Elections to the 11th Lok Sabha will be held shortly.
Election is the life-line of democracy.
An election presents a choice to the people. The choice to vote a party into government. The choice to vote a candidate to office.
What is the choice today?
The Congress presents an India with a bright future. The Opposition presents an India that will be thrown back to the past.
The Congress presents an India which is growing, creating wealth, generating jobs and providing more incomes. The Opposition presents an India which will be stagnant, inward-looking, poor and likely to become bankrupt.
The Congress presents an India which rejoices in its unity and celebrates its diversity. The Opposition presents an India that will be inflamed by caste and religious passions.
The Congress presents an India that has earned new respect among the countries of the world. The Opposition presents an India that will be ignored, ridiculed and forgotten.
The Congress presents an India with a stable Government and a vibrant economy. The Opposition presents an India with a tottering government and collapsing economy.
Never before has the choice been so clear. Never before has the choice been so stark and simple.
The nation went to the polls in 1991 to elect the Tenth Lok Sabha.
It was after a period of 16 months of darkness, drift and economic disaster. The Indian National Congress promised the people that it will get on with task of rebuilding India.
As the Tenth Lok Sabha convened, there was a pall of gloom. Shri Rajiv Gandhi had been snatched away cruelly. He fell victim to the most despicable act of terrorism. As in life, so in his death, he upheld the causes of unity and sovereignty at home and peace and brotherhood in the world.
The Congress called upon Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao to shoulder the onerous responsibility of leading a Government which did not have a majority in the Lok Sabha. Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao, steeped in the Congress tradition of sacrifice and service, accepted the daunting task.
In his first major address to the nation, he pledged that the theme song of his government would be Continuity with Change.
Since 1991, the Congress has ushered in unprecedented change.
Never before in the history of India has so much change been wrought in so short a time. Never before in the history of the world has so much change been wrought with so little pain or suffering.
How did the Congress work this near-miracle?
Let us go back to that historic day when the Indian National Congress was born. The founding fathers of the Congress recognised that what the people of India needed was not a mere political party. Because no political party could unite within its fold the plurality and diversity of India.
The Indian National Congress was, therefore, cast in a different mould, the mould of a national movement. Its purpose was to mobilise the Indian people into action and lead them to new frontiers.
During the freedom struggle, the goal was Independence.
During the early years of independent India, the goal was Unity and Sovereignty.
During the years of nation building, the goal was Growth with Social Justice. After the wasted years of 1977 to 1979 and 1990 to 1991, the goal was restitution of a Government that Works.
During the period 1991 to 199, the goal was to re-establish a Stable Government and resume the task of nation building.
It is because of the support of the people that
The Congress is a unique political party. It mirrors the basic ethos of a civilisation that is over 5000 years old.
It is the Congress that has created an India which is agriculturally prosperous, industrially advanced and scientifically developed. Above all, the Congress has maintained a commitment to democracy. Indeed, parliamentary democracy would not have taken root in India and nurtured, but for the Congress.
Many other political parties are one-issue parties. Some exploit caste. Some exploit religion. There are parties which encourage fanaticism. The Congress has always rejected these divisive issues.
The Congress reflects differing and divergent interests and reconciles them into a single harmonious national mosaic.
It belongs to you regardless of your caste or religion, color or race. It belongs specially to the poor, the neglected and the disadvantaged.
It belongs to the worker and the farmer. It belongs to the teacher. It belongs to the scientist.
It belongs to the soldier who defends the country.
It belongs to the millions of ordinary men and women who toil every day.
It belongs to the farmers and agricultural workers who produce record levels of paddy and wheat, pulses and oilseeds, cotton and sugarcane, tea, coffee and tobacco and a number of other crops.
That is why the Congress has remained true to certain unchanging values. These are:
Neither victory nor defeat in an election has altered the Congress Party's allegiance to these values. Because these are the values inscribed in the soul of every Indian.
Because it is these values which can enfold the plurality and diversity of India.
It is not just unity in diversity, it is unity through diversity.
The Congress alone provides the link between all communities and sections of society. The Congress alone represents the composite nature of our ancient civilisation.
It is the Congress, and the Congress alone, which mirrors this India. The Congress pledges that it will remain true and faithful to these fundamental values of the country.
Stability is the plank on which rests good governance. It is the foundation on which rests civil society.
There were only two periods of political instability in India. They were from 1977 to 1979 and from 1990 to 1991.
These were the years in which the Congress was not in office in the Central Government.
In 1977, the first non-Congress Government had the numbers on its side. Yet it failed miserably. Ultimately it fell.
