(Para 3.3)
Text of the Address by The President of India to Parliament delivered to the two Houses of Parliament assembled together when they met for the Budget Session, 2001 on February 19, 2001
Honourable Members,
1. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to
this first session of Parliament in 2001. I extend to you my best wishes for
the successful completion of the budgetary and legislative business ahead.
2. This
session of Parliament is being held under the grim shadow of the devastation
caused by the earthquake that struck Gujarat last month. It claimed thousands
of lives, destroyed public and private property worth thousands of crores, and
left many people homeless. Today, we pay our heartfelt condolences to the
bereaved families. We assure them and all others affected by the earthquake
that they are not alone in this hour of loss and suffering. The entire nation
has rallied behind and demonstrated its sympathy and solidarity. The tragedy
has evoked the response of Governments, NGOs, and multilateral agencies across
the world to contribute generously to our national effort. My Government and
the people of India express their deep gratitude to all of them.
3. The
Union Government and the Government of Gujarat have been working closely in the
relief and rehabilitation operations throughout the State. I compliment the
jawans and officers of the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy for their
outstanding role in this effort. The Governments of all the other States have
also come to the aid of Gujarat. Indeed, it is a tribute to the coordinated effort
of all Central and State agencies that power, telecommunication, rail, air, and
road links were restored with such remarkable speed. The commendable
contribution of a wide range of voluntary organizations have greatly
supplemented and strengthened these efforts. Thousands of volunteers have been
working tirelessly to bring succour to the survivors. On behalf of this august
House, I applaud them for their devoted and untiring activities. In times of
crises, external or internal, our countrymen have always shown exemplary unity
and voluntary activism. We should nurture these virtuous qualities, so that
they influence all aspects of our national life at all times.
4. The
catastrophe in Gujarat, as also the super cyclone in Orissa in 1999 and natural
calamities in other parts of the country in recent years, have once again
highlighted the urgent need to expand and modernize our disaster management
capabilities. We need to urgently revise and update the rules and regulations
governing construction and town planning. We also need to enforce them with
rigor, and ensure that stern action is taken against their violators. Beyond
this, we must have a comprehensive disaster management plan at the Centre,
States, and districts with specific long-term and short-term objectives. It
must be our common endeavour to ensure that life after a calamity is better
than life before it.
5. I
am happy that the Government convened an all-party meeting to discuss the
Gujarat earthquake. Following up on the consensus at that meeting, a National
Committee on Disaster Management has been set up under the chairmanship of the
Prime Minister. It comprises inter-alia representatives of national and state
parties. It will suggest short, medium and long term steps for relief,
rehabilitation, and reconstruction activities in Gujarat. It will also
deliberate on the necessary institutional and legislative measures needed for
an effective and long-term strategy to deal with national calamities in the future.
In addition, it will look into the parameters that should define a national
calamity. Based on the recommendations of this committee, the Government will
consider setting up a permanent National Disaster Management Authority, with
suitable statutory authorities in States.
6. Throughout
India's history, pilgrimages have played a unique role in tying our people
together with the bonds of religious piety and national unity. The Maha Kumbh
at Allahabad, which witnessed one of the largest gatherings of humanity in a
spectacular act of faith, demonstrated this yet again. I compliment the Uttar
Pradesh Government, the Railways, and all other governmental and
non-governmental agencies for their coordinated efforts at smoothly managing
this mega-congregation, which has impressed the whole world.
7. This
year marks the conclusion of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of our Republic.
As years go by, both August 15, 1947 and January 26, 1950 will recede more and
more into history. They may seem distant, especially to the youth of India, who
constitute nearly 37% of our population. However, time cannot weaken the import
of these two defining dates in our country’s long history. The sacred flame of
freedom and democracy will continue to illuminate India’s journey in the new
century and the millennium. This Parliament, the highest elected body of the
world’s largest democracy, should resolve to contribute its utmost to the
furtherance of the republican values enshrined in our Constitution.
8. While
all of us are proud of India’s achievements since Independence, we are equally
aware of the enormous challenges that still confront us. The cautionary words
of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar should guide us in our march forward. While
presenting the draft of the Constitution, he had said with great fervency,
"On January 26, 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradictions.
In politics, we will have equality; and in social and economic life, we will
have inequality. We must remove this contradiction at the earliest." Unfortunately,
the contradiction that Dr. Ambedkar and many other stalwarts of the Freedom
Movement had warned us about, continues to mar our national life even today.
Therefore, all of us should hold our freedom and our democracy to be incomplete
until we erase this contradiction and make our great nation a land of justice
and equal opportunity for all its billion plus citizens.
