Patna: President A P J Abdul Kalam on May 31 called for determined effort to achieve the target of raising the country's gross domestic product (GDP) from the present 4.5 per cent to nine per cent as early as possible.

"No nation can develop if a large number of its population live in abject poverty," Kalam pointed out at the valedictory function of the week long diamond jubilee celebrations of Bihar Chamber of Commerce.

"Over 60 million of people in our country still live below poverty line (BPL)" and sustained effort was needed to improve their lot to achieve economic development, Kalam commented.

The President, who dwelt on spreading literacy among the poor particularly among the women to ensure country's progress, referred to the situation in Bihar to buttress his point.

In Bihar, the literacy rate among women was very low – between 30 and 40 per cent - and if it is raised to at least 80 per cent, the state would be able to check the alarming rise in population, Kalam said.

PTI