Economists and activists have flayed the country’s model of development for not addressing the challenges of poverty and sustainable development.
A discussion on the “Challenges of poverty in South Asia-sustainable development and building democratic institutions” was held here on Saturday, organised by the Asian Institute of Rural Development (AIRD) and M V R Foundation.
“In a city like Bangalore, can a poor person go out and earn $10 a day for a living? Even if one does, will it be enough to address poverty in an economy that has forgotten them?” questioned Ponna Wignaraja, chairperson of the South Asian Perspectives Network Association (SAPNA), Sri Lanka.
The 87-year-old former adviser to the UN said democracies need new institutions that are well-funded and are able to bring together intellectuals and activists to deliberate on poverty alleviation.
Siddhartha, director of Pipal Tree and Fireflies Intercultural Centre, said, “There are 500 million people living on less than `50 per day. The problem is in our understanding of a good life.” He added that a change in the style of agriculture may benefit farmers to tackle drought.