Prime Minister speaks to empower Common Man in this 60-year old New India

Aug 15: On the special occasion of 60 th anniversary of India’s Independence Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stressed on poverty eradication, education, healthcare, agriculture and also industrialization for a balanced growth with a vision to empower common man of rural India.

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Prime Minister before announcing the government policy and any new initiatives to the entire concerned issues did express his satisfaction over the rate of growth and achievements of India in all socio, political and economic ends. Also admits the reason of less growth in human development saying, “We do feel a sense of satisfaction that on many fronts we have done well. Yet, we are aware that there is much more to be done. We have moved forward in the many battles against poverty, ignorance and disease.”

Mamohan Singh expressed his commitment to the welfare of the “aam aadmi” (common man) by bringing more central government expenditure in healthcare, irrigation and an overall rural development. He also mentioned the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act that offers 100 days employment guarantee as a legal right and also government’s commitment to implement it in all parts of the country.

Mr. Singh also announced various relaxations addressing the farmers of the nation with an Rs 25,000 crore investment in agriculture to improve the livelihood of farmer along with increased food grain production for the growing population.

He reassures farmers to increase the credit limit, decreasing the interest rates of loans also price support for wheat and rice. Citing the mission of Bharat Nirman project he says, “Through Bharat Nirman, we are investing in rural connectivity – road, electricity and telephone connectivity. Bharat Nirman is our effort to link the urban rural gap. “

However, he also points out the need of industrialization along with agriculture as per the growing demand of a population constituting a large number of youth and hence creating new employment opportunities. Pointing out rapid industrialization as the prime tool to eradicate poverty he speaks about his government’s effort to encourage industrialization by adopting growth oriented policies.

At the same time he assured to follow a better National Policy for Rehabilitation and Resettlement in order to compensate the displaced farmers or rural people in this transition from agrarian to industrial economy without spoiling the rights of those people.

Prime Minister does also prioritise education as the means for a progressive society and hence announced to open 6,000 higher secondary schools along with 30 new Central Universities, 20 new IIITs, 8 new IITs, 7 new IIMs, and 1600 new ITIs that can really open new avenues for educational opportunities for the youth.

Mr. Singh also termed India as a young nation saying, “We are a young nation. More importantly, we are a nation of young people. Once unleashed, the energy of our youth will drive India onto a new growth path. I assure you that for each one of you, and for our country, the best is yet to come.”

The Prime Minister in all his long 35-minuet address presented his intention to bring prosperity in rural areas by empowering common man especially farmers and also recognized the role of young India in all sectors of the economy whether agriculture or industrialization that can drive India to a new growth path.