RASUWA, April 15: Poverty alleviation programs in Rasuwa have benefitted more than 18,000 people when the actual number of poor people in the district is less than 14,000. People who do not fall below the poverty line have been found taking advantage of the five programs run by the Poverty Alleviation Fund.
According to Nepal Living Standard Survey 2010/2011, a total of 13,326 people in the district are estimated to be under the poverty line. However, a total of 18,856 people were benefitted by the programs.
No specific program for poverty alleviation in new budget: PAF
PAF had formed 1555 groups comprising of 18,856 members for various programs including Poverty Alleviation Program (9319 members), Micro Entrepreneurship Development Program (2605), Women Development Program (5453) and Community Development Program (946).
The total population of the district as per the 2011 census is 43,300. This means the percentage of beneficiaries is 43.55% of the total population.
The 56th annual report of the Office of the Auditor General states that there is possibility of duplication in various programs run in the district. Stating that people who are not poor have also benefited from the programs, the report stressed on the need for proper investigation.
According to the report, the Poverty Alleviation Program has failed in coordinating different programs and has proposed an alternative body to coordinate all the programs.