9. One
of the major gains of democracy in India is the ever-growing active
participation of women in the political process — not only as voters, but also
as elected representatives and bearers of executive responsibility. At the same
time, this positive experience has made both women and men acutely aware of the
under-representation of our sisters in Parliament and State legislatures. The
Constitution (85th Amendment) Bill, 1999, which was a response to
this all-round support for women’s political empowerment, has already been
introduced in Parliament. It is unfortunate that this Bill has not yet been
enacted. I urge all political parties to arrive at a consensus and pass this
Bill during this session. This would be a fitting tribute by India’s Parliament
to the "Year of Women’s Empowerment", which we are observing this
year.
10. Last
fortnight, India launched its biggest-ever Census operation. Our population has
now crossed one billion. Last year, we adopted a comprehensive National
Population Policy. The policy has three principle objectives — to reduce the
rate of growth; stabilize the absolute size; and, providing welfare and
developmental opportunities for the entire population, especially women. To
realize these objectives, it is necessary to evolve, in concert with the
States, a set of incentives and disincentives. These should be enforced in a
non-coercive manner with the fullest cooperation of social, cultural, and
religious institutions.
11. India’s
external and internal security is the highest priority for the Government. We
are committed to further strengthening the country’s strategic response
capability to meet any eventuality. A Group of Ministers has examined the
recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee on the national security system,
and will soon submit its proposals. The maiden flight of the indigenously
developed Light Combat Aircraft took place successfully last month. The nation
commends the dedicated work of our scientists and engineers for this
aeronautical achievement, as also for their path-breaking accomplishments in
missile development.
12. The
Government is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to bring peace and normalcy in
Jammu and Kashmir. As part of this, it launched a major peace mission on
November 19, 2000, by announcing a unilateral non-initiation of combat
operations in the State during the holy month of Ramzan. This bold initiative
was extended twice up to February 26, 2001. As anticipated, this was warmly
welcomed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are longing for an end to
militancy and violence in their beautiful State. The international community
has also given overwhelming support, because it sees in it yet another
demonstration of India’s sincere commitment to a peaceful and permanent
solution to the Kashmir issue.
13. It
is a matter of deep distress and concern to all of us that Pakistan has not
reciprocated India's sincerity. There has been no let up in, much less an end
to, cross-border terrorism and vicious anti-India propaganda, originating from
Pakistani soil. Many innocent lives continue to be lost every day to acts of
barbarism by those who cloak them in the garb of "Jehad". Pakistan
bears the responsibility for these acts against humanity, which are a travesty
of religion. Its protestations about its eagerness to resume talks with India
will not carry conviction so long as it allows the terrorists’ guns and bombs
to do the talking. Should Pakistan create an atmosphere conducive for
meaningful talks, India will be more than ready to resume the dialogue process.
The Army and our paramilitary forces are working under trying circumstances and
the nation appreciates their supreme determination and sacrifice. Action
against terrorist organizations will continue relentlessly.
14. Militancy
in Jammu and Kashmir is now increasingly confined to foreign mercenary groups.
This has widened the scope for democratic activity in the State. The people of
the State participated enthusiastically in the recent Panchayat elections. I
reiterate the Government’s readiness to have talks with every group in the
State that abjures violence.
15. There
is relative improvement in the situation in the North East. Peace and normalcy
in this strategic region require both political stability and faster
socio-economic development. This has to be combined with firm action against
militant and extremist outfits. The special developmental package devised for
the North East is being speedily implemented. Substantial developmental
resources flow into the region each year. However, their impact on the ground
is not commensurate. I urge the State Governments to ensure that there is no
mismanagement or leakage of public funds. For this, they should carry out
effective decentralization, strengthen democratic institutions, and increase
the participation of people’s organizations. They must also protect the
minorities in their respective States.
16. The
Government is uncompromising in its commitment to secularism. The levels of
communal and caste violence have continued to decline. This improvement is
especially remarkable in view of the unceasing efforts from across the border
to foment communal trouble in India. We have stepped up our vigil against
communal and extremist organizations. The law will take its course unsparingly
and impartially against those who seek to create trouble.
17. One
of the momentous events to take place last year was the creation of three new
States — namely, Chhattisgarh, Uttaranchal, and Jharkhand, taking the number of
States in the Union of India from 25 to 28. The creation of these new States
has met the long-standing aspirations of their people. It will also hasten
their socio-economic development. I join all of you in extending warm
felicitations to these new States.
