A deadly explosion claimed 36 lives at a pharma company – the Sigachi Industries’ facility. Sadgati to them. Rs. 1 crore ex-gratia per deceased announced for their families.
Accountants. Chartered accountants. Working in all fields of business and finance, including auditing, taxation, financial and general management. In public practice, in the private sector, and in government. 2 million chartered accountants in the world. 400,000+ Associate/Fellow CAs in India. About half of them practice. An individual can be a CA via CA Foundation, Intermediate and Final, after Class 12 or higher; or after 3 years of articled assistance in a CA firm, after commerce graduation/Post-graduation with 55% marks, or other graduates with 60% marks, skipping Foundation Course; or after Intermediate Cost Accountant/ Company Secretary. 100 hours of Information Technology training are required before 3-year articleship after CA Intermediate. Similarly, one can become a cost and/or management accountant. Here the internship is just 6 months. One can become a Company Secretary via CS Executive, Professional course, sandwiched with a 21-month internship. Some may do two – CA, CMA; CA, CS; CMA, CS; and some may do all three. These become highly relevant, useful and successful if diligent, hardworking, and apply their intelligence. In Government, private employment-engagement; and in independent practice individually and in a team.
Extreme poverty has dropped; poverty is coming down, at least the numbers suggest the same – 5% from 27%, more than a decade ago. Fewer people live below the international poverty line, USD 3 a day per capita [this itself has been increased from earlier USD 2.15 to 3 now]. India’s Purchase Power Parity is about Rs.20 for every USD, meaning the poverty line translates to Rs.60 a day. More people have access to food, jobs, electricity, and housing. Most of them are not poor on paper, but they are not secure. Minimum floor wage is Rs.178 per day. The poverty line for low-middle income group countries is USD 4.2 translating to Rs.87. If we see people below this level, it would be 20%+. The poverty line for upper-middle income group countries is USD 8.4 translating to Rs.171. If we see people below this level, it would be 80%+. If we want a minimum dignity line, rather than poverty line, it should reflect a life that allows for food, health care, education, some savings, and a sense of security, not just survival. This may mean Rs.300 a day per capita; or Rs.1200 a day per family; or Rs.36,000 a month, Rs.4,32,000 a year.
In contrast to this, the poverty line in India (Rs.33 a day in urban areas, Rs.27 a day in rural areas) has not been revised/updated since 2011-12. Multi-dimensional Poverty Index based poverty has also fallen to 11% from 29%. Inequality persists. Top 1% control 40% wealth; bottom 50% control just 6.4%. The top 10% get 58% national income. It means: wealth needs to be taxed; investments into universal education and healthcare; need for labour protection. Most of us are one setback away from the crisis – cannot afford a hospital bill; cannot miss a wage bill; cannot meet our child’s expenses. Surviving on the edge, highly vulnerable, yet not poor. Can this change at least in the amrt kaal?
Can we do our bit in this? Improving the wellbeing of people above dignity level, at large; with decreased inequality? Only agenda, or the agenda?
Yes, we can. If we coexist, flowing. Dignity beyond survival. In N? samataasampannayoga for 7L.