National Unity and Political Consensus needed to Build a New India” Economy on the move. Growth is robust. NREGA and Bharat Nirman weapons in the War on Poverty Inflation control a priority. But farmers cannot be grudged better incomes Cannot be business as usual in fight against terrorism. No one can weaken our unity. Mumbai example of courage and communal amity There exists a constituency for peace and shared prosperity in South Asia Global environment for India has improved. World wants India to progress. Economy 8% growth for three years in a row is unprecedented in history. – p.5 Higher growth is important in “war against poverty” manufacturing sector growth up at 11% - p.5 inflation control a priority, but farmers cannot be grudged better incomes – p.18 world oil prices $30 a barrel in 2004, now $75 a barrel. Despite this no increase in kerosene or LPG prices in recent months – p.19 Farm Sector Credit for farmers doubled in two years, loans at reduced rate of 7%. p.16 Expert group to study problem of agricultural indebtedness – p.16 Rs 13,000 crore package for revival of cooperative credit system implemented National Fisheries Development Board created – p.16 2 crore families provided employment under NREGA in 200 districts - p.13 Special programmes launched for handloom and textile industries Education and Youth
India is a nation of youth. Youth want to build a “New India”- p.38 Mission on Vocational Education to be launched to bridge “skill deficit” – p.25 12 crore children covered under nutritious mid-day meal programme – p.21 Massive increase in educational opportunities. 19 new AIIMS-type medical institutions. 3 new Indian Institutes of Science – p.25 Reservations for socially backward sections of society, with wider educational opportunities for all students – p.26 Recognition and reward for individual merit and hard work Youth must have faith in our future. Country will create opportunities for all. Infrastructure Progress of Bharat Nirman good - p.14 Decade of City Development – better infrastructure, better governance - p.23 New special economic zones to boost industrial production and employment Progress on railways and urban metros, new airports and power plants Development and Welfare
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Policy for displaced persons in project areas - p.27 Rs 2,500 crore for Backward Regions Grant Fund, for 250 districts - p.27 4 lakh women to be accredited social health activists (ASHA). Vigorous campaign against HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria – p.20 New initiatives to empower SCs, STs and Minorities - p.21 Safety, security, empowerment of women a priority. End female foeticide – p.40 Governance Improve delivery of public services, eliminate corruption – p.24 Rid municipalities of the cancer of corruption - p.22 J&K and N-East
New Links of Connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, Renewal of dialogue through Round Table Conferences – p.31 Improved connectivity in North-east – better roads, rail and airports. New Massive investment in power and education in the region – p.32 National Security No more business as usual in fight against terrorism. Terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace and prosperity everywhere. P.35 Need for modernization of security and intelligence machinery- p.30 Mumbai showed courage, patience and communal amity. – p.28-30 Pakistan must take concrete steps against cross-border terrorism, for peace process to move forward p. 35 On Naxalism: “power does not flow from barrel of gun, but from ballot box” – p.33 Foreign Policy Shared destiny of South Asia and growing constituency for peace. Improved relations with all major powers. New focus on Africa and Latin America. Deeper economic and political relations with wider Asian neighbourhood. India invited to East Asian Summit Asia on the Move. New Powers rising. India must catch up.
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YSR/DS/HS/LV/CS