Concept

If a multi-dimensional approach can comprehensively define the poverty line, and effectively measure the population below it, then our belief is that the definition of a "desired state of being" can also be developed as a function of the same dimensions (for 12 dimensions see below).

This distinction compels a shift in perspective where poverty eradication becomes a consequence of a much larger vision - the creation of a state of adequacy. This shift in perspective also encourages the diverse stakeholders to come together and collaborate for a common goal.

Adequacy as we see it is a state in which a given population sustainably has optimum access to resources across the following 12 interrelated dimensions. During our journey through rural India we will be seeking information across these 12 dimensions as sketched below.

1. Food: details on agricultural practices, rain and crop patterns, irrigation and extent of food security
2. Water Conservation and Management: water resources, availability and consumption patterns, innovations, external interventions, bottlenecks
3. Shelter: extent of homelessness, indigenous styles of housing, materials used etc
4. Clothing: over 300 million people have no clothes in India, and the importance of clothing in one being visible to opportunities can not be emphasized enough. Please visit www.goonj.org, to know more about why clothing should be considered a major issue
5. Energy: availability and consumption patterns, alternatives and innovations, bottlenecks
6. Healthcare: Primary Health Centers, qualification of health practitioners, disease patterns, average expenses etc
7. Income Generation: existing dominant occupations, traditions, proximity to market(s), opportunities and limitations
8. Education: density and quality of schools, focus of teaching (vocational or otherwise), gender specific enrollment patterns
9. Public Domain: Opportunities for village dialogue, and citizen interaction on varied subjects including festivals, markets, politics and development
10. Connectivity: Transport and Communication (human, material and information logistics - availability, cost etc)
11. Social Equity: Social hierarchy, Gender discrimination, Human rights violation etc
12. Eco-Conservation & Disaster Management: awareness, traditional views on conservation, vulnerability to disasters, nature of disasters, preparedness, response patterns etc