With nearly 60 per cent of the population living at a disposable income of under $2 per day, one would agree with C. Rangarajan that poverty ratio remains high despite reforms (“ >Reforms need to reach the needy ,” Oct. 29). A major reason is the cut in social expenditure, done with a view to increasing the country’s credit ratings. Another reason is corruption. At present, the Centre and the States offer a host of price subsidies for items like rice, wheat, pulses and sugar, subsidies that don’t reach the poor due to leakages in the delivery system.
Kangayam R. Narasimhan,
Chennai
