"There is now a surge of expectation from an increasingly empowered and articulate public, for more responsive, transparent, participative, clean and efficient governance," Singh told the Indian diaspora after inaugurating the 11th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here.
The government was "determined to turn any setback into an opportunity to improve legal and regulatory frameworks," Singh said in his remarks which come in the backdrop of national mood of anger on issues such as corruption and crime against women in the light of the Delhi gangrape incident.
"I have no doubt that the energy and the passions of our citizens, particularly our youth, will be a force of positive change in our country," he told the gathering where the Mauritius President Rajkeshwur Purryag was the chief guest.
He also said despite an impressive economic performance and quantum change in the past two decades, the country faced persisting challenges of poverty, equity, sustainability and opportunity.
"Vulnerable sections of society, including our women, face enduring prejudices and continuing problems in a rapidly changing India," he told the annual meet which seeks to connect India to its vast Indian diaspora and bring their knowledge, expertise and skills on a common platform.
On the economic front, Singh said the annual growth rate might fall below six per cent in the current year from 6.5 in the previous fiscal, but added the strong economic fundamentals backed by sound policies would enable the country to return to a higher growth path. MORE