Fighting terror, naxals high on UPA agenda

NEW DELHI, JUNE 1
Presenting his government’s report on completion of first year, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today vowed to fight terrorism “root and branch” and enforce the writ of the State in dealing with naxalism and political extremism.
He identified price rise as one of the major problems and said necessary corrective steps would be taken to rein in inflation.
Making it clear that he was “conscious of the tremendous challenges” lying ahead, he said the government will seek “new frontiers and new directions” to strengthen social and economic foundations during the remaining tenure of four years.
Singh referred to the various initiatives taken for economic growth, social upliftment of people and empowerment of children in terms of education and said such efforts would be taken further to provide an “effective, purposeful and responsive” government.
‘The Report to the People — 2009-10’, which was unveiled by Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, highlighted 12 major themes of the government’s priority.
These cover areas like economic resurgence, internal security, education, health, child rights, food security, empowerment of women, weaker sections and minorities, rural renewal and foreign relations.
Speaking while releasing the 68-page report, he expressed his government’s determination to fight terrorism “root and branch” and deal with naxalism “firmly” while addressing developmental issues.
He also asserted that the government would fight the scourge of communalism and “political extremism”.
“We will ensure that this great, liberal and plural nation of ours is not weakened by hatred and bigotry,” Singh asserted.
He said “one of the major problems that we face at present is the pressure on prices” which he attributed to the large extent to the aftermath of the drought.
“But it needs firm action. We have taken a number of steps to contain inflation and to protect the vulnerable sections of our society,” he said.
“I am happy that prices have shown a moderating trend in recent weeks. I am hopeful that this trend will continue. We will continue to monitor the situation very carefully, and take whatever corrective steps are necessary to rein in inflation,” Singh said.
In the report, Gandhi said, “it is the responsibility of every government to ensure that their legislative agenda has at its core, a genuine concern for the well-being of the common man, that it is reflective of their hopes and their aspirations.”
The function at the Prime Minister’s 7, Race Course Road residence was attended by leaders of UPA constituents, including Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee who had earlier in the day skipped the Cabinet meeting.
Young Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was also present at the function attended by several union ministers.
Approaching the second year of UPA’s tenure with “pride and humility”, the prime minister said the government would work to create an environment which would allow people to realize their full potential.
“The renewal of our mandate last year showed the faith of the people in our policies and programmes, and in our government’s ability to implement them effectively. We are humbled by the enormity of the responsibility that we face,” Singh said.
He said the UPA and its constituents, under the “inspiring guidance” of Gandhi, “rededicates itself to giving the country an effective, purposeful and responsive government.”
The government will “lay special emphasis on the concerns and interests of the Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, minorities and women.
Agriculture and the well being of India’s farmers will receive priority attention,” he said in his speech that listed a number of promises.
The UPA’s report said coastal and maritime security had assumed great importance after the Mumbai terror strikes and the government was committed to an integrated approach in meeting the challenge.
“An integrated and synergistic approach has been adopted by involving the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Intelligence, Custom, State Marine Police, and other central and state agencies in meeting this challenge,” it said.
Singh also said the UPA government was continuing with its focus on modernisation of armed forces and ensuring defence preparedness of the country.
The report card said the raising of two mountain divisions to safeguard the North-Eastern borders and setting up of the second Officers Training Academy (OTA) at Gaya in Bihar were approved.
The modernisation of Rashtriya Rifles was also approved to improve the counter insurgency grid in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Another area being accorded high priority is the development of roads and infrastructure in the high altitude areas,” it added.
The report also talked about induction of latest weapon systems like ‘Brahmos’ supersonic cruise missile.
On foreign affairs, it said India is committed to “close and good” relations with its immediate neighbours and highlighted its efforts to normalise ties with Pakistan.
It said the government’s expectation that Pakistan act with purpose against the perpetrators of the Mumbai attack was conveyed on several occasions, including at the highest level.
The Foreign Ministers and Foreign Secretaries have been charged with the responsibility of working out the modalities of restoring trust and confidence in India-Pakistan relations and thus paving the way for a substantive dialogue on all issues of mutual concern, the government said.
India’s foreign policy has combined firm commitment to the core national values with dynamic adaptation to changes in the international environment, it said while talking about objectives and achievements of UPA-II.