Niti Ayog report on poverty likely next week

Aimed at changing the political discourse, the Niti Ayog has been directed to release its much-awaited report on poverty. 

According to sources, the report will mention anti-poverty measures that are needed to be adopted by the Centre to eradicate poverty from the country.

“The poverty report, which is slated to be released the next week, would focus on employment generation and increasing minimum wages. The report would also talk about measures aimed at strengthening rural employments schemes and agriculture-based employment opportunities for rural folks,” a source said.

Given the timing of releasing the report, it seems that the government is aiming to change the political debate and focus on development agenda, rather than issues like row over Jat reservation, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) controversy, Dalit scholar suicide case, etc.

However, a government official said the report would provide fresh ammo to the incumbent government to take on the Opposition.  “It is expected that the report will have state-wise details about increase in the number of people falling under below poverty line (BPL) category. The Centre would put its all force to target such states. Though the report may also go against the government, if it releases the living cost,” an official said.

The erstwhile United Progressive Aliiance (UPA) government has faced severe criticism after the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) had stated that the about 60 per cent of India’s rural population  lives on less than Rs 35 a day and nearly as many in cities live on Rs 66 a day.