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Saturday, Aug 15, 2009
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President for accountable governance

Vinay Kumar

People feel outraged “when money meant for welfare schemes is pilfered”

— Photo: PTI

President Pratibha Patil addresses the nation on the eve of Independence Day in New Delhi on Friday.

NEW DELHI: While favouring an effective governance system that is less cumbersome, but more transparent and accountable, President Pratibha Patil on Friday sounded a note of caution against corruption in welfare schemes.

Noting that people’s expectations are rising as they are becoming more aware of their rights and seeking better opportunities, the President said that people feel outraged “when money meant for welfare schemes is pilfered out by corrupt practices.”

“The flagship programmes of the government are comprehensive, ranging from health to education, employment to expanding social and economic infrastructure. Their implementation will have to be at optimal levels for an impact on the lives of the people,” Ms. Patil said.

In her address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day, she expressed concern over deficient monsoon and the spread of A(H1N1) influenza.

She said the country has to be prepared to face the situation arising out of below normal monsoon and asked the citizens to cooperate with the government in handling the situation arising out of swine flu.

Describing an enlightened citizenry as the “greatest asset of a nation,” the President said that disciplined and responsible citizens were conscious of their civic duties, followed good hygiene, and remained respectful towards nature’s bounty and sensitive to environmental concerns.

Reminding elected representatives of their responsibilities to ensure that citizens were heard even in the period between elections, Ms. Patil said each MP on average, represented an electorate of 1.3 million — larger than the population of some nations. “This imposes a huge responsibility to represent the aspirations of those who have elected them. They [MPs] have a clear obligation to work for the welfare of the people,’ she said.

The President said even in the face of a global slowdown, the nation must work to continue its upward trajectory.

“We have a large domestic market and inherent strengths to drive the economy forward. As we focus on areas of proven strength, on building of infrastructure and rural development, it should be our incessant endeavour to expand into new areas of growth,” she said.

Ms. Patil said “our narrative of growth should be a story of opportunity and a life of dignity for all. Social empowerment requires considerable amount of work, hence, must occupy centre stage in the country’s national consciousness.

“There are the weaker and the vulnerable sections of society who are not full partners in the growth and development process and remain on the sidelines. These sections need to be drawn into the national mainstream. They need to be given access to education, health and skill-building — the tools of empowerment.”

She said India should build its destiny on a culture of peace and harmony. There should be harmony between good traditions and progress. She said India’s unity had been brought about by the philosophy of harmony which seeks to resolve differences rather than widen them.

“Landmark legislation”

Describing the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill as a “landmark legislation” for achieving the goal of universal education, she expressed hope that the National Mission on Empowerment of Women would socially and economically empower women to play an active role in nation building.

Deploring terrorism, she said it “is the very anti-thesis of peaceful coexistence and against the tenets of every religion and faith. It must be defeated in the interest of the collective goal of humankind to build peaceful societies and a peaceful world. We need to work together towards this end as humankind shares a common destiny.”

Making a forceful plea to put up a spirited fight against violence and extremism, Ms. Patil said: “If we choose to be bound by the feelings of hatred, mistrust and apathy, we will never move forward. Therefore, let us build a strong, united and progressive India for us and our future generations, as also a peaceful world.”

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