In 1989, the second non-Congress Government obtained outside support and thus claimed a majority in Parliament. It was an opportunistic alliance. The bubble burst in 11 months. That Government also fell.
Neither their numbers nor their shifting affiliations could keep the non-Congress Governments going for a full period of five years.
Voted back to office in 1991, the Congress has redeemed its pledge of providing a Stable Government.
While the Congress remained united and strong, other political parties broke up. Several State Governments formed by other political parties crumbled. Through this period, the Central Government has been remarkably stable.
It was not only a stability of numbers. It was the stability of policies and continuity of programmes. Indeed for some time it was stability in spite of the inadequacy of numbers.
The stability envisaged by the Congress is a comprehensive one. It necessarily includes:-
Each of the above three aspects is an important function of Stability.
The Congress pledges that it will provide a table government for the full period of five years in the Eleventh Lok Sabha.
A Congress Government is a government that believes in and constantly works for the people.
During the five year period of every Congress Government since 1952, the Government has taken the country forward.
The Congress has always rejected the status quo.
The Congress has always advanced the aspirations of the people for a better life and a better tomorrow.
The Congress has used stability not as resting place but as a springboard to usher in change.
Stability brings change, positive and wholesome change.
We need not delve too far into the past. The period from 1991 to 1996 contains many examples.
The new economic policy is the product of a stable government.
Reservations for the Other Backward Classes is the product of a stable government.
Peace in Punjab is the product of a stable government.
Unprecedented increase in investments in rural and social development is the product of a stable government.
The employment boom since 1991 -- three crore jobs in five years -- is the product of a stable government.
These examples can be multiplied.
Your vote for Stability will be a vote for Change.
When Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao's Government assumed office on 21st June 1991, little did the nation know about the impending economic catastrophe.
In point of fact, the nation was on the brink of default.
Foreign exchange reserves were at an all time low of Rs. 2,100 crore. It was good for just two weeks' import.
Inflation was 13% and threatened to increase, as it did, to 17%.
Industry had come to grinding halt.
The 8th Five year Plan had been abandoned by the two previous governments.
Government was living on borrowed money. When they could not borrow more, the government pledged India's gold and borrowed more money.
It was an hour of shame. It could have turned into an hour of grief.
At that crucial point, the Congress Government took over and took up the responsibility of rebuilding the Indian economy.
Five years of hard work have yielded rich dividends.
Foreign exchange reserves are now at over Rs. 60,000 crores, enough for eight month's import.
Last year, our farmers produced 19.1 crore tonnes of foodgrains. States like UP, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Orissa are now witnessing the type of agricultural change that Punjab and Haryana saw in the 1970s and 1980s.
Farmers are getting more income in relation to what they spend. Agricultural wages have increased.
New and lucrative export opportunities have been opened up to our farmers. Today, India is among the top three exporters of rice and wheat.
Industry is booming, Last year, the industrial growth was 8.5%. This year, it is expected to be 10%. This has resulted in increasedsupply of goods like bicycles, scooters, tractors, watches, televisions, shoes, cars, textiles, paper, cement, steel, fertilizers and medicines. For the first time, shortages have disappeared. Indians have the choice to buy what they want.
More jobs are being created every year. In the last five years, over three crore jobs have been created.
India's GDP has been growing at satisfactory rate. From just 1% in 1990-91 to 6.2% in 1994-95 is, by all accounts, a remarkable achievement. 1995-96 will again witness growth of more than 6%.
India's exports have averaged over 20% growth in the last three years. Inflation is down to below 5%, a record for 10 years.
We are today the sixth largest economy in the world. Soon we will be the 4th largest.
That is the real picture of our economy.
It is the Congress which first put before the people the goal of self-reliance. That goal has been corrupted by some self-styled protagonists of national interest.
What is true self-reliance?
True self-reliance is measured by:
The poor countries of the world are not self-reliant. It is the affluent countries which are self-reliant.
Our goal is to make India affluent. Our goal is to make India truly self-reliant.
As many as twenty seven candidates were killed by the terrorists when elections were ordered in Punjab during Shri Chandrashekar's regime as Prime Minister. Therefore, hours before the installation of the Congress Government, elections in Punjab were cancelled. Punjab was still torn and reeling under terrorism.
The Congress picked up the thread from where it had left it in November 1989.
Fencing on the border was resumed. The Punjab police was entrusted with the job of restoring law and order.
Within months, there was a gradual return to peace and law and order.
The Congress Government then took the courageous decision: to hold elections to the Punjab State Legislature and Lok Sabha.
Elections were held. The Congress was returned to power with an overwhelming majority.
