On Sun, 15 Jun 2003, Tim de Mello wrote: > I think this more aptly describes the state of affairs in the USA. > India's middle class is growing and I don't see it being "squeezed". There > is a lot of optimism in India today. This is evident when I talk to people > in Goa. But I also hasten to add that many still think there are greener > pastures elsewhere.
Another myth that perpetuates the nation is that of the "middle class". Sometime ago, the Indian Express sought to put a numerical number to this "middle class" and came up with 40 million. In other words, 0.04% of the population of India. My personal observation has been that the middle class in India is no longer made up of mid-level managers, teachers or engineers, but rather doctors, lawyers, accountants and people who have dropped off from the ranks of the wealthy. On the other hand, people who should make up the middle class, like teachers, scientists, engineers etc, have been shifted to a class that just barely stays above the poverty level. And this is the class that is "squeezed" and their ranks keep increasing. The only saving grace for many of these people is that they choose to reside in their parents' homes or are provided accomodation by the government. If you factor in an expense for rent, then the situation becomes much more acute. -- Tariq Siddiqui [EMAIL PROTECTED] ******************************************************************************* Rockets Lover! Laker Hater !!! ******************************************************************************* ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################
