Breaking the Chains of Poverty through a call for global solidarity, inclusive progress
October 17 brings world attention to the fight against poverty and the pursuit of dignity for all humankind. Observed as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, this day has also become an annual reminder to world governments about one of the greatest challenges confronting humanity in the 21st century. Millions continue to suffer through it across continents. Its focus is really on collective action towards sustainable development with a probable agenda to make sure that no one is left behind.
This day comes from Father Joseph Wresinski, a French priest who established the ATD Fourth World Movement in 1957 in the battle against extreme poverty.. On October 17, 1987, over 100,000 people held a rally at the Trocadéro in Paris to commemorate victims of hunger, poverty, and violence. A commemorative stone at the site bears an inscription that says, "Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty." The event came to be the cornerstone of international recognition, and in 1992, the United Nations declared October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
This day offers a moment to confront the harsh realities of poverty, advocate for human dignity and rights, and champion efforts to restore both. It also highlights the deep-rooted economic, social, and cultural inequalities that fuel the persistence of poverty. Reflecting the global struggle, economic trends have shown significant fluctuations, as reported by the World Bank. In 2019, 8.4% of the global population—approximately 650 million people—survived on less than $2.15 a day. However, the COVID-19 pandemic wiped away all this within a year, adding 97 million people to extreme poverty in 2020. Poverty rates have just began to rebound since then, while the effects of inflation, conflict, and climate change continued to hinder meaningful recovery and growth by 2023.
According to the World Bank and inputs from NITI Ayog poverty in India, 24.82 crore Indians escaped multidimensional poverty over the past nine years. The Poverty Headcount Ratio saw a steep decline, dropping from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23, reflecting significant progress. For all the 12 indicators of the MPI, major improvements were recorded; hence much was enhanced upon-completely in the direction of which poverty reduction efforts were undertaken.
This decline has been recorded in the largest states, namely, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Interestingly, the faster gains on poverty reduction within the poorer states indicate that regional disparities are shrinking on a positive scale.
However, fueled by the pandemic, socio-political conflicts and exploding unemployment affect millions, particularly the vulnerable population from rural and under-developed countries . UN SDG 1 states that extreme poverty is to be completely eradicated by 2030. Based on current projections and unless action is taken in due time, the world will probably miss this target. Economic uncertainty, war, and climatic change are all strong threats to this progress, and never has the call for sustained, inclusive effort been higher. Committed governments, communities, and individuals working together towards equality, dignity, and opportunity for all will bring this world of poverty free. It reminds us on this day that collective action is a prerequisite for creating a future where no one will be left behind.
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K Sanjay Murthy sworn in as comptroller and auditor general
New Delhi (PTI): Former Higher Education Secretary K Sanjay Murthy was sworn in as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India by President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday.
Murthy, a 1989 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre, succeeds Girish Chandra Murmu.
Murthy was named the new CAG by the Centre on Monday. Girish Chandra Murmu completed his tenure as the CAG on Wednesday.
"At a ceremony held today at 10 am in the Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, K Sanjay Murthy was sworn in as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. He made and subscribed to the oath of office before the President," the President's office said in a statement.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, among others, were present at the oath-taking ceremony.
