The Great Indian Rich-Poor Divide.

"It makes me wonder why someone would do that, the person who lives in there should be concerned about what he sees around him and can he make a difference"

 Ratan Tata, an eminent business tycoon, made this comment a few days back on how his compatriot(in business terms) could delve himself in such an 'opulence'. The comment quickly gained flame on the age-old topic of astonishingly high below poverty line people living in this country.

Stark Contrasts

Somesay, it is for them to decide what they should do with their hard earned money. We all know how ambanis made their business empire as it is today. They have their own choice, their wealth its for them to decide what they should do with it. 'Antilla', a $ 2 billion skyscraper built at the heart of the city's premier location. Mind you, its a residence complex, a dream come true project by India's richest human. but the building is not the case here as earlier said.
Though the country is one of the fastest developing economies of the world, poverty that it sustains still remains the black issue. According to the latest report more than 50% of India's population live in extreme poverty. Although it should be clearly noted that these people are in this situation not because Ambanis, Tatas & Birlas are rich. Its the petty governance that leads to this condition and unfortunately we have to bow our heads in shame.
Although its not compulsory for anyone to help someone in distraught and 'charity' doesnt solve this issue and neither does it have the power to solve one. the truth lies in one's conscience. Just think living in a 27 storey billion dollar home and it foresees one of the largest slum dwellers in the world. Problem here right?
Okay, the middle class living standards are improving but the share of the so called '9% growth' doesn't even benefit a large portion of the population. though how inclusive the growth might be, we cant blame the government alone. Of late there has been a perception that Indians are indulging in show-offs, showing their wealth and exaggerating spending on some occasion are a few examples. just think how this surplus money can benefit millions of people.
Efficient governance and good policy decisions are the key to some good hope otherwise who knows the country would be like in another 20 years.


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