Prez to govt: Make economic growth inclusive

The message delivered by President Pratibha Patil to the government on the eve of the 59th Republic Day: make economic growth inclusive, check corruption, ensure benefits of social programmes reach the beneficiaries, and while addressing the problems of tribals and marginal farmers handle Naxalism with a firm hand.

Patil, in her maiden Republic Day address, said economic successes were enviable but the benefits had not reached everyone. The needs of the underprivileged Scheduled Castes and Tribes needed to be addressed.

While the government had flagship programmes like Bharat Nirman, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme, the Rural Health Mission, the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission and the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, "their implementation remains a challenge."
 
"A question that we need to ask is how effective are our delivery mechanisms and what are the weaknesses? We have to find the appropriate remedial answers, " the President said.

She had an answer: "The involvement of local self-government bodies could improve delivery mechanisms as they are closer to implementation levels. The entire government machinery has to work to fulfil the aspirations of the people. I call upon all concerned to deliver on social welfare schemes in a time bound manner as well as work with accountability and in a transparent manner," the speech said.

Patil also said corruption was an evil that needed to be eliminated. The country cannot afford the loss of resources meant for its development, she said. She added that only when moral values formed an underpinning for all government actions would progress have a more gentle and humane touch.

Patil acknowledged that internal threats like Naxalism and terrorism existed in India but said those who used guns and subscribed to an extreme ideology had not chosen the correct path. "In a democracy, there is no place for violent methods. Naxalites exploit sentiments of discontentment in the undeveloped parts of the country.The government is committed to give special attention to the welfare of our tribals and marginal farmers as a part of its policy of seeking inclusive growth. At the same time, growth of Naxalism should be handled firmly," she said.

She also said problems that drove farmers to take their own lives must be corrected as 70% of the population lives in rural areas. She reminded the government that the slow growth in the agriculture sector was "a matter of concern" but added she was hopeful of its potential. The cooperative movement could work in a more forceful and proactive manner and become more agriculturist-friendly, she said.

Asking for greater empowerment of women, the President said the government had recently announced a package of Rs 1,800 crore for providing one lakh jobs per year to persons with disabilities. "Society must have a helpful and positive attitude towards the disabled and older citizens," she said.