18. Centre-State
relations continue to be harmonious. The Inter-State Council, and its Standing
Committee, has been meeting regularly. This augurs well for our democracy and
for our federal polity. The Chief Ministers’ Conference on Internal Security in
August helped in the evolution of a better understanding and greater
coordination among States, and between the Centre and the States, in dealing
with militancy, terrorism, and organized crime. The Central Assistance for modernization
of State Police Forces has been increased from Rs. 200 crore to Rs. 1,000 crore
a year for the next ten years based on matching contribution by the States.
19. The
Eleventh Finance Commission has submitted its report, which has addressed the
serious issue of the worsening fiscal health of State Governments. Among its
recommendations is a monitorable fiscal reform programme to reduce their
revenue deficits and bring about fiscal corrections in a phased manner. The
Fiscal Responsibility Bill seeks to achieve the same positive objectives at the
Centre.
20. The
process of economic reforms in India is now a decade old. During this period,
several Governments at the Centre and in the States, belonging to various
parties and alliances, have carried this process forward. The agenda of reforms
has, thus, been sustained by a growing national consensus. This consensus needs
to be broadened and strengthened, guided always by the criteria of whether or
not specific policy changes promote the interests of the country and the common
man. The scope of the reform process itself needs to be widened so as to
fortify self-reliance, create more employment opportunities, and to rapidly
remove poverty. The past decade’s experience has clearly shown that economic
reforms can yield desired results only if they are fully complemented by
administrative, judicial, educational, and labour reforms. Each of these
reforms is a part of an integral national endeavour that seeks to convert the
immense potential of India into a renascent reality in the 21st
century.
21. India
is among the ten fastest growing economies in the world. Our economy has grown
at impressive annual rates of between 6 and 7 percent during the past three
years. This, despite formidable challenges on the external front, as well as
droughts, floods, and other natural calamities in several parts of the country.
However, we need to set an ambitious target of 9 percent annual growth for the
next ten years to double our per capita income and halve poverty. Today’s
problems can be turned into opportunities for a big surge forward, if the
Centre and State Governments, all political parties, and the people adopt
"Faster and More Balanced Development" as the common Mantra of the
Decade.
22. Agriculture
continues to provide livelihood for most of our people. Our hard-working kisans
deserve applause for the record foodgrains harvest of 209 million tonnes last
year. Our buffer stock has crossed an all time high of 40 million tonnes. Today
India has become the largest producer of milk, and the second largest producer
of rice, wheat, fruits, and vegetables in the world. We are also the world’s
fifth largest producer of eggs and its sixth largest producer of fish.
Accelerated and sustainable development of agriculture is a high priority for
Government. The first National Agriculture Policy was announced last year. It
sets a growth rate of over four percent a year, based on efficient harnessing
of our soil, water, and biodiversity resources. It also seeks to promote higher
public and private investments in agriculture, irrigation, agro-processing,
distribution, and marketing. Organic farming and bio-fertilizers will be
especially encouraged. The National Storage Policy, announced last year, will
facilitate private investment in building state-of-the-art silos for integrated
bulk handling, storage, and transportation of foodgrains.
23. To
protect our farmers against unfair global competition, import duties were
increased on many agricultural commodities, including edible oils. The
Government has begun phased decontrol of sugar, by reducing the proportion of
levy sugar from 40 percent to 15 percent. During last year’s kharif season, 65
lakh farmers were insured under the National Crop Insurance Scheme. So far, 105
lakh farmers have been given the Kisan Credit Card.
24. The
policy of emphasizing higher farm production through subsidy on inputs rather
than through building new capital assets in irrigation, power, and rural
infrastructure, has considerably reduced public investments in agriculture.
Besides inducing inefficient use of scarce resources, this has also degraded
soil, water resources, canals, and roads. In turn, this has caused farm
productivity and the kisans’ profitability to stagnate. This vicious circle
needs to be turned into a virtuous circle of greater efficiency and
productivity, to benefit both the kisans and the consumers, especially the
poorest among them.
25. Poor
road connectivity is the biggest hurdle in faster rural development. The
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana seeks to provide all-weather roads to over one
lakh unconnected rural habitations with a population of more than 500 in the
next seven years. For the first time, the Centre has made a provision of Rs.
2,500 crore a year for improving rural roads. This Centrally sponsored scheme
would be effectively implemented with the fullest participation of State
Governments and Panchayati Raj bodies.
26. Steps
have been initiated to bring all watershed and area development programmes
implemented by different ministries under a single umbrella. Although
considerable resources have been spent so far on drinking water schemes in
rural areas, these have not yielded tangible and expected benefits, owing to a
lack of clarity on ownership and poor planning and maintenance. Therefore, a
new initiative has been introduced, initially on an experimental basis in many
districts, to institutionalize community participation in implementing,
managing, and maintaining the rural drinking water supply schemes.
