| Font Size |
Outlining 10 broad areas of priority for the next five years, President Pratibha Patil said in her address to the joint session of Parliament that internal security and preservation of communal harmony and stepping up of economic growth and agriculture, manufacturing and services would be among those.
In the address, which is mandatory after the general elections, she said the Government had in 2004 set before the country a vision of an inclusive society and an economy and worked for it.
"My Government sees the overwhelming mandate it has received as a vindication of the policy architecture of inclusion that it put in place. It is a mandate for inclusive growth, equitable development and a secular and plural India. My Government is determined to work harder and better to realize these goals," she said.
Other priority areas would be concerted action for disadvantage sections including women, SCs, STs and OBCs, governance reforms, creation and modernisation of infrastructure and capacity addition in key sectors, prudent fiscal management, energy security and environment protection, constructive and creative management with world and promotion of a culture of enterprise and innovations.
Maintaining that the Government will keep utmost vigil in the area of internal security, the President said a policy of zero-tolerance towards terrorism from whatever source it emanates will be pursued.
"Stern measures to handle insurgency and left wing extremism will be taken. Government has already prepared a detailed plan to address internal security challenges to be implemented in a time-bound manner," she said.
Among other things, Patil said Multi-Agency Centre will be strengthened to ensure effective intelligence sharing, complete operationalisation of National Investigation Agency to handle terror-related offences and expansion of Central and State police forces and intelligence agencies besides making them equipped with the best technology.
"A national counter-terrorism centre will be established to take pro-active anti-terrorism measures. Special Forces and Quick Response Teams will be raised and deployed in vulnerable areas," she said.
Patil also promised that the Government would continue to "constructively engage" with all groups that abjure violence in Northeast, Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country.
She said her Government would seek to re-shape relationship with Pakistan depending on the sincerity of its actions to confront groups who launch terrorist attacks against India from its territory.
The President said communal harmony shall be preserved at all costs. "The mandate my Government received was unmistakable in that the people wanted the country's secular fabric to be protected. With this objective, my Government will seek early approval of the bill introduced in Parliament for the prevention of communal violence."
On economy, the Government said the current financial year is expected to see a slowing down of growth on account of global recession.
Recalling the three stimulus packages to counter the effects of global recession, Patil said "our immediate priority must be on to focus on management of the economy that will be counter the effect of global slow down by a combination of sectoral and macro-level policies."
This, she said, must be accompanied by measures to achieve a counter-cyclical expansion in public investment in infrastructure sectors.
With the Government no longer dependent on the Left parties, she also unveiled plans for reforms for the financial sector.
The President said high-growth was necessary to provide the Government the capacity to expand opportunities for employment and to provide resources to increase outlays in education, health care and infrastructure to meet the needs of all regions and people.
Implementing a Congress election promise, the President said the government would formulate the national Food Security Act under which every family below poverty line would get 25 kg of rice or wheat per month at Rs 3 a kg.
The President's address said the three flagship programmes of the government -- rural employment guarantee scheme, rural health mission and sarba siksha abhiyan – which were inclusive would be continued further.
On the foreign policy front, Patil said the improvement of relations with major powers would be maintained. "The transformation of our partnership with the United States of America will be taken forward. Our strategic partnerships with Russia has grown over the years and we will seek to further consolidate it."
She said the government will continue the sustained diplomatic efforts which produce qualitative changes in the relations since 2004. The multifaceted partnership with China will be expanded.
On Sri Lanka, Patil said India would support initiative which can lead to a permanent political solutions of the conflict there and ensure that all Sri Lankan communities especially Tamils feel secured and enjoy equal rights so that they can lead a life of dignity and self respect.
Hailing the election of first woman Speaker of Lok Sabha, the President said the government would initiate within next 100 days for early passage of the women's reservation bill in Parliament providing for one third reservation in Parliament and state legislature and constitutional amendment to provide 50 per cent reservation for women in panchayats and urban local bodies.
It would also take concerted effort to increase representation of women in central government jobs and national mission on empowerment of women for implementation of women centric programmes in a mission-mode to achieve better coordination.
The President also promised steps to enable the armed forces with modern technology to repel any threat from land, sea or air.
