Work hard to remove poverty: Vijaykanth's clarion call

Chennai, Aug 23 (UNI) Observing that eradication of poverty by the year 2015 was an uphill task, actor turned politician and 'Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam' (DMDK) founder Vijaykanth today called for concerted efforts to achieve this.

He was speaking to reporters after handing over 1,300 sewing machines to poor women on the occasion of his Birthday on August 25 and was being celebrated as ''poverty eradication day' every year.

Though the world nations adopted a resolution in 2000 to eradicate poverty by 2015, not even half the target had been orchieved.

''Compared to other nations, the poverty rate in India was very high. Tackling this is an uphill task and it calls for a concerted effort from all those concerned'', he added.

Mr Vijayakanth had an indirect dig at the Tamil Nadu government and said it cannot eradicate poverty only through its fancy schemes.

''The government should create employment opportunities for each individual and improve their earnings. This alone will lead to eradication of poverty'', he said and added that the 'Poverty Eradicaton Day' should usher in a mass movement to eradicate poverty in the country.

He urged his party workers to dedicate themselves to strive to achieve this task.

To a question, he said the Party's third founding day would be celebrated in a grand manner at Pudukottai on September 14.

UNI