Forex

The disparity between haves and have-nots has risen considerably in the decade ending 2004, though the number of people living below poverty line has declined substantially during the same time, an ADB report says.

"Inequality in per capita expenditures has increased between 1993 and 2004 in terms of a number of measures of inequality... increases in inequality have not, however, precluded reductions in poverty," the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in a report.

The inequality in per capita expenditure of rich and poor is primarily an education-driven urban phenomenon, the report said, adding, all households, headed by college-educated professionals engaged in the service sector, experienced the fastest growth in their per capita expenditures, during 1993-2004 period.

On an average, per capita expenditure is highest among female-headed households, it said. The report also pointed out that although the country's economy has grown considerably, the nature of growth process has remained skewed "towards generating new and better economic opportunities for a narrow minority of labour force" in the country.

Also, increase in the average per capita expenditures, the report added, for varied population and over time for the urban sectors, was faster during 1993-2004. The per capita expenditures within both the rural and urban sectors grew faster in 1993-2004, compared to 1983-1993.