My column entitled "The Curse of False Philanthropy" has just appeared in Mint.
It shows how we are all steeped in the "moral sentiment" of Sympathy for the poor, and discusses how this Sympathy is being exploited on all sides - by beggars, by charities and, most importantly, by governments. Especially the government of India, which claims to be a monopolist on poverty.
The article shows that government philanthropy based on paper money entrenches poverty. In other words, the "redistribution" that actually transpires is from the poor to the rich - the very opposite direction to that which politicians claim.
The article is a must read for all those who truly want to "help the poor."
To read the entire article, click here.
Very interesting article. I esp. liked the point about the Hinduism and Islam encouraging begging for alms. Instead, the Sikh culture of 'langars' should be encouraged where free food is offered to those who work out there by cooking/serving/cleaning. Of course, the state stays out of this.
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