PM calls for confronting corruption on all fronts

The nation is celebrating 65th Independence Day today with the Prime Minister giving a clarion call for confronting corruption on all fronts. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort after unfurling the tricolour this morning, Dr. Manmohan Singh reaffirmed government's commitment for a strong Lokpal to prevent corruption in high places. But, he made it clear that resorting to hunger strikes and fast unto death will not help. Top priority to deal with inflation, a transparent law on Land Acquisition, strict vigilance against terrorism and extremism and an education commission are the other highlights of the Prime Minister's speech.
Dealing at length on corruption, Dr. Singh said, no single big step will be able to deal with the menace.
There is need for improving justice delivery system to tackle the menace and a Judicial Accountability Bill has been introduced in Parliament for this. A Public Procurement Legislation is also on the anvil to check corruption in government purchases.
Sharing the concern over the issue, the Prime Minister said while considering the matter an atmosphere should not be created to bring the country's progress into question. Calling for understanding and restraint, Dr. Singh said that the security and integrity of the country will get affected otherwise. One should rise against personal and political interests and build consensus on issues of national importance. Dr. Singh referred to the differences of opinion on the Lokpal Bill and said that those who do not agree with the Bill can put forward their views to Parliament, political parties and the media. But he said only Parliament can decide what type of Lokpal legislation should be enacted. He felt it inappropriate to bring judiciary under the ambit of Lokpal as it would erode its independence.

He, however, said there is a need for a framework in which the judiciary becomes more accountable. And with this aim a Judicial Accountability Bill has been introduced in the Parliament. He said there is a need to improve justice delivery system to punish the corrupt quickly. Saying there is no magic wand to eradicate corruption, he wanted all political parties to stand shoulder to shoulder to fight the menace. The Prime Minister exuded confidence that the fight against corruption will be won only when every citizens cooperate in the battle.
Referring to high inflation, the Prime Minister said the steep hike of the price of petroleum products; food-grains and edible oil in the international markets give rise to inflationary pressure in the country. Though inflation was controlled many times, it has not proved lasting. Dr. Singh assured the nation that the government gives top most priority to arrest rising prices and will continue to monitor the situation to come up with new steps to tackle the problem.
On tension witnessed in some parts of the country over land acquisition for industry, infrastructure and urbanisation, Dr. Singh said though the acquisition is necessary for projects of public interest it should take place in a transparent and fair manner. The interest of those whose livelihood is dependent on the land should be protected.
It should be ensured that no injustice is done to anyone in the process. He said the government wants to replace the 117 year old Land Acquisition law by a new legislation and the draft bill is already prepared and soon it could be introduced in the Parliament.

Calling for second green revolution in agriculture, the Prime Minister said food-grain production went up because of the hard work of the farmers and there is need to implement a Food Security law to step up the output. He assured the farmers that the government will continue to take care of their special needs including easy access to fertilizers, seeds and credit.
Turning to terrorism, Dr. Singh called for fighting the menace jointly by the Central and State governments and common man. He said last month's terrorist attacks in Mumbai have warned that there cannot be any slip in the vigilance. He said the intelligence and security agencies are being steadily strengthened and the process will continue in future. Dr. Manmohan Singh gave an assurance that all possible steps will be taken to overcome the challenge of Naxalism and to eradicate the root cause of the menace.

He said a new scheme for the accelerated development of 60 backward and tribal dominated districts have been started with an outlay of 3300 crore rupees.
Recalling the seven years of his government's performance in sustaining the progress of the nation, the Prime Minister said a lot has been done but more needs to be achieved. People have high aspirations and the young men and women are striving for path breaking achievements. Their energy and enthusiasm should be channelised into nation building activities. The industry should have the opportunity to come up with the new units for productive employment. He warned against climate changes and promised to come up with a monitoring authority to streamline environment clearances to the industry.
The Prime Minister said that the government will focus on health and education, a slum free environment and removal of malnutrition. Dr. Singh said the government has decided to appoint a commission to make recommendations for improvement at all levels of education.
Concluding his speech, he said one must have faith in the democracy, institutions and social ideals and values and above all in oneself. He called upon the people to resolve to build a bright future for the nation.
Earlier, the Prime Minister paid homage at Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. Elaborated security arrangement was made in the capital with armed security personnel manning Delhi streets to prevent any untoward incidents.