain which perish with time. Proper building of entire range of warehouse architecture is a necessity. Owing to rise of economy more and more cement structures are there. For this agricultural lands are converted into normal lands. Decrease of cultivated lands has an adverse impact on food grains output.

Abolition of subsidies:

In the recent years, rise of prices of fertilizers, grains, electricity, water pump, irrigation tax have compelled farmers to stay out from agricultural activities. This is impacting directly on food production output. Growth of agricultural output is at all time low. This will lead to the capture of pastoral production by larger private companies as well as big multinational retailers. In this ordinance, there is a provision that, if government fails to provide adequate food grains on time, then it is going to give direct money to the concerned poor. This scheme has similarity with exact cash transfer scheme. This seems that with due course of time the privileged public distribution scheme will give way to direct cash transfer scheme. In the age of liberalization, there are many advocates of removing subsidies and other famous welfare schemes. In the future government will remove subsidies and give the same amount of money to bank accounts of concerned persons. Slowly with inflation government will pay less intrinsic value of money to people and with due course of time entire subsidy regime will be abolished further. In this manner, the entire PDS infrastructure and mechanisms will be abolished. Government will resort to direct cash transfer scheme of payment directly to bank accounts of people. Now very few grains will be left in the open market. Then people will have to depend upon remote big companies and multinational companies for food purchasing. On the other hand, government is paying out a fixed price to farmers for food grain procurement. With due course of time, government will resort to honest cash exchange and ignore farmers. Farmers have to sell their food grains to substantial private companies and multinational companies at a lower price. With due course of time, farmers financial status will be marginalized and he will be facing the debt. Multinational companies and big private industrialists will buy farm lands on lease and introduce large scale machine farming. This will enhance food output and minimize labors.

Conclusion:

The most significant illustration for hunger is the lack of identifiable objective land reform Act. Most of the farmers are not foremost farmers. There are landlords who control a vast area of land. They employ small and secondary farmers on a day to day basis. This is the main cause of unemployment and poverty. They live in abject poverty. This reduces their earning capacity. How to remove poverty? It cannot be removed along with food security and direct cash transfer to bank accounts. The government of the day should focus on increasing agricultural business, exports, creating and sustaining favorable farm environments, proper distribution and conservation of foods through warehousing facilities. Agricultural productivity index lays three to four percentages of entire gross domestic products. In 80s, agrarian production was 38 percentages of entire GDP. In the current year, it is 14.3 percentages of entire GDP. It means that over 60 percentages of farmers who run their family with dependence on agriculture, their learning is limited to 14.3 percentages of entire GDP. So, in conclusion, there should be a comprehensive aid program to eradicate poverty. Tailor-made schemes like food security ordinance and direct cash transfer will not help the poor and the downtrodden.