Anti-Poverty Objectives- Part 4

In a democracy the national objectives have to be translated into action by those who have a hold on the masses. Such persons constitute the leadership class. Leaders influence the minds of thousands of followers. Right and high quality leadership is undoubtedly the most important of all human resources.

Talented leaders are men of vision, who make things happen, exhibit great dynamism, anticipate problems and solve them before they become crises. Their task is to interpret the national goals to their followers. In all their actions leaders must have the framework of objectives illustrated earlier and constantly strive to persuade their followers to attain them, even if it means effecting a change of attitudes.

Leaders consist of persons in power as well as those in the Opposition. The former must concentrate on initiating proposals in line with the objectives. The latter must examine the merits and worth of such proposals critically and support them if they are convinced that these are desirable in the national interest. A clear grasp of anti poverty objectives will help to develop a positive approach to solving problems.

While leaders are concerned with problems on a national scale, their actions will yield fruitful results only if individuals who now act as followers and on whom responsibility for leadership will fall some day or the other, also play their part in promoting the cause of prosperity.

The problem of poverty is of great magnitude and citizens have to be directed to play their role effectively. This can be done if they also frame objectives, which will provide the link between their efforts and those of the leaders, thereby making the task of the latter easy and successful. These objectives create awareness on the part of citizens of the need for their contribution in certain essential areas of economic activity as members of society. Some of the major objectives for citizens are explained below.

1. To limit family size