27. Keeping
in view the consensus on better targeting of food subsidies, the Government has
increased the monthly allocation of foodgrains to Below-Poverty-Line families
from ten kilos to twenty kilos, at half the economic cost. The Antyodaya Anna
Yojana, launched in December, shows the human face of our economic reforms. It
will provide 25 kilos of foodgrains each month to the one crore poorest
families in the country, at still lower rates of two rupees a kilo for wheat
and three rupees a kilo for rice. Because of Government’s policies, the prices
of most essential commodities have remained reasonable; no shortage of any
commodity has been reported from any part of the country.
28. Expanding
and modernizing India’s physical infrastructure is urgently needed for faster
and more balanced economic growth. We have made significant progress in some
areas in recent years, although critical bottlenecks remain in several other
areas. I am happy to inform you that the Government has resolutely pursued
reforms in the telecom sector. Several important milestones indicated by the
New Telecom Policy have already been crossed. The Department of Telecom
Services has been corporatized into Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited. The fruits of
these reforms are now clearly visible. Tariffs have plunged, areas for local
calls have been expanded, and there has been a remarkable growth and
improvement in Internet services. The proposed Communication Convergence Bill
will respond to the emerging scenario of the coming together of telecom,
broadcasting, and IT technologies.
29. Information
Technology has emerged as one of the fastest growing sectors in our economy.
Our software exports, which were US$ 4 billion last year, are continuing to
grow at an impressive annual rate of over 50 percent, giving us the confidence
that the target of US$ 50 billion by 2008 is certainly achievable. The
Knowledge Economy presents India with an epochal opportunity to remove poverty
and create prosperity for all our citizens, provided we quickly harness our
rich human capital by improving education at all levels. The Government has
drawn up a programme to double the intake of students in IITs and other premier
engineering institutions in 2002 and treble it in 2003. A scheme to allow
establishment of world-class science and technology institutions through
philanthropic initiatives of the private sector and NRIs is under
consideration. A National Mission on Technology Education, under the
chairmanship of the Minister for Human Resource Development, will soon be set
up. All these efforts will hasten the pace of development of trained manpower
for realizing our full potential in IT, biotechnology, and other hi-tech areas.
30. Direct-to-Home
services with suitable safeguards have been permitted, so that benefits of this
superior technology are available to our television viewers. Doordarshan’s
contribution to developmental broadcasting and its role in promoting national
solidarity are well known. It has launched a Kashmir channel devoted to Jammu
and Kashmir and a dedicated 24-hour satellite North East channel to strengthen
the bonds of emotional and cultural integration between our brethren in these
States and the rest of the country. Private FM radio services will soon be
available in several cities. One channel in each of these cities has been
exclusively assigned to promote distance education.
31. Integral
development of the transportation infrastructure, with a well-coordinated
multi-modal approach, is a vital need of our economy. Work on the National
Highway Development Project, comprising the Golden Quadrilateral and the
North-South and East-West corridors, is proceeding at a fast pace. Considerable
non-budgetary resources, including multi-lateral funding, are being mobilized
for this ambitious project, which is estimated to cost Rs. 54,000 crore. A
number of policy changes have been effected by the Centre and the States to
attract private and captive user sector investment for augmenting the
capacities of our ports. A new major port at Ennore was dedicated to the nation
early this month. Being the first corporate port in India, it will be a
trend-setter for future port development in the country.
32. Although
Indian Railways are a lifeline of the nation, they have suffered from long
years of neglect. Their finances are in a critical state, rendering them unable
to implement many long-pending developmental projects. They are also starved of
resources to fund the much-needed programme to improve rail safety, which is
estimated to need Rs. 15,000 crore. There is a great untapped potential for the
Railways to raise internal resources through non-traditional means. They have
recently started many innovative initiatives with the private sector and State
Governments to implement new lines, gauge conversion, and doubling projects. An
expert committee on Railways has just completed a comprehensive study of the
operations, organization, finances, investment, tariffs, and other policy
issues. The Government will review the recommendations of this committee and
initiate necessary action expeditiously.
33. The
public sector has played a vital role in the development of our economy.
However, the nature of this role cannot remain frozen to what it was conceived
fifty years ago — a time when the technological landscape, and the national and
international economic environment were so very different. The private sector
in India has come of age, contributing substantially to our nation-building
process. Therefore, both the public sector and the private sector need to be
viewed as mutually complementary parts of the national sector. The private
sector must assume greater public responsibilities, just as the public sector
needs to focus more on achieving results in a highly competitive market. While
some public enterprises are making profits, quite a few have accumulated huge
losses. With public finances under intense pressure, Governments are just not
able to sustain them much longer. Accordingly, the Centre as well as several
State Governments are compelled to embark on a programme of disinvestment.
