New Delhi: Cautioning against corruption in
flagship welfare programmes, President Pratibha Patil today
favoured reform of governance for effective delivery of public
services for which administrators must be responsive to the
needs of the people.
In her address to the nation on the eve of Independence
Day, Patil said that the country has to be prepared to face
the situation arising out of poor monsoon and asked the
citizens to cooperate with the government in handling the
swine flu situation.
Patil said the expectations of the people were rising as
they were becoming more aware of their rights and seek better
opportunities.
"Facilities, amenities and services meant for them
whether they are living in rural or urban areas can be
delivered smoothly only if there is an effective governance
system that is less cumbersome but more transparent and
accountable.
"There is outrage when money meant for welfare schemes
is pilfered out by corrupt practices," she said.
The President said the flagship programmes of the
government were comprehensive ranging from health to
education, employment to expanding social and economic
infrastructure.
Patil said the implementation of welfare schemes will
have to be at optimal levels for an impact to be made on the
lives of the people.
"Hence, the emphasis on reform of governance for
effective delivery of public services is critical to change
the lives of the people.
"The administrators must be responsive to the needs of
the people. Their work is a public service – commitment,
dedication and honesty should be the hallmarks of their work,"
she said.
The President said this year the monsoon has been less
than normal impacting agriculture and availability of water.
The nation has to be prepared to face the situation. The
government is taking all possible steps to deal with it.
Patil said the government is also taking necessary
measures to handle the H1N1 influenza. Citizens have to come
forward to contribute to government`s efforts in these areas
and in other development initiatives 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.
The President said even in the face of a global
slowdown, which demands that India manages the economy to
counter its effects, 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 throughout the country
and rural development, it should be our incessant endeavour to
expand into new areas of growth," she said.
Patil said the narrative of growth should be a story of
opportunity and a life of dignity for all. Social empowerment
requires considerable amount of work and, 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 of society 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.
The President said India should build its destiny on a
culture of peace and harmony. There should be harmony between
good traditions and progress.
Patil said India`s unity has been brought about by the
philosophy of harmony which seeks to resolve differences
rather than widen them.
"Peaceful co-existence is inherent in our culture.
Terrorism, which targets innocent people, is the very
anti-thesis of peaceful co-existence. It is condemnable
because it is against the tenets of every religion and faith.
It must be defeated in the interest of collective goal of
human kind to build peaceful societies and a peaceful world".
The President said India adhered to secularism, equality
and respect for all religions and if it has to progress,
communal harmony is important.
"Let us prove that we can be united as human beings and
not divided. Let fight against violence and extremism and be
an important part of promoting peace and harmony," she said
adding if the people were to be bound by feelings of hatred,
mistrust and apathy, the country would never move forward,"
she said.
Bureau Report
