The Tendulkar Committee and the government's poverty statistics are also misleading us. There is no official data about the number of poor people in India, but government representatives, economists and politicians often make statements that the number of poor in India has reduced drastically. It seems that the government doesn’t want to trim down poverty in realty. Reducing number of poor on paper is a strategy of the government to illustrate India as developed country.

In Pranab Mukherjee’s parliamentary constituency, Jangipur, the Public Sector Banks have opened 22 branches within 2008 to August, 2011. Opening 22 branches in such a small place, where banks are unlikely to meet the business requirements is a great example of flattery and also questions Reserve Bank's role in pushing for financial integration. In a democratic country like ours dual and discriminatory policy is certainly embarrassing. In such a chaotic environment, how can we eliminate poverty? How will a common man arrange for meals and get an income on regular basis. However, the government sponsored schemes such as SJSRY and PMEGP, etc., may be beneficial in creating jobs at grass root level, although beneficiary, banks and state governments will have to be honest in their work.Through proper strategy and judicious approach, banks can rejuvenate the society. Bankers may also play pivotal role. They would have to do their jobs faithfully and honestly. Shri Jairam Ramesh did a great job while he was the head of Ministry of Environment. Due to enormous pressure from corporates, Shri Ramesh was replaced in latest ministry reshuffle.

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) holders currently have to pay only 5 per cent interest on their limits. Shri Jairam has lately instructed concerning authorities to explore the possibilities to bring the rate of interest of Self Help Group (SHG) accounts at par with KCC accounts.Right now SHGs, identified by the state government, are given loans on card rates. Although, government pays subsidies to SHGs, it is done only in case of financial discipline in their loan accounts.As per Shri Jairam, SHG is the greatest weapon through which poverty can definitely be reduced. The basic problem of SHG is finance. Regarding job knowledge, they are perfect. In Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, SHGs have erected a strong wall of self-employment particularly in rural areas. Biharis also are doing well in this matter. The most important thing is women's participation in the whole exercise. Women in Andhra Pradesh have already achieved great success. Now, it is Bihari women’s turn to write a new chapter in the history of self employment.Shri Ramesh opines that SHGs will have access to 40 million poor in the next 10 years. Nearly 3 million women are now working with SHGs. Ramesh has planned to add another 7 million women in the next 10 years. Shri Ramesh wants to open committed bank branches for SHGs in rural areas for carry out this dream. In case of any need, an SHG may consult Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee for necessary action.The authorities need to find a solution instead of behaving like an ostrich, who keeps its mouth within sand & thinks all is well. In present circumstances, UPA government is also behaving like an ostrich. To reduce poverty, genuine efforts need to be made instead of making a mockery of the poor.