India is still very far from the basic minimum target of reducing poverty even though the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) shows drop in the poverty levels, an NGO said Thursday.
"We must be wary of applauding the NSSO data, as we are still very far from even the basic minimum targets, on the numbers and extent of poverty and not to mention the huge economic disparity in India," said Sandeep Chachra, executive director, ActionAid India.
The NSSO data based on the criteria given by the Planning Commission shows a decline from 37 percent to 22 percent for all of India and the poorest states record have shown further steepest decrease.
"ActionAid India hopes that the definition of poverty would be made comprehensive by the Planning Commission so that it takes into account the problems of control over resources, access and inclusion as well," added Chachra.
According to the NGO, the nutritional needs of the people have been given less attention than the caloric value and nutrition needs to be considered along with hygiene and health,which has not been taken into consideration on the NSSO data.