34. The
Government’s approach to PSUs has a three-fold objective: revival of
potentially viable enterprises; closing down of those PSUs that cannot be
revived; and bringing down Government equity in non-strategic PSUs to 26
percent or lower. Interests of workers will be fully protected through attractive
VRS and other measures. This programme has already achieved some initial
successes. The Government has decided to disinvest a substantial part of its
equity in enterprises such as Indian Airlines, Air India, ITDC, IPCL, VSNL,
CMC, BALCO, Hindustan Zinc, and Maruti Udyog. Where necessary, strategic
partners would be selected through a transparent process.
35. Reforms
in the power sector are crucial for achieving the ambitious growth targets of
the economy. To remove the chronic shortages in most parts of the country, and
to make power affordable to all, we have set a target of installing an
additional capacity of 100,000 megawatts by 2012, along with the associated
transmission and distribution systems. This will require an investment of
around Rs. 800,000 crore. The Electricity Regulatory Commissions, both at the
Centre and in the States, will have to play a pivotal role in rationalization
of tariffs, restoration of the financial health of SEBs, and creation of
confidence in private investors. I urge the State Governments, all the
political parties, as well as employees of power utilities and consumers, to
support the reforms in the power sector. The transition may be difficult
initially, but will ultimately be rewarding for all.
36. Three
nuclear power reactors were connected to the national grid during this year.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India created a world record with only fourteen
days between criticality and synchronization of the fourth unit of the
Rajasthan Atomic Power Station. The world is now looking at renewable energy as
a viable and clean option to bridge the energy gap and to contain the problem
of environmental degradation. Our goal is to add 10,000 megawatts from
renewables over the next twelve years, increasing their share in the additional
capacity installed to ten percent.
37. The
"India Hydrocarbon Vision 2025" Report has been finalized to chart
out a long-term policy for the petroleum and natural gas sector. The steep rise
in crude oil prices in the last eighteen months have increased our oil import
bill to nearly Rs. 80,000 crore this year. Therefore, the Government is taking
specific steps to further raise indigenous crude oil production. We have
awarded 25 blocks for exploration during this year; we expect to award another
25 by September. We have also acquired oil equity abroad by buying twenty
percent in the Sakhalin - I oil field in Russia. Efforts for similar
acquisition of oil equity overseas are underway. We have discovered oil and gas
in the deep sea of the Krishna – Godavari basin and in the shallow waters of
Cambay region. India has this year achieved complete self-sufficiency in
refining of crude oil. I am happy to inform you that, last year oil marketing
companies have released about 12 million LPG connections, against the target of
10 million. The waiting list for LPG connections has ended and they are now
available across the counter. Large-scale efforts are being made to provide LPG
connections to our rural population.
38. The
Government is following a twin strategy to achieve growth in the coal sector.
We will allow participation of the private sector in coal mining. We shall also
strengthen Coal India by facilitating joint ventures. The issue of safety in
coal mines has been once again sharply highlighted by the recent tragedy in
Bagdigi near Dhanbad. The imperative of safety is closely linked to the
modernization of the coal sector, with the introduction of the latest mining
technology and management techniques. It brooks no delay. A comprehensive
re-survey of all coal mines vulnerable to mishaps has been ordered.
39. Textiles
is a traditional industry, in which India enjoyed a global advantage for a long
time. However, this edge has been blunted because this sector was not enabled
to restructure itself to respond to the growing competition in the global
market. To end this neglect and to achieve accelerated development of this
sector, a new Textile Policy has been unveiled. It aims to promote a
state-of-the-art textile manufacturing capability in our country to meet
domestic demand and to enhance textile and apparel exports from the present
level of US$ 13 billion to US$ 50 billion by 2010. In addition to the Textile
Upgradation Fund Scheme and the Technology Mission on Cotton, separate schemes
like the Deen Dayal Hathkargha Protsahan Yojana have also been launched to
cater to the needs of weavers, farmers, and artisans.
40. India
enjoys a significant competitive advantage in chemicals and pharmaceuticals. To
encourage R&D and investment in this sector, it is proposed to raise the
FDI limit through the automatic route from the present 74 percent to 100
percent. A new Drug Policy is being finalized to enable India’s pharmaceutical
industry to become a world leader.
41. India
has a huge untapped potential in tourism, which is the fastest growing industry
in the world. The Government has strengthened, in coordination with the States,
its efforts to improve the infrastructure and market both traditional and
non-traditional destinations to domestic and international tourists.
