On the eve of Republic Day, President Pratibha Devisingh Patil virtually asked the government and the Opposition to sort out issues between them so that the Parliament can function normally, calling it a joint responsibility of both.
In her address to the nation, the President also highlighted the issue of corruption. “Corruption is the enemy of development and good governance,” she stated, adding that “systemic changes” needed to be made to deal with it.
With almost the entire Winter Session of Parliament lost due to disruptions on the 2G spectrum allocation scam issue, the President asked for proper functioning of Parliament and asked for a dialogue among stake holders in democratic institution.
“Parliament of the country is the repository of the sovereign will of the people, and its successful functioning is a joint responsibility of both the government and the Opposition,” the President said.
“It is important that the decorum and dignity of the House is upheld,” she said, adding that if it does not happen, people’s faith in democratic institutions can be affected.
She said the aim of our nation should be to grow and create a just society. “Our goal of poverty eradication and of inclusive growth that embraces the disadvantaged and marginalised sections of society can be achieved when our actions are guided by a social conscience,” she said.
Warning against callous attitude in public service, she stated that “Corruption is the enemy of development and of good governance.”
“Financial institutions, the corporate world and civil society — all must uphold high standards of probity in their working,” the President added.
The President expressed concern regarding inflation. “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,” she said.
On terrorism, she stated that with India assuming its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, it 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 lauded the work of police and internal security agencies and sought a dialogue with neighbouring countries for stability in the region.