The UPA-II has just completed its first year in power. In fact, the Manmohan Singh government has fared well on quite a few indicators. To mention a few, the Right To Education (RTE) Act that makes primary education compulsory for all school-going children, and the Women’s Reservation Bill that provides 33 per cent reservation to women in Parliament and state legislative assemblies are noteworthy.
Also, the role played by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in putting the Indian economy on the right path amid the global meltdown is commendable. Moreover, the government’s social sector programmes — for which around Rs 40,000 crore has been allocated — are praiseworthy.
At the same time, the government has a tough road ahead. To begin with, it should deal with the terror menace with an iron hand, and take serious steps to root out the terror network. The country’s security system needs to be revamped to tackle the growing insurgency unleashed by the Naxalites. Also, the government should chart out new and bold economic strategies to accelerate growth. It should also concentrate on pending infrastructure projects like rail and road.
Finally, the country is in dire need of a complete overhaul of its foreign policy. And, strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Pakistan should be the top priority.
P Senthil Saravana Durai, Hyderabad