Corruption a big obstacle in national transformation: PM

New Delhi - 15 August 2011: Addressing the nation eighth time in a row from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort on Independence Day, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh acknowledged that corruption is a big obstacle in national transformation. He, however, asserted that "the government is taking strictest possible action in cases of corruption". But he also admitted that "there is no single big step which we can take to eradicate corruption".

The PM, while addressing the nation on 65th Independence Day of the country on 15th August, said that corruption should be discussed in a manner that "should not create an atmosphere in which country`s progress comes into question". He also said that corruption cannot be eradicated unless "we improve our justice delivery system".

On Lokpal, he said: "We want strong Lokpal to prevent corruption in high places". And without naming Anna Hazare he said: "No one should resort to hunger strikes and fast-unto-death".

The PM made the speech after hoisting the Indian Tricolour at Red Fort (Lal Quila built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan several centuries ago)in New Delhi on Monday. Earlier in the morning, he visited Raj Ghat and offered floral tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.

The Independence Day was celebrated across the country with traditional enthusiasm. In state capitals chief ministers hoisted the Tiranga and delivered speeches.

Highlights of the Prime Minister's Independence Address

• Call for understanding and restraint, otherwise our security and integrity can get adversely affected.
• Caution against "some people who want to create disturbances in the country so that our progress gets stalled".
• He claimed: "We have provided political stability and socio and economic progress. We have "established an environment of communal harmony in the country".
• Prime Minister said: "We have taken a special care of the needs of our brothers and sisters from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Minorities, Women and Children".
• Promise for food security legislation soon.
• PM acknowledged corruption is a big obstacle in national transformation.
• Corruption should be discussed in a manner that should not create an atmosphere in which country's progress comes into question. He urged that discussion on corruption should not distract from self-confidence.
• Government is taking strictest possible action in cases of corruption". But he said "there is no single big step which we can take to eradicate corruption.
• Corruption cannot be eradicated unless we improve our justice delivery system.
• We want strong Lokpal to prevent corruption in high places.
• No one should resort to hunger strikes and fast-unto-death.
• PM compliments farmers on producing a record level food grains.
• We need a second Green Revolution in Agriculture.
• Acknowledged "a phase of sustained high inflation.
• Our government fully understands its responsibility to control rise in prices.
• International markets fuel inflation in India.
• PM says "finding a solution to inflation will be our top most priority in the coming months".
• Prime Minister says "land acquisition must be transparent and fair".
• Prime Minister says "government will establish a new Education Commission to suggest improvements in education at all levels".
• Prime Minister wants 12th Five Year Plan to focus on health. We want to make India slum-free and the ownership of clean houses to slum dwellers. Malnutrition in women and children is a matter of concern for all of us.
• Prime Minister regrets declining sex ratio and wants a change in approach towards girls and women.
• Prime Minister says we should not lower guard against terrorism; says it is a long battle to be fought jointly by the Central Government, State Governments and the citizens.
• Prime Minister promises to eradicate the very reasons which gave rise to naxalism.

source: TwoCircles.net