This has been an exciting week. I didn't expect that the blog would generate so much interest--from all parts of the world.
The comments range from people saying that a blog dedicated to end poverty in South Asia is definitely needed to others questioning whether this is just orthodox economic prescriptions to still others wondering whether there is any analysis behind the "homilies" presented in the Sri Lanka post (there is--see my reply). The common thread is that everybody wants to engage in a debate on how to end poverty in the subcontinent.
I appreciated people sharing their own experience and knowledge--such as the retired forester from Andhra Pradesh who confirmed that, in his village, the veterinarian also treated humans because the doctor was rarely there. One old friend said, "Your blog is like a conversation with you". Another said I looked good with a bucket of water on my head. Finally, several people sent me suggestions for future blog posts. I particularly like the one from a Maldivian friend who, after pointing out that there was no reference to the Maldives in the blog so far, suggested a post on "How to explain the importance of macroeconomic stability to a politician."
Have a good weekend.
Mariam Claeson
Mon, 10/01/2007 - 03:26
No doubt, the wonderful start from the world bank shall bring wonderful participation in the blog.
Poverty in South Asia, is a challenge to the Asia as well as in the globe. Poverty being multi-dimensional phenomenon, requires rigourous work to end. However, the achievement towards ending it seems, promising because of the endeveours made by local people, government, allies and global partnership. The rapid technology transfer, progress towards education, improving human development index show the hope towards poverty alleviation.
Wed, 09/26/2007 - 00:04
sir,
india is changing rapidly ,i am a student of MIT-SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT,PUNE, we went for a rural visit last week i was shocked at seeing the village 100% sanitation,and 100% utilisation of agricluture land in that village,the blog can really help us undersating,and one great thing every indians does is they invest in gold,india has a chance of eradicating poverty if there are good political leaders.
Fri, 09/21/2007 - 19:44
I'm pleased, although not surprised, to see that the blog has taken off and you've elicited so many thoughtful comments. Thanks for taking the time to share your views and good humor! Looking forward to your upcoming posts.
Fri, 09/21/2007 - 12:06 Thank you for developing blog.
Fri, 09/21/2007 - 11:54
Good to know that World Bank Economist has been created a blog as a discussion platform to "End Proverty in South Asia".
As there are controversial theories of development economics, a single macroeconomic model may not serve to eradicate or end the proverty. The concept of vicious circle and big push theory hold greater significance to understand the poverty in least developing counties, like Nepal (and other South Asian countires).
Poverty, intially, sounds as an economic phonomenon, however, it is more concern with socio-politial philosophy. Some people believe Democracy whereas some people believe in "Lee Hypothesis" for economic development. As Nobel Laurate Prof. Sen advocates democracy as a universal value and better framework for economic development of the State, the State should have political structure which applies the democratic values in business of governement. However, the scenarios which we have been observing since 1980s in developing counties, which have now democratic system, are somewhat different. The ammature political culture, misconception of democracy, deep rooted religiuos and cultural barries and borrowed economic principles from advance countires ( I will elaborate it in next paragraph) are the root causes for the poverty in developing counties.
However, World Bank's objectives are guided toward advance eonomies. Now as a leading Economic Agent in the world, World Bank can play significant role for ending poverty in South Asia. Recent World Bank programs in these counties signifies it; still the assessment of efficacy ramains. The World Bank develops the programs and vests diffirent policy guidelines to member States to implement those programs but poorly assess the ground realities (regarding political practices and democratic practices). As a concequence the programs could hardly achieve their objectives because of the corruption and malpractices. Most of the ecnomic theories' prerequisite is socio-political democratic system. Untill and unless this prerequisite is fulfilled the theories hardly get success in practice - this is what lacks in World Bank's principal programs! Therefore, yes, the World Bank must pay its attentions to developing economies and understand those ground realities while implementing its programs in developing economies.
Now let's turn to the main issue of how to end poverty in South Asia. In answer there could be dozons of lists of precriptions. Again the question relies on whether those precriptions can be applied in their exisiting scenario or requires to fulfill their prerequisites. One thing for sure, collective efforts and community based programs are revealed more appropriate to reduce poverty from developing economies.
By:
Dinesh Gajurel
Lecturer of Financial Economics
Kathmandu, Nepal.