New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, tipped by many in the Congress to become the Prime Minister, has sought a fresh look on the Rs 32 yardstick for poverty. Sources said the Planning Commission is now likely to do a rethink on the below poverty line (BPL) yardstick.
Sources said the Congress General Secretary is seeking answers on the affidavit filed by the Planning Commission in the Supreme Court which said an individual must earn Rs 32 a day to be above the poverty line in cities and Rs 26 in villages. . The Planning Commission will meet on October 3 to rework its affidavit and it may even consider submitting a fresh affidavit in the apex court.
But it's not just Rahul Gandhi, several Union ministers including Jairam Ramesh and Ambika Soni have criticised the low cut-offs.
National Advisory Council (NAC) member and social activist Aruna Roy has also come out lambasting Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia over the affidavit. She had also challenged him to live on such a meagre amount.
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