By PTI

New Delhi: Pointing out that India can become a developed nation if the issues of education, health and security are dealt with, NRI business tycoon Lord Swaraj Paul has emphasised on the need for reforms aimed at the poor.

“Around 30% of children in the country do not even receive primary education while there is a huge shortage of higher education.”

“Over 30% people live below the poverty line, surviving on less than $1a day,” Lord Paul said while speaking on “Contemporary India and Prospects of Indo-British Ties” during the launch of a magazine, “NRI Achiever - Doing India Proud”, here on 23 September.

“You cannot have a democracy with a population of a billion where there is so much poverty. Richness and progress has no meaning until the living standard of the people is raised,” he said.

“Every year, four-five million graduates come out but the percentage of those who get higher education is much smaller than what a lot of developing countries have,” Lord Paul said.