42. After
years of sluggish growth, our exports have been rising rapidly. They grew by
20.4 percent in dollar terms between April and December, against the target of
18 percent for the entire year. Foreign currency assets on February 2 stood at
a comfortable level of US$ 38.5 billion. Our liberalization of the trade policy
continues to focus on procedural simplification to improve competitiveness of
the Indian economy. While removing most Quantitative Restrictions in April, as
per our WTO commitment, we will see that the transition will not be painful to
Indian agriculture and industry, especially to the small-scale sector. The
existing Export Promotion Zones at Mumbai, Kandla, Surat, and Kochi have been
converted into Special Economic Zones. New such zones will also be set up at
nine other places.
43. The
Small Scale Sector contributes more than 38 percent of the industrial
production and 35 percent of direct exports. We have put in place a
Comprehensive Policy Package for the Small Scale and Tiny Sector. A scheme to
restructure and modernize the Khadi and Village Industries Commission is also
on the anvil. A common brand name known as "Sarvodaya" has been
launched to effectively promote KVIC products in the domestic and international
markets.
44. In
view of the daunting challenges that India faces in a highly competitive global
market, there is growing recognition that amendments to some of our labour laws
cannot be delayed any more. These amendments are indeed pro-labour, because
they will facilitate greater employment opportunities in both the organized and
unorganized sectors. They will do so by removing the hurdles to faster economic
development by giving businesses the opportunity to make investments both in
new units as well as to expand existing ones. For example, India can command a
significant competitive advantage in the international market in
labour-intensive industries like garments, light engineering, toys,
handicrafts, leather, and in IT-enabled services. The Government will encourage
large-scale investment in such industries and create necessary infrastructure
for their rapid growth.
45. In
implementing these much-needed labour reforms, the Government pledges not to
dilute its commitment to workers’ welfare in any way. Programmes for training
and retraining of workers to adapt to new technologies will be expanded.
Facilities for their entrepreneurial development and self-employment will be
augmented. Many steps have already been taken to expand the coverage, and
liberalize the benefits, of social security schemes for workers. For the
benefit of poor families and the unorganized working class in rural and urban
areas, the Janashree Bima Yojana was launched in June 2000. The Ministry of
Labour is working on a comprehensive social welfare scheme for agricultural
workers, who constitute the largest segment of the workforce in the country. We
propose to cover all child labour endemic States with projects for
rehabilitation through education, with emphasis on girls.
46. Education,
especially education of girls, is the most rewarding investment we can make in
India’s future. An integrated National Education Programme, Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan, has been launched for universalizing elementary education. For this, a
national mission has been constituted with the Prime Minister as its chairman.
It aims to provide eight years of quality elementary education to all children
up to the age of fourteen by 2010, by making local communities own and manage
the programme. It will especially focus on girls and disadvantaged groups
through alternative modes of education. The Government will step up efforts for
vocationalisation of education and enable the youth to start their own
enterprises as well as new self employment ventures.
47. Faster
socio-economic progress of all the weaker sections of our society is a
fundamental commitment of my Government. We are taking many steps to make the
finance and development corporations for the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled
Tribes, Backward Classes, Safai Karamcharis, and Minorities more effective.
More facilities will be created to provide assistance for income generation
ventures, self-employment activities, and enhancement of skills and talents.
The coverage of micro-credit to Self Help Groups, especially those managed by
women, is being expanded for the economic advancement of the poor in rural and
urban areas. The Government is determined to check atrocities against the
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
48. The
wealth of a nation lies chiefly in the health of its citizens. A new Health
Policy will soon be unveiled, which will draw upon on the positive as well as
negative lessons of the past efforts to achieve the unmet goal of "Health
For All". One of these useful lessons has been the highly successful Pulse
Polio Immunization Campaign, which ended last month. The Government will soon
launch similar national campaigns, with the widest possible mobilization of
official and non-governmental resources, to deal with other major challenges in
public health such as malaria, kala azar, and the epidemic spread of HIV/AIDS.
We have made considerable progress in eliminating leprosy. The coverage under
the Revised Directly Observed Treatment Short Course Strategy for Tuberculosis
has risen to over 300 million from 20 million two years ago. It has saved
nearly seventy thousand lives since its inception. I commend the Government for
its bold step to initiate a legislation to ban all forms of tobacco advertising
and sponsorship, along with other measures to prevent minors from getting
addicted to nicotine. We have set in motion medical research based on the Human
Genome to make India a front-runner in this highly promising new area of modern
science.
49. Ayurveda,
Homeopathy, Siddha, Unani, Yoga, and Naturopathy offer a wide range of
preventive, promotive, and curative treatments that are both cost-effective and
efficacious. We are working to end the long neglect of these holistic systems
in our national healthcare strategy. A National Medicinal Plant Board has been
set up to promote cultivation, processing, production, and standardization of
herbal products, both for domestic and export markets. Steps are also being
taken to protect our traditional knowledge in this area, which promises to
attract immense global attention in the coming years.
