Income distribution, growth and basic needs in India/ by R. Sinha...[et.al.] c.2

Interest in income distribution, in the forces which shape it and its implications for the welfare of the community, has waxed and waned over many years. Similarly, the status of groups which are disadvan taged and in poverty has received periodic attention, sometimes in the enunciation of political principles or policies and sometimes as a subject for research. Recently, these various strands have been woven together in the strategy of 'basic needs'. Proponents of this strategy want a commitment, at national and international levels, to securing the provi sion of at least the minimum means of livelihood for everyone, through redistribution and growth.

Any approach aimed at providing for basic needs must face one of its most searching tests in India, where the problem of poverty is immense both in depth and extent. Even on an austere definition, possibly 200 million people, roughly one-third of the Indian popula tion, exist below the poverty line. Moreover, the poor of India represent almost two-thirds of those estimated to be below the poverty line in the continents of Asia, Africa and Latin America. No provision for basic needs can be considered to be a successful international deve lopment programme if it is not also achieved in India.