Alagh offers to head new task force to measure poverty

Noted economist and vice-chairman of the Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research (SPIESR) Y K Alagh, while stating that there was a need to set up a new task force to measure poverty, offered to chair the new task force if it is set up.

Alagh, who chaired the first task force in 1979, said: "I think there is a need to look at the issue of poverty again, as the circumstances have changed drastically. The hunger parameters have changed and the aspirations of the people have also changed. I am a Hindu and believe in rebirth. I want to finish the task in this birth itself," he said.

It was the first task force chaired by Alagh that determined the poverty line in the country.

Responding to the suggestion in his speech, Planning Commission deputy chairman, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, said: "Yes, I believe it is time to revisit the whole issue of poverty and its measurement in the country. I think your offer will be considered and I will get back to you on this."