Discuss this story on expressindia forums
|
|
Will the UPA Govt. please define 'Zero Tolerance'? Has there been Zero Tolerance in the last five years or is it for the future? I wish the President had not used that term, which is open to ridicule. In my understanding, Zero Tolerance would mean that terrorists would be shot at sight or that, on being captured, they would be summarily executed. Also, those arrested on suspicion will be excuted if they cannot prove their innocence within a week.
It has become a criminal practice for politicians to boast about the politics and efficiency. The very fact Afzal Guru is being protected even after the judgment and Kasab is being given all facilities to label him as innocent even after his admisson of terrorism shows President is bluffing. In fact India is a safe haven for criminals and terrorists as judiciary takes ages for verdicts and lawyers protect them by various arguments.B S GANESH, BANGALORE
No use of just saying two words "zero tolerance". It is non-sense where there is real spirit and action. If 'zero tolerance', why Afzal Guru is in a safe heavan in the hands of congresswalas?
right now I am laughing my ass off dude!! , just look at the headlines of Zero Tolerance for terror strikes , and i am sure you too would start to LOL.
We are happy to note that President spoke in string words to follow "zero tolerance" to terrorism,reshape our relations with Pakistan.India can do it and Indians have will to do it.Only Congress govt.has to translate President's strong words in action.We have been hearing from each Congress govt. that every inch of J
We American Indians appreciate policy of 'zero tolerance' towards terrorism an 'reshape relationship' with Pakistan.This has met our long felt need.Only Congress govt.has to implement strong and bold statement of President.We have no ready made solutions.However following measures are necessary for Congress to come up to President's expectations:Congress govt. has to close 6 legal routes for illegal entry of terrorists through(i)Bus services of Delhi-Lahore,Amritsar-Nankana Sahib,Srinagar-muzaffrabad,(ii)Rail route of Delhi-Munnabao,Calcutta-Dhaaka,and (iii)Air route of Bangalore-Islambad for treatment of Pakistani children.It is necessary because World Bank report says that India has over 3 million children on the verge of starvation death, and India is 3rd most corrupt country after Bangladesh and Zambia.This is horrifying after 60 years of sustained development.Congress need to bring back 72,000 crore rupees,stashed in German Bank,belonging to ONE Pune businessman
We heard those statements before. Now that your all inclusive (terrorists included) secular folks are back to lead India, please advise Indians as to when are next blasts scheduled? Where and how much spectacular?? Jai ho...
Go to Pakistan and kill the terrorists only way to stop them.
Art.15(state shall no discriminate on ground of religion,caste).Thousands gave false certificates of caste and got reservation.Many became politicians,Ministers,Speakers like Meira Kuma,Selja Kumari,Krishna Tirath,Mukul Wasnik,kharge,Kantilal Bhuria,Karia Munda to name a few.ARE THEY STILL DEPRIVED/DALIT?Meira Kumar attended college in 1960s in posh cars,with maid servant,in affluent style,got admission under dalit category reservation,her father Jagjivan Ram was Dy.PM/Minister for 50 years and forgot to pay Income Tax for 10 years.Is she still a dalit woman that Sonia Gandhi has offered post of Speaker?Is MP/Minister/former Chief Minister Karia Munda a dalit man that he is made a Dy.Speaker?Congress govt.has fixed age/qualifications/experience for clerks,peons.What have they fixed for MP/MLA/Sarpanches?Why not President Patil amend People's Representation Act,1951.AS A FIRST STEP MINISTERS/MP/MLA/SARPANCH SURRENDER RESERVATION CERTIFICATES.Reservation should be given for one family.
American President has passed through 50 primaries,party convention and then election.It took him 12 months hard work.Indian President was unaware of becoming President a day before Sonia Gandhi showered her blessings.We do not expect hard deals on the terrorism front.Congress opened six legal routes for illegal entry.Our army is spending sleepless nights.Congress is making Ministers those National Conference MPs.who do not consider J
Oh Yes against these Politicians hey Mrs. President Congress is the party who till now has only given free hand to Muslims, I am not saying every Muslim is a terrorist but every terrorist is a Muslim......... so do us a favor don’t talk just enjoy you days in office and go....... because you are not going to do anything about it besides talk....
