Sobhanund Seeparsad
Editor of News On Sunday. Did university studies in the UK and India. Holds an MA , BA (Hons), BCom, PGCE, PCCGE, Diploma in Journalism (IPI-Zurich). Worked in Nairobi and Mumbai. Was chief Sub Editor Indian Express Group of Papers in 70s. Author: Effective Notes on Milton Paradise Lost BK IX (1963); Granper Rakont Nu Enn Zistwar (1998). Also acted in many short and feature films, including popular TV serial C'est La Vie. Tells a folk story in Bhojpuri on MBC radio daily.
Fighting poverty
- By Sobhanund Seeparsad
- Published 29th February, 2008
Much has been said and will be said, peppered with brickbats and unwarranted vitriol, on the targetting of subsidies to alleviate poverty in the country. Ever since the measure was mooted by the Finance Minister, it has given rise to quite a few serious and not too serious comments from different stakeholders. The issue has divided the ruling majority.
Even the Prime Minister, who is in favour of the measure, says it should not be at the expense of the middle class, who are neither among the rich nor the poor.
Personally, I also believe, one must go for a national debate on the issue and reach a consensus before the go ahead. And I also think, if we want to fight poverty, we have no alternative but to go for targeting.
I propose the following measures to all those who can
rise above party politics and are ready to help the country.
First, accept the targetting of universal pension like the previous Government. Either start by some convincing exercise or just strike off that list all those who are still earning Rs 18,500 plus. Secondly, invest the pension fund in plans that can provide substantial profitable returns in the long run. In its present shape, the fund will represent nothing in the next 10 years. Thirdly, go ahead to increase retirement age. On this, the opinions of many of our trade unions are outdated, obsolete, not in tune with changes taking place in society.
Fourthly, compel all new recruits who start work to contribute towards their old age pension. This cannot be free as it is. If we want to better society, alleviate poverty, we need guts to take measures however unpalatable they may be.
Even the Prime Minister, who is in favour of the measure, says it should not be at the expense of the middle class, who are neither among the rich nor the poor.
Personally, I also believe, one must go for a national debate on the issue and reach a consensus before the go ahead. And I also think, if we want to fight poverty, we have no alternative but to go for targeting.
I propose the following measures to all those who can
First, accept the targetting of universal pension like the previous Government. Either start by some convincing exercise or just strike off that list all those who are still earning Rs 18,500 plus. Secondly, invest the pension fund in plans that can provide substantial profitable returns in the long run. In its present shape, the fund will represent nothing in the next 10 years. Thirdly, go ahead to increase retirement age. On this, the opinions of many of our trade unions are outdated, obsolete, not in tune with changes taking place in society.
Fourthly, compel all new recruits who start work to contribute towards their old age pension. This cannot be free as it is. If we want to better society, alleviate poverty, we need guts to take measures however unpalatable they may be.
