India, a highly populated country, is characterized by ‘hidden’ or ‘disguised’ unemployment. Poor people cannot afford to be unemployed. The problem of poverty is closely linked to this problem of disguised unemployment. All citizens, including the poor, are also entitled to an equitable share of basic public resources. The most important are public goods and services that by definition cannot be bought separately or sold separately by individuals. They have to be supplied publicly by the government. The classic public goods like roads, police and public security, judiciary, and public health services are equally, perhaps more, important to the poor. Entitlements also include a basic level of social security for the old, the disabled, and the infirm, and for children and those who are unable to work. A 21st century democracy ought go further and empower the poor who cannot afford to pay for their education. Government must ensure that all citizens are literate and all children attain some basic level of education. Education not only empowers the public, but also ensures that employed can do the productive jobs that open up, and helps to sustain economic growth over the long term.