50. Deteriorating
quality of life in our urban areas is a matter of deep concern. We need to
promote environmentally sustainable, economically efficient, socially
equitable, culturally vibrant, and regionally balanced urban development. The
Government will foster such policies with the cooperation of State and local
self governments. The programme to facilitate construction of 20 lakh
additional housing units each year in urban and rural areas, with the
assistance of HUDCO, is progressing satisfactorily. The Swarna Jayanti Shahari
Rozgar Yojana and the National Slum Development Programme are expected to
significantly contribute to the alleviation of urban poverty and provision of
shelter to the poor.
51. Recurring
droughts, floods, falling ground water table, and shortages of drinking water
in rural and urban areas have forcefully reminded us that we will face graver
crises in the future unless we begin prudent management of our water resources
today. Since the adoption of the National Water Policy in 1987, many problems have
emerged in the development and management of our water resources. Therefore, a
revised draft water policy was framed, which was discussed in the fourth
meeting of the National Water Resources Council in July last year. To sort out
the differences that emerged, a Working Group of Ministers has been
constituted. The Government will soon launch a national campaign for water
conservation, with the active participation of various user groups. I am happy
to inform you that Forest Survey of India Report for 1999 has indicated that
our forest cover increased by 3,896 square kilometers since the previous
assessment in 1997.
52. India
continues to make rapid strides in space science. The first test of an
indigenously developed cryogenic engine last year was an important milestone in
the development of our geo-stationary satellite launch capability. Our latest
satellite INSAT-3B will initiate the Swarn Jayanti Vidya Vikas Antariksh
Upagraha Yojana, aimed at providing developmental education in rural areas. Two
Jai Vigyan National Science and Technology Missions were launched — one on
conservation of agro-biodiversity and the other on household food and nutrition
security.
53. The
Department of Justice is in the process of reviewing various procedural and
substantive laws to reduce delays in litigation. Two specific schemes have been
initiated for this purpose. The first involves setting up of 1,734 Fast Track
Courts for expediting the disposal of long pending cases. The second is a pilot
project for computerization and networking of courts in the four metros. This
will serve as a model for district and subordinate courts.
54. The
Government is taking significant steps to reinvigorate the creative spirit of
India's culture, by building bridges between the present and the past. We have
launched an innovative initiative to facilitate the equal partnership of the
public and private institutions to manage our rich and diverse cultural
heritage, through the National Culture Fund. We have also stepped up our
efforts to promote cultural and sporting ties with other countries. India will
host the first ever Afro-Asian Games in November.
55. India’s
foreign policy, resting on a strong foundation of continuity and national
consensus, has responded creatively to the changing global scenario. The
international community is beginning to recognize that a resurgent India —
peace loving, prosperous, and strong — is a reliable factor for peace,
stability, and balance in Asia and in the world. The principal thrust of our
foreign policy is to promote an external network of peaceful and friendly
relations, which would enable us to focus on our internal task of
nation-building. Central to this objective is our consistent pursuit of
friendly relations with all our neighbours. Indeed, our ties with all of them,
barring Pakistan, have continued to grow both in substance and in scope.
56. India
and Nepal share an intimate relationship characterized by wide-ranging
interaction in all spheres. Prime Minister G. P. Koirala visited India last
July, when our countries comprehensively reviewed our bilateral relations to
further strengthen them. This process will continue in the future despite
efforts by vested interests in recent times to hinder it. We have a strong
interest in the progress of Bhutan and Maldives and our relations of mutual
respect and trust enhance this objective. India hopes that peace will soon
return to the troubled land of Afghanistan, so that its people could shape
their own destiny free from external interference and religious extremism.
57. Improvement
of infrastructural links has also been a focus of bilateral co-operation with
our neighbours. A third broad gauge rail link with Bangladesh has just been
restored, further promoting our close co-operation and people-to-people
relations. The operationalization of the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement
is expected to significantly increase economic linkages between our two
countries. We look forward to welcoming President Chandrika Bandaranaike
Kumaratunga in Delhi later this week, and to review with her the whole range of
our excellent bilateral relations. The new road link with Myanmar, built with
Indian assistance, would ease travel and facilitate trade between our two
countries.
58. My
visit to China last year, and the recent visit of Mr. Li Peng, Chairman of the
Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, have further developed
our bilateral relations. We are committed to friendly and good-neighbourly ties
with China based on Panchsheel and mutual sensitivity to each other’s concerns.
