Anti-Poverty Objectives- Part 7

The objectives have to include, among others, those promoting a healthy neighbourhood, peaceful settlement of differences within the community, and respect for values. These are discussed in the following paragraphs.

11.To promote a healthy neighbourhood

Happiness of the individuals is considerably influenced by the relations and attitudes of neighbours. A favourable attitude helps programs like slum clearance and other community activities. It becomes possible to undertake them with the least interruption and difficulty and to keep the vicinity hygienic and neat. The interrelationship of individual goals of the people in a closely situated area is easily realized and this promotes harmony and peace.

The area of conflict narrows down and some machinery for resolving differences evolves. Children also come to know the benefits of such goals and they develop a cooperative attitude towards other inhabitants of the locality. It provides a good training ground for them to learn some fundamental concepts like cooperation, which are vital for the survival and progress of the community.

12.To settle differences peacefully

Most conflicts arise from the inability of individuals to settle differences peacefully. Thus the creative energies of people are diverted towards destructive ends resulting in considerable loss of resources and output. On such occasions the machinery enforcing law and order is put to severe strain in restorng the status quo. It also becomes impossible to make improvements in areas of useful activity since the required attitude does not exist.

Much of this can be avoided if the individual develops the attitude of adopting peaceful means to resolve conflicts. This will reduce the violence potential of situations and offer relief to the agencies enforcing law and order so that they can concentrate on more important and productive areas of activity.

13. To hold on basic values of society