That marked the beginning of a new era in Punjab. Elections to the Legislature were followed by elections to Nagarpalikas and Panchayats. Today, the people of Punjab rule themselves through their elected representatives.
Today, there is peace in Punjab.
There has been a tremendous increase in economic activity.
Both industry and agriculture are thriving as never before. Indian and foreign companies are flocking to Punjab to make massive investments.
Punjab is a testimony to the statesmanship and wisdom shown by Prime Minister Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao, in handing an explosive situation.
The State of Jammu & Kashmir was relatively peaceful until November 1989. The pitch was queered during the rule of Janata Dal. The Janata Dal was aided and abetted by the BJP.
Together they sacrificed the interests of the people of the State for political expediency. Together they destroyed the bond of trust and friendship between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India.
The Congress has strained every nerve to rebuild this bond.
The Congress believed - and continues to believe - that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a Government of their choice.
The Congress has, therefore, promised that Jammu and Kashmir can enjoy a large measure of autonomy within the framework of the Indian Constitution. Article 370 of the Constitution of India shall stand.
The Congress believes that elections - howsoever difficult - are the only way to break the gridlock in Jammu and Kashmir.
Elections have already been ordered for the Lok Sabha from J & K.
The Congress further pledges to hold elections to the State Legislature. The Congress pledges to restore democratic government in that State
Shri Rajiv Gandhi's last great legislative initiative was the introduction of the Constitution Amendment Bills to provide for Panchayats and Nagarpalikas. He dreamed of restoring power to the people.
He dreamed of a government close to the people.
He dreamed of a vibrant grassroots democracy with women, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes sharing power and exercising authority.
But the Opposition Parties combined to defeat the Bills in Parliament in 1989.
Rajiv died in 1991, his dream unfulfilled.
Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao revived that dream.
The Constitution Amendment providing for Panchayats and Nagarpalikas came into force on 24th April 1993.
Seats at every level, including that of President or Chairman have been reserved for SCs/ STs.
30% of the seats are reserved for women.
Elections have been held in all but three states of India to Panchayats and Nagarpalikas.
A silent revolution has taken place in the towns and villages of India. Its full impact will be felt in the next few years.
There are only 4000 MPs and MLAs representing the people in our political system. In a population of 95 crore, that was not enough. 30 lakh representatives at grassroots -- one-third of whom are women -- will now emerge as leaders of the people.
Reservations for the Backward Classes was an idea of the Congress. Jawaharlal Nehru made this into a Constitutional principle in 1952. Reservations became a part of the Congress Party's social justice programme.
Since then, Congress Governments have successfully implemented reservations for the Backward Classes in several Congress ruled States.
In 1990, due to its ham-handed and opportunistic approach the Janata Dal Government triggered a virtual caste war in several parts of India.
The election of a Congress Government in 1991 brought peace to a society that was threatened with disruption by caste strife.
Quietly, but firmly, Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao's Government implemented the recommendations for the Mandal Commission.
27% of the jobs were reserved for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the Central Government and in Public Sector Undertakings.
Today, even in the IAS and IPS, and IPS, OBCs have been appointed, thanks to the implementation of the Mandal Report by the Congress Government.
A National Commission for Backward Classes has been established.
A National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation has been established with an authorised capital of Rs. 200 crore. Its object is to promote economic and other developmental activities for the Backward Classes.
The abolition of poverty remains the foremost objective of the Congress Government.
Since the days of Shrimati Indira Gandhi, Congress has declared its faith in programmes which attack poverty at the grassroots.
The very poor in India do not have property. They do not have jobs. Often they do not have work.
Needless to say they do not have houses, or sanitary latrines. Till recently the village artisans did not have efficient tool kits for improving their production. These are some of the reasons of poverty.
These issues have been addressed by Congress Governments through a number of anti-poverty programmes.
The P.V. Narasimha Rao Government has enlarge and expanded these programmes. It has also introduced new programmes.
The investment in rural development and poverty alleviation during the period 1991-1996 has been Rs. 34,000 crore. This is thrice the amount spent in the previous five years. It is proposed to increase this outlay by times more, to around Rs. 90,000 crore, in the next five years during the Ninth Pan.
The record speaks for itself.
In the four year period - July 1991 to July 1995:
The greatest success has been the creation of work - work which translates into incomes for the very poor and assets for the country.
Employment Assurance Scheme to provide wage employment for two persons in the household and agricultural labourers was introduced in 3198 Blocks in 391 Districts.
Wage employment under Jawahar Rozgar Yojana was intensified in works based upon local needs and priorities.
These Employment Schemes would be expanded to provide wage employment to all persons seeking and needing. it. This is the way poverty is being attacked.
