Biggest regret -Irregularities shouldnot have happened. I am not happy about these developement.
Achievement: Despite severe economic environment across the globe in 2008, we managed to do well.
On CWG culprits: We are a country where the Rule of law prevails and sometimes it takes time. Its my assurance that the wrongdoers won't be spared.
On governance deficit: I don't deny we need to improve the quality of governance.
We will take all the possible measures to control the menace of black money.
Safety of the Tamil Nadu fishermen are being taken care of.
There have been no backroom talks in Devas-ISRO deal in Prime Minister's office.PMO received a note on scrapping the Devas-ISRO deal only in Nov, 2010.
Q: Your govt faced some severe corruption charges? Is your govt taking responsibility for that?
A: We are indeed responsible. But there are certain limitations of a coalition govt. We are doing what we can to deal with it.
Fund outflows in equity: What happens to fund flows is not a function of our policies, but the policies of developed countries as well. We are working on attracting foreign funds.
Q: How are you going about abolishing the discretionary quota of ministers?
A: We are in the planning stage. A report by the GoM has been submitted. And the guildelines will come soon.
Peace process is also going forward in Assam. He hopes Congress will be able to make a hatrick in Assam.
The poor labourers spend nearly 60% on food items and when food prices rises irregularly, it hurts them.As per the distribution of food grain is conserned, there has been no change in the price, in lieu of the inflationary trends, we are trying to save the poor from the evils of inflation.
We are working hard to find a solution to make the Budget session possible.
It is too early to comment on who will be the next candidate. I would like a cohesive party to back the government. Also now when decisions are taken, our party stands by. After the Budget session, there will be a reshuffling of the Cabinet.
On long term funding for infrastructure: We must create a viable corporate debt market. The other is mobililse funds from outside. Discussions are going on for an infra development fund.
Our coalition is a strong coalition, and all our allies are committed, we are a strong government.
Q: People want corrupt people punishment. Are you committed to bringing them to justice?
A: Yes, the wrong-doers will not be spared. They will be punished.
We are 5 million Indians working in the Gulf countries, contributing to the development in West Asia. If peace is not maintained, it could affect this vital community of Indian citizens. There is no danger of something like that happening in India. We have a free press.
Q: Are you agreeing to a JPC in the 2G scam? Have you ever thought of quitting just because you are surrounded by corrupt people?
A. I am not affaid to appear before PAC and also the JPC. I have never thought of quitting. We have a lot of unfinished job to complete.
Q: You say media is focusing on negative issues. But your govt does not seem to have positive agenda. UPA does not have a reformist plans. Have we lost the will to be take strong reformist decisions?
A: We are a very much a reformist state. But the opposition has been taking hostile attitude. We have an agenda as far as national, rural health of the nation is concerned.In this Budget, you will see the govt's reforms agenda
In Kerala, Congress party has very high chances of coming to power.
PM : Raja said he has been extremely transparent in dealing on the 2G scam. Raja mentioned auction was recommended by Trai.he govt had to accept Raja as the telecom minister because coalition partner DMK had suggested his name.In May 2009, complaints were coming in, but I was not in a position to make up my mind that something seriously was wrong with Mr Raja's wrongdoing
We must not focus excessively on negative features. You have my assurance that if necessary, we will definitely take corrective measures.
Next session of Parliament will be an orderly session. It should be allowed to function properly.
Government committed to bring all the culprit to book.
PM says that our economy is doing well.
The internal security should be dealt with care, the tensions in the NE, Jammu & Kashmir is easing and the people there can look forward to peaceful days.
PM says we are here to govern properly and tackle problems. At the end of this fiscal year the inflation rate will come down to no more than 7%.
It is true that in recent months, inflation has been a problem. We want to deal with it in a manner so that the growth rhythm is not disturbed, says PM.
India to have growth rate of 8.5% this year.
He refers to 2G, Adarsh scams and ackowledges media's role.
PM, Manmohan Singh starts news conference with news editors.
