The Hindu Business Line : Urban poverty

This refers to the report "Is poverty increasingly becoming an urban phenomenon?" (Business Line, March 22). It is not surprising that the percentage of people living below the poverty line is higher in the urban than in the rural areas. In search of greener pastures (lucrative jobs, luxurious living, etc.), the village folk migrate to the cities and often end up in pitiable economic conditions, not finding the right kind of jobs that suit their dexterity and traditional knowledge.

Moreover, inflationary pressures are higher in the urban areas and the number of people living below the poverty line is naturally greater. Hence, it is imperative that investment in economic and social infrastructure is enhanced in the rural areas to provide adequate job opportunities for the unemployed there, thereby avoiding the congestion and other social problems that arise in the urban areas because of the exodus of people from the rural areas.

S. Ramakrishnasayee

Ranipet

Letters to the editor and contributions can be sent by e-mail to: bleditor@thehindu.co.in

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