How the poor make the rich richer in India
Submitted by a b sivakumar on 16 September, 2007 - 21:33.
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It is strange, but true. The poor, who live on wages that are most times less than a couple of dollars at current prices per day (most casual, unskilled labourers earn less than Rs.one hundred per day in most organized sector organizations), actually make us richer and richer day after day.
Let us take just one common example. If there is a rise in bus fares, politicians of all parties rush to the aid of the so-called "poor" people and ensure that the rise just does not happen, or if it happens, is restricted to the minimum. The poor pay through their nose, but we still enjoy the subsidy that comes to us through the fares in government buses.
Ever heard of servant maids paid PF, gratuity, or some pension of any kind? Even in the most luxurious houses in cities like Chennai, they are still paid rupees eight hundred per month, and some food that is given away grudgingly. They just do not enjoy the perks and long-term benefits made available to most of us -- lucky by normal Indian standards -- and continue to live in huts or in shabby little tiled houses in the outskirts of the city, as they just cannot afford to psy for the rents that are payable,in the smallest of good houses.
When the workers who build our houses complete the same, they get to enjoy only the wages, but no long-term benefits. Since they hail from the villages, they just hop from one construction project to another, but their lifestyle does not improve at all, for, Rs.175/- or Rs.200/-, per day, in the big cities, still does not mean much, thanks to the very high cost of living. Children of such workmen, grow up to become fitters, electricians, plumbers, or just about any other similar service, ready to service us in future. There is absolutely no social net available to such children of a lessor God, and one in a million would possibly go on to become a graduate, even in arts or science. I have yet to come across someone from such families who is a highly paid doctor or engineer, or lawyer or whatever.
Such injustices go on. The taxes that we pay, goes only to fill the pockets of hundreds of government servants who simply enjoy the good salaries and numerous perks. In these circumstances, can we suggest some social models of inclusive growth, where the people doing jobs outlined above, will enjoy a far better living and get to live better, at least somewhat similar to what we do?
We have a very lopsided social structure. We need to think of ways and means in which the poor will live better. I shall welcome any suggestions to make this possible.
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The poor
I think first of all the poor must have the desire to improve their situation only then others can help them.
Conditon of the poor
I agree with you Vanshika. Yes, they should have the desire. But the lack of it seems to stemming from lack of opportunities. The micro credit movement is one example, where they have believed that they can do far better than what they normally think as possible. We should reach out to them through such platforms.
poor make rich richer
I would like to place a comment here Sivakumar.In India it has become a practice to take advantage of the weaker sections of the society.Our constitution has banned it but people are not ready to change.There a only a few who really want to help the poor,but many who never come forward even to lend a helping hand when they know the person asking for help is in real need.Right against exploitation is wrongly used.Child labour persists, which is another example.
How the poor continue to be poor
I agree with you Uma. However, it is only people like you and me who will have to do a little good by influencing others who can help our cause. For example, I now some free counseling to students studiying in the plus two stage about various careers open to them, when they do job-oriented courses. In some cases, even very poor parents have somehow managed to educate their children and their economic condition has improved. Of course, I have helped them through some friends, who are good hearted and have offered to help. May be, these are small drops in a very large ocean, but these can indeed help.
Joinning hands
THere are many individuals and organisation thinking on similar lines and are doing much,we should join hands with them or start doing some constructive work .Well worded article.
You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win,
prepare to win, and expect to win. You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.
Condition of the poor
Thank you Padmini,particularly for the second inspirational words. Let us make a beginning somewhere. I am very sure some positive results will follow.