59. India’s
"Look East" policy saw the Prime Minister make successful visits to
Vietnam and Indonesia last month. I paid a State visit to Singapore in November
2000. India’s historical links with Indo-China and Southeast Asia are deep and
strong. There is immense scope for increasing economic and people-to-people
relations with the countries of this region, which forms our extended
neighbourhood. In this endeavour, the establishment of the Mekong-Ganga
Co-operation Initiative is an important milestone. During the landmark visit of
Japan’s Prime Minister, Mr. Yoshiro Mori, in August last year, we agreed to
build a Global Partnership in the 21st Century. We are looking
forward to the visit of the President of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Kim
Dae-jung, to India later this year.
60. We
share deep-rooted historical and cultural bonds with the Central Asian
countries and attach great importance to further developing our relations with
them. Our civilizational contacts with West Asia and the Gulf go back several
millennia, and we value our relations with all the countries in this region. We
have expressed our deep concern at the stalemate in the Middle East Peace
Process, the excessive use of force, and the recent violence. We believe that
all States in the region, including Palestine and Israel, have a right to exist
within secure and internationally recognized boundaries.
61. Our
time-tested friendship with Russia attained a highpoint during the October
visit of President Vladimir Putin, when we signed a Declaration on Strategic
Partnership, charting out a detailed roadmap for stronger Indo-Russian ties in
the new century.
62. The
steadily growing strength of India’s interaction with the United States of
America forms an important new dimension of our external relations. President
Clinton’s visit to India, and the Prime Minister’s visit to the US last year,
laid a firm foundation for this new phase in our relationship. I compliment
Indian IT professionals in Silicon Valley and, indeed, the entire
Indian-American community, for their shining successes. They have changed the
American perception — in fact, the world’s perception — of India. We continue
to engage with the Administration of President George W. Bush to foster a
stronger and mutually beneficial bilateral relationship.
63. The
first-ever India-European Summit in Lisbon, during the Prime Minister’s visit
to Portugal in June last year marked a qualitatively higher level in India’s
strategic partnership with EU. It formulated an agenda to intensify our
political, economic, and commercial exchanges. We are confident that our warm
relations with UK, France, Germany, Italy, and other European countries will
continue to acquire new dimensions. India is further consolidating her
historical links with the countries of Eastern and Central Europe. High-level
exchanges are planned with many of them.
64. Our
relations with African countries are marked by warm friendship and a shared
concern for the interests of the developing world. The Indian Ocean Rim offers
great potential for closer co-operation with Southern and Eastern Africa. The
recent visit to India of Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth underscored our
intimate friendship with Mauritius. I am looking forward to visiting Mauritius
on the occasion of their National Day celebrations. The President of Algeria,
Mr. Abdelaziz Bouteflika, was the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day
Parade. The visit of the President of Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo, has
further consolidated our ties with this important African country. We are looking
forward to the visit of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco later this
month.
65. We
will continue to strive for closer relations with the countries of Latin
America, and to expand our traditionally warm ties with the Caribbean countries
and other members of the Commonwealth. The suppression of democracy in the
multi-ethnic society of Fiji continues to cause us grave concern. India will
work closely with the international community for the peaceful restoration of a
non-discriminatory democratic order in Fiji.
66. The
international community agreed at the UN Millennium Summit that the
globalization process should be inclusive and equitable. It condemned
international terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, trafficking in
illicit arms and drugs, religious fanaticism, and military adventurism. India’s
call for an early international conference against terrorism was endorsed. An
increasing number of countries have joined the demand for making the United
Nations Security Council to be more representative and responsive. India’s
candidature for the permanent membership of an expanded Security Council is
also finding increasing support. We reiterate our call for global,
comprehensive and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament. At the same time, our
security imperatives compel us to maintain a credible minimum nuclear deterrent
until this objective is achieved.
67. My
Government has taken major initiatives to strengthen our multi-faceted bonds
with the Indian Diaspora. They are twenty million strong, spread all over the
world, and have maintained close cultural, economic, and spiritual links with
their motherland, even while integrating harmoniously into their host
societies. A high-level committee has been appointed to make policy
recommendations to encourage their participation in India’s socio-economic
transformation.
68. Honourable
Members, you begin the Budget session today. Apart from the financial business
relating to the Railway and General Budgets, there is a heavy legislative
agenda awaiting completion in this Session. Two Ordinances also need to be
replaced with Bills. All this work is intrinsically linked to our country’s
all-round and rapid socio-economic development. The people who have elected you
have a high expectation that the precious time of Parliament is best used for
the completion of the scheduled business.
69. I
wish you success in your endeavours.
Jai Hind.
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