President Patil expresses concern over rising inflation

NEW DELHI - Expressing concern over rising inflation, President Devisingh Patil on Tuesday called for urgent need to tackle the rising prices in the country.

Addressing the nation ahead of 62nd Republic Day, President Patil said: “Rising inflation particularly food prices, are a cause of serious concern and draw attention to the urgent need to take suitable action, and also look at more innovative approaches towards food security, agricultural production and rural development.

Emphasizing that terrorism poses the single most detrimental threat to the progress of mankind, President Patil said: Development and progress require an environment of stability and security. The work of our police and internal security agencies is critical in this field, as also is our cooperation and dialogue with our neighbours for stability in our region, and with the international community to create a peaceful world.”

“India’s profile in global affairs is the focus of international attention today,” she added.

As India assumes its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, President Patil said India will intensify efforts to effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism, and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility on all global issues.

She further said that we are fortunate that we are the inheritors of the ideals and values of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, which has bequeathed to us a rich treasure of human experiences and thought.

“The concept of the human race being one, the importance of living in harmony with each other and with nature, the quest for knowledge and truth, find prominence in our age old culture. These ideas provided inspiration for our freedom movement and after our independence found a ready resonance in our Constitution,” she added.

She further said that the strength of a nation is not determined by the challenges it faces, but by its responses to these challenges, especially so when it stands at a critical juncture and at a decisive point.

She pointed out that as a nation, our aim is to grow and to create a just society.

“Our goal of poverty eradication and of inclusive growth that embraces the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society can be achieved when our actions are guided by a social conscience and are not devoid of sensitivity,” she said.

“We are seeking good governance and a people-centric administration. In this, callous and casual attitudes in the sphere of public service are unacceptable. Delivery systems for schemes and programmes that promote the welfare of the people and spur economic growth should have inbuilt mechanisms for greater transparency and accountability,” she added.

Stating that corruption is the enemy of development and of good governance, President Patil said: “Instead of getting lost in this mire, it is necessary to rise above it and seriously look at bringing systemic changes to deal more effectively with corruption.” (ANI)