Who is a “poor Parsi?”

It is time we found a clear and correct definition for the term "poor Parsi.” Can one consider a person who pays monthly outgoings between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000 and can afford to buy an ownership flat for around Rs 25 lakhs, albeit with a bank loan on a monthly EMI (equated monthly installment) to be a poor Parsi? If no, then let us proudly say there are no poor Parsis in Bombay. But if the answer is yes, then does it not seem ridiculous to call such persons poor Parsis?

Granted, the criteria for the term "poor” differs from city to city, but that does not mean there should be such a drastic difference in the meaning of the term. To my mind, persons who can afford the above belong to the middle class. To me, a poor Parsi is one who cannot dream of buying an ownership flat, and who would probably be only able to pay rent, depending of course on how much he could afford to shell out on a monthly basis from his meager take-home salary.

The Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) should certainly subsidize ownership flats, but not at a very low market value as compared to the rate prevalent in Bombay. Thanks to the vision of the older philanthropic generation who conceived of residential baugs, the existing colonies could accommodate more buildings to be sold on ownership basis. Since the land would be free, the cost would come down drastically. It is imperative to allot some such flats on a no profit basis on rental to really needy poor Parsis.

If the BPP makes a sincere all-out effort, and with the dwindling Parsi population, it would be easily able to ensure that every family has a permanent roof over its head, and no controversy over the allotment either! RODA D. HAKIM

Baroda

vadhakim@yahoo.com