New Delhi, August 15: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressed the nation on Independence Day. He said the government is making every possible effort to control inflation.
He also admitted that poor people are the worst affected by rising food prices.
“It is the poor who are the worst affected by rising prices, especially when the prices of commodities of every day use like food grains, pulses, vegetables increase. We are making every possible effort to tackle the problem,” Singh said on the 63rd anniversary of Independence Day.
During the end of July, the food inflation was at 11.40 per cent, while the overall inflation was 10.55 per cent in June 2010.
It is for this reason that the government has endeavored to minimise the burden of increased prices on the poor, he said, while exuding confidence that “we will succeed in these efforts.”
Although Singh took pride in offering high support prices to farmers since 2004, he said that this also resulted in increased food prices in the open market.
“The support price for wheat was enhanced to Rs 1,100 per quintal last year from Rs 630 per quintal in 2003-04. In paddy, this increase was from Rs 550 per quintal to Rs 1,000 per quintal. But one effect of providing higher prices to farmers is that food prices in the open market also increase,” he said.
He, however, said that no option was left but to hike petroleum prices, since the cost of crude oil, of which India is a major importer, had shot up in global markets.
“If this had not been done, it would not have been possible for our budget to bear the burden of subsidy and our programmes for education, health and employment of the poor would have been adversely affected,” Singh said.
Appeal to the Maoists
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday appealed to the Maoists to give up violence, come forward for talks and to join hands with the government for accelerated social and economic growth in the backward areas.
“We will deal firmly with those who resort to violence. I once again appeal to Naxalites to abjure violence, come to talks with government and join hands with us to accelerate social and economic development,” Singh said addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on 64th Independence Day in New Delhi.
Committing to his government’s resolve to deal firmly on internal security, Singh said the Centre would provide “all possible help” to states to “maintain the rule of law” in areas affected by Naxalism.
The Prime Minister also promised to fully implement the consensus that emerged in the meeting he held with Chief Ministers of Naxal-affected states and stressed the importance of both the Centre and state governments working together to meet the challenge posed by the ultras.
“It is imperative that the Centre and the states work together to meet the challenge of Naxalism. It would be very difficult for any state to tackle this problem without cooperation from the Centre and coordination between states. We all need to rise above our personal and political interests to meet this challenge,” he said.
Resolve differences with Pakistan through dialogue
Prime Minister said he wants to resolve differences with Pakistan through dialogue but much progress cannot be made unless terrorism emanating from its territory ends.
“Whatever differences we have with our neighbouring countries, we want to resolve them through discussions. As far as Pakistan is concerned, we expect from them that they would not let their territory be used for acts of terrorism against India,” Singh said addressing the nation from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort on the 64th Independence Day.
He said India has been emphasising this in all its discussions with Pakistan.
“If this is not done, we cannot progress far in our dialogue with Pakistan,” Singh said.
He underlined that India wants prosperity, peace and harmony in its neighbouring countries.
‘Treat the Games as a national festival’
Prime Minister asked people to treat the Commonwealth Games as a national festival. He said that the country will successfully host the games in October, preparations for which have been plagued by controversies.
“The Commonwealth Games will start in Delhi after about one-and-a-half months. This will be a proud moment for the whole country and especially for Delhi,” Singh said addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
“I am convinced that all our countrymen will treat the Games as a national festival and will leave no stone unturned to make them a success,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the success of the games would also be a signal that India is rapidly marching ahead.
“The successful organisation of Commonwealth Games would be another signal to the world that India is rapidly marching ahead with confidence,” he said.
The preparations for Commonwealth Games have been marred by a spate of corruption charges and delay in construction works following which the Prime Minister stepped in and gave overriding powers to a committee of secretaries to supervise the event.
Observing that there have been slippages in time schedules and deficiencies, Singh on Saturday directed thorough probes into complaints of procedural and other
Irregularities by the ministries concerned and said that those found guilty should face severe and exemplary punishment.
‘Violence would not benefit anyone’
While addressing the nation on the 64th Independence Day from the ramparts of historic Red Fort in New Delhi, Manmohan Singh told agitating youth in Kashmir that violence will not benefit anyone and that the government, within the framework of the state being an integral part of India, was willing to move forward in any talks with those who abjure violence.
He promised to carry on the recently initiated dialogue process with an emphasis that the Indian democracy has the “generosity and flexibility” to address concerns of any group.
While expressing deep regret for loss of lives on the streets of Kashmir in the last two months, Singh left no one in doubt that the state is an integral part of India.
“Within this framework, we are ready to move forward in any talks which would increase the partnership of the common man in governance and also enhance their welfare,” he said.
“We are ready to talk to every person or group which abjures violence,” Singh said.
Referring to the recent unrest in Kashmir in which over 50 people lost their lives, he said, “The years of violence should now end. Such violence would not benefit anyone”.
Recalling that he recently participated in a meeting with political parties from Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “We will endeavour to take this process forward.”
—Agencies