Wonderful statement indeed ! This proves that we are at the moment at 100% tolerance ! Going by the speed with which this government works in fighting terror, I think it will take another 100 years to achieve this zero tolerance.For example, if we take the case of Kasab, even if he is awarded the death sentence which itself may take another 10 years, it will take a further 25 years for the government to decide on his mercy petition. This guy Chidambaram will give out statistics like he is number 28 on the list and so we have to wait. OK, so he is number 28, so pray tell me Mr.Chidambaram how long will it take for you to decide ? What is stopping you from shifting a terrorist from number 28 to number 1 and deciding immediately ? It takes several years for you guys to decide on mercy petitions of even terrorists who harmed our country ! I am sure you guys are playing sick jokes on us by making such "zero tolerance" type of statements.
It is very very shameful act. Accept that you are infidels. You will be looked as beggar in the world scenario.
Whic color paint does she use to blacken her hair? I wonder if Michelle Obama will put her hand on Indian's prez shoulder- this lady will collapse.
ya by prooving Kasab juvenile and exchanging him later for a son or daughter of corrupt politicans.
We dont need words, we need action on ground. It looks like we all have forgotten the Mumbai incident. The press made a huge cry on it, 24*7 telecast, but now it all past. Why cant the press keep it alive and ask the govt what is the action plan. Having 1000 of security personnel surrounding you, even one can talk big things, President action is required not words, the economy is very bad, inflation is so high (But as per govt we have .50 as inflation), citizens are losing job every day etc etc. But our president can only talk. No one to blame, we have to blame ourself for such a situation, lets unity and make this country a better place. Request the press to be more responsible and take up national issue like terrorisum so on.
"RIGHT TO EDUCATION", "RIGHT TO HEALTH", "RIGHT TO FOOD" AND "RIGHT TO SECURITY" MUST BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
Honerable President, I am wondering if incidence in Past being the showcase of Zero tolerance, than how would it look when we show our 50% - 100% tolerance.
Usual pampering of SC, ST and OBC. Added to that more pampering of Muslims. Now even US President is afraid and started pampering muslims and the countries producing, supporting the terrorism and terrosts.WE don't have a common code for the Indians in General.Such pampering sections is not a good sign for prosperity.But what to do. Kissa Kursi Ka.
Up until now we never even knew if she was around. She dresses up like she is pemanently feeling cold, what example does she put forth to the modern indian woman. Even the new speaker of the parliment is a better example for the women of India. Now suddenly she is talking of zero tolerance when nothing seems to be done about all the terrorists in the country, besides, even Pakistan has realised that Indian goverment is just talk and has decided to free the accused in the 26/11 mumbai mayhem. So lets take all this tolerance talk with a pinch of salt ...
she means there will be zero progress on terrorism. We will free anyone who follow terrorism and we have no intent tio protect Indian citizens. We will do everything we can to politize the issue so we get more votes.
US should force pakistan to watch Pratibha Patil's Comedy statements 101 times. They wont be able to TOLERATE this and finally give up terrorism,I request our SPINELESS politicians to stop BHANKAS we can not TOLERATE this BHANKAS any more.
Such addresses expressing pious hopes and plans have been many with no worthwhile results. 'Inclusive growth' is the latest jargon. Internal security handled so far has only resulted in terrorist attacks and terrorism growing with more attacks in the pipeline. As long as the Govt. does not accept openly that Pak is at war with India there will be no curbing of Paki terrorism. The US does not care a hang about Paki terrorism directed against India. India has to shed its servility to the US as well as its gutlessness and act strongly and decisively in handling Paki terror. Has India placed any time limit for Pak to act? The Pakis have done it with India. The Indian Govt. by its week-kneed policies is fully responsible for the terrorist attacks in and on India. Intelligenc gathering is the pits and corruption is rampant. For this Narayanan, a former IB Chief, has been rewarded with the appoinment of NSA and even been given an extension. So far, the Govt has not made a single strong move.
Have you ever seen a happy sanghi or taliban?
ha. ha. ha....