The Congress Government launched a National Social Assistance Programme on the 15th of August, 1995. This programme has three components and allocation of funds in the last two years has been over Rs. 1500 crore.
A National Old Age Pension Scheme provides Rs. 75 per month to destitute persons of 65 years and above. This will benefit 54 lakh people.
A National Family Benefit Scheme provides a lump sum benefit of Rs. 5000 in case of natural death and Rs. 10000 in case of accidental death of the primary bread earner of a family below the Poverty Line and aged between 18 and 64 years.
A National Maternity Benefit Scheme provides a lump sum assistance of Rs. 300 to a pregnant woman above the age of 19 years below the poverty line. This is estimated to benefit 46 lakh women each year.
Farmers are the backbone of our country and the economy. The Indian National Congress has always given the highest priority to them.
The Eighth Plan outlay for the Ministry of Agriculture was enhanced to Rs. 10,000 crore as against a little less than Rs. 3,500 crore in the Seventh Plan, an increase of over 180%.
No Government ever gave farmers such high remunerative prices by way of Minimum Support Price as was done by the Congress during the last 5 years. Thus the Minimum Support Price of paddy which was Rs. 230 per quintal in 1991-92 was increased to Rs. 360 per quintal in 1995-96. Similarly, the support price of wheat was increased from Rs. 275 per quintal to Rs. 380 per quintal over the same period.
As a result of policy initiatives and special programmes introduced, the agriculture sector has become more competitive and efficient. Indian agriculture has been freed from controls of domestic and international trade which have substantially enhanced the opportunities for our farmers to reap remunerative returns.
Our progressive policies have enabled farmers to reach new heights of production and productivity. Higher production and productivity has in turn led to higher wages, enhancing the purchasing power of the rural poor.
Foodgrain production has increased to a record level of 19.1 crore tonnes in 1994-95. A major thrust was given to horticulture - the Eighth Plan outlay on horticulture is Rs. 1000 crore against an expenditure of only Rs. 24 crore in the Seventh Plan. India is now the largest producer of fruits and second largest producer of vegetables and coconuts in the world. The production of milk has increased substatially from 5.39 crore tonnes in 1990-91 to above 6.3 crore tonnes in 1994-95. Total agricultural exports have increased from about Rs. 5,000 crore in 1990-91 to over Rs. 10,000 crore in 1994-95. For the first time the export of marine products crossed US $ 1 billion in 1994-95.
From a position where we used to import agricultural products, the agricultural sector today has become a dynamic outward looking sector, helping the economy by producing enough to meet the country's needs and also by earning valuable foreign exchange.
Our agricultural production strategy has moved to encompass all soil and agro-climatic conditions specially in the rain-fed areas and drought-prone areas, in which the bulk of our rural poor reside. Watershed development projects for sustainable development of these areas have been launched under National Watershed Development Projects for Rain-fed Areas (NWDPRA), Drought-prone Areas Programme (DPAP) and Integrated Wasteland Development Projects (IWDP).
DPAP has now been extended to 946 Blocks in the country and its outlay has been more than doubled between 1991-92 and 1995-96. Its guidelines now provide for greater people's participation through Punchayats, Watershed Associations and self-help groups.
Another important step which has been in active consideration and which will be implemented forthwith, is de-licensing of the Sugar industry.
The time has come when in overall terms, Agriculture needs to be accorded the status of an Industry. This will be done now, since all the other steps required in this behalf have been competed.
To protect the interests of Traditional Fishermen in the Coastal areas and to ensure the growth of joint ventures to be established under the Deep Sea Fishing Policy, the recommendations of the Review Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri P. Murari will be processed and implemented.
Essential commodities such as rice, wheat, sugar, palmolein and kerosene are distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) at prices generally lower than the market price through fair price shops.
In 1992, the Congress Government launched a scheme to revamp the PDS in 1752 backward blocks falling in drought-prone areas, desert areas and hill and tribal areas. Additional commodities like tea, soap and pulses are also distributed through the Revamped PDS shops. Additional allocations of foodgrains have been earmarked and foodgrains are distributed at prices lower than even in the PDS. The most vulnerable sections of our population are served through the Revamped PDS.
The PDS subsidy bill in 1995-96 was Rs. 5,500 crore. The objective is to benefit the very poor and bring them relief.
The Congress promises to extend the Revamped PDS to 694 more blocks.
The National Commission for SCs and STs has been conferred constitutional status and has recently been reconstituted.
The National Commission for Safai Karmacharis has been constituted and has been in operation for the past two years. The Commission looks into the specific problems of Safai Karmacharis and recommends specific programmes for elimination of inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities for