The Lok Sabha today took up a special discussion on Planning Commission's estimates on poverty and daily wages during the Zero Hour.

Several opposition members took strong exception to the Planning commission's conclusion on poverty levels in the country and asked the Prime Minister to make a statement in this regard.

Initiating the discussion, JD-U Leader, Sharad Yadav demanded the removal of the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. He said the Prime Minister, who is the Chairman of the Commission should reply on the poverty issue.

The Leader of the Opposition, Mrs Sushma Swaraj asked the government to reject the standard of poverty adopted by the Planning Commission. She also underlined the need for a recount of the number of poor living in the country.

Mr Mulyam Singh Yadav of Samajwadi Party objected to the methodology adopted by the Planning Commission on fixing the criterion of Below Poverty Line, BPL. He termed it as treachery with the country as well as poor people.

Mr Basudev Acharya of CPM also demanded a statement of the Prime Minister on the issue.

Mr T R Balu suggested evolving a mechanism for setting a standard of BPL.

Several other members across the party line expressed their concern on the issue.

Earlier, the House was adjourned for one hour with some members demanding a discussion on the issue.