Gap between rich and poor widening: ADB

[suguhopes]

The disparity between haves and have-nots has risen considerably in
the decade ending 2004, though the number of people living below
poverty line has declined substantially during the same time, an ADB
report says.

"Inequality in per capita expenditures has increased between 1993 and
2004 in terms of a number of measures of inequality... increases in
inequality have not, however, precluded reductions in poverty," the
Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in a report.

The inequality in per capita expenditure of rich and poor is primarily
an education-driven urban phenomenon, the report said, adding, all
households, headed by college-educated professionals engaged in the
service sector, experienced the fastest growth in their per capita
expenditures, during 1993-2004 period.

On an average, per capita expenditure is highest among female-headed
households, it said. The report also pointed out that although the
country's economy has grown considerably, the nature of growth process
has remained skewed "towards generating new and better economic
opportunities for a narrow minority of labour force" in the country.

Also, increase in the average per capita expenditures, the report
added, for varied population and over time for the urban sectors, was
faster during 1993-2004. The per capita expenditures within both the
rural and urban sectors grew faster in 1993-2004, compared to
1983-1993.

N.Sukumar
Research Analyst