NCDC observes International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

National Child Development Council Core Committee observed International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Monday (October 17, 2022).

The members reminded that the aim of this special day is to raise awareness of the issues driving global inequality and to lend a voice to those living in poverty. It’s hoped that, by doing so, political leaders will be motivated to alleviate the suffering of those living in poverty.

NCDC Evaluator Bindhu Saraswathi opined that poverty isn’t just an economic issue, but also an issue that encompasses a lack of basic capabilities, such as education and access to healthcare, which allow people to live with dignity.

She said that, “Extreme poverty rates have been cut by more than half since 1990. While this is a remarkable achievement, one in five people in developing regions still live on less than $1.25 a day, and there are millions more who make little more than this daily amount, plus many people risk slipping back into poverty.”

“This figure has been increased by the COVID19 pandemic, which has plunged an additional 115 million people into extreme poverty since 2020. By 2021, between 143 and 163 million people are expected to be pushed into poverty by the pandemic. In addition to being affected by the pandemic, people living in poverty are also on the first victims of the impact of climate change.Many deprivations are included in poverty, such as unsafe housing, lack of nutritious food and a lack of political power,” Saraswathi said.

The core committee members collectively said that it is necessary to empower the children, their families and communities to end poverty.

Other members of NCDC present in the meeting were Dr Sruthi Ganesh, Muhammed Risvan and Arathi I S.