Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 10 October 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 October 2011. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Monday, 17 October 2011 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

India: Poverty

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to help strengthen the capacity of the Indian Government to develop and implement pro-poor policies; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: We have agreed with the Government of India a new approach to our development cooperation, focusing on the poorest states of India; in particular Bihar, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh. Our support will help these states to develop and implement pro-poor policies, and make the most effective use of resources available from the Government of India. Our support will be targeted to the poorest women and girls, to help them get quality schooling, healthcare, nutrition and jobs. We will also help unlock the potential of the private sector to deliver jobs, products, infrastructure and basic services.

Secondary information