New Delhi, August 14
With swine flu engulfing large parts of the country, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil today appealed to the people to contribute to the government’s efforts to handle H1N1 influenza through public-private partnerships, NGOs, community groups or self help groups.
“An enlightened citizenry conscious of its civic duties and social responsibilities, maintaining discipline following good habits, particularly about hygiene and cleanliness, respectful towards nature’s bounty and sensitive to environmental concerns is the greatest asset of a nation,’’ she said in an address to the nation on the eve of the 63rd Independence Day.
The President also spoke about the deficient monsoon this year, which has forced the governments to declare 177 districts in the country as drought-hit. “This year the monsoon has been less than normal, impacting agriculture and availability of water. We have to be prepared to face the situation. The government is taking all possible steps to deal with it.”
Observing that the expectations of the people were rising as they were becoming more aware of their rights and seek better opportunities, she was of the view that facilities, amenities and services meant for them could be delivered smoothly only if there was an effective governance system that was less cumbersome but more transparent and accountable.
“There is an outrage when money meant for the welfare schemes is pilfered out by corrupt practices,” she said.
The President also drew attention to the flagship programmes of the government, saying they were comprehensive ranging from health to education, employment to expanding social and economic infrastructure. Their implementation would have to be at optimal levels for an impact to be made on the lives of the people.
Coming to economic issues, Patil desired that even in the face of the global meltdown, India must work relentlessly 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 throughout the country and rural development, it should be our incessant endeavour to expand into new areas of growth.’’
The world, she emphasised, expected India to be one of the largest economies of the world, adding the country knew that it has the strength to achieve this position. She also spoke about terrorism, which targeted innocent people and was the very anti-thesis of peaceful coexistence. Terrorism was condemnable because it was against the tenets of every religion and
faith.
