Shekhawat urges industrialists to alleviate poverty

Kolkata, May 31 (UNI) Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today said that while India is on a high GDP growth trajectory, it should be remembered that 26 crore people were still grappling with the scourge of malnutrition and illiteracy.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Merchant Chamber of Commerce&Industry to felicitate three Paramvir Chakra awardees, Mr Shekhawat said that they needed to have an industry growth model.

''Industrialists need to ensure the economic wellbeing of the people on a large scale,'' he added.

Today's enterprises should take an enlightened view towards a more equitable distribution of wealth and in contributing directly to public welfare, the Vice-President observed.

''The industry growth model should be inclusive of the welfare of artisans, weavers and farmers, building beneficial linkages for the farm sector and common man,'' he emphasised.

''India is blessed with unparalleled entrepreneurship qualities which has earned global recognition. However, overcoming under-development and alleviating poverty are the biggest challenges before us. We need development that eradicates illiteracy, a development that provides the common man with access to basic education, healthcare and shelter,'' he said adding that the poorest of the poor and downtrodden could enjoy their fundamental rights to live with dignity.

Education should be freely available to the common people, he said.

''Technological development and research should be directed towards finding ways to overcome problem and deficiencies and accelerate development,'' he opined.

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