By: Diana Thébaud Nicholson

Diana Thébaud Nicholson — Tue, 07 Oct 1997 04:26:54 +0000

6 October 1997
Dear David,
You asked me to send you my questions on India - here they are:-
Many people talk about the emerging “middle class” in India of some 270 million people. Yes, these people are better off than the other 730 million, but to put things in perspective -
1. Out of the total Indian population how many have sanitation at home which includes a tap with clean running water, and a toilet that flushes? For the “middle class” what is the percentage?
2. The same question, except have reliable electrical power at home? For the “middle class” what is the percentage?
3. What percentage of Indians completed a tax return in the last year?
While I do not know the exact number for any of these items, having visited Indian many times, including long train trips into the “outback”, I would guess the percentages are very low - ~10%.
If 27% make up the new “middle class”, I doubt that 27% of the Indian population can say yes to all three questions above.
The point is - that while people talk of an Indian “middle class” that is making progress, do not confuse their standard of living with what we consider “middle class” living in Canada.
A visit to India will change your perception and your definition of “standard of living” and make a deep impression of you. You have to see the poverty, the homeless, the beggars, the lack of sanitation first hand to really appreciated it. Yes 270 million people are making progress, but they still have a long way to come.
Gerald Ratzer

Comments on: Wednesday Night #812 - India

By: Diana Thébaud Nicholson