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