That the Economics Nobel for this year is based on the premise of development economics and the fact that the citation refers to dedicated experimental work and studies done to alleviate poverty is a matter for real celebration (Page 1, “Economics Nobel for Abhijit, two others” and Editorial – “Economics of poverty”, both October 15). This shall inspire our policy makers as to how to address rural and urban poverty and force them to correct their wrong approaches. Instead of toiling to reduce the burden of the corporate class, the powers-that-be would do well to start working to increase the purchasing power of the poor, reduce income inequalities and enhance the quality of life of the mass of citizens.
S.V. Venugopalan,
Chennai
The basis to awarding this year’s Economics Nobel should help India make changes in the economic policies to be followed. Amartya Sen, recipient of the same prize earlier, emphasised the need for a focus on education and health.
Abhijit Banerjee, one of the recipients this year, has suggested that the rich should be taxed more for the country’s growth . The have-nots in the country should be given a lift, and the policymakers, one hopes, will give great weightage to the views of these economists of repute.
C.P. Chandradas,
Collierville, Tennessee, U.S.
In the context of delivery of welfare governance and the imperative need to incur huge expenditures on many welfare schemes, the research findings of the laureates will hold immense significance. Their research has made important revelations as to how development schemes can be successful if they are preceded by pilot action studies. Importantly, their findings could also pave the way for implementable political manifestos.
G. Ramasubramanyam,
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Despite investing huge amounts in poverty alleviation, starting from Indira Gandhi’s ‘Garibi hatao’ to the policies of the current government, India still remains one of the poorest countries. The failure to alleviate poverty shows the wide gap in policy formulation and implementation. Poverty is ‘not an accident. It can be removed by actions of human beings’.
Vidhya B.Ragunath,
Thanjavur
One does not quite understand the excitement over an “Indian” having won a “Nobel”. Mr. Banerjee, the recipient, has for long been an American. It was the same case when “Venky” Venkatraman Ramakrishnan was announced as a joint winner of the 2009 Chemistry Nobel. We need to look at things in perspective.
Kodoth Prabhakaran Nair,
Malaparamba, Kozhikode, Kerala
