Government today unveiled a blueprint for guaranteeing internal and external security and economic and livelihood security as it expressed confidence that it will steer the country back to the high growth trajectory of 8 to 9%.
With the government's image taking a knock on account of a number of scams, President Pratibha Patil listed a number of measures and said together these have the potential of bringing about a transformational change in curbing corruption and enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.
In what could be her last address to Parliament's joint sitting, the President came out with the government's plan of action for the coming fiscal in which she expressed government's commitment to resolve all outstanding issues with Pakistan through dialogue.
But she asked Pakistan to take credible action against terrorist groups and related infrastructure on its soil.
The President also supported the National Intelligence Grid and the National Counter Terrorism Centre which she said aimed to improve India's capability to counter internal security threats.
Elaborating on the five "important challenges" the government faces today, Patil said the government will work to guarantee internal and external security within the framework of a "just, plural, secular and inclusive" democracy.
It will also strive for livelihood security for the vast majority of the population and continue to work for removal of poverty, hunger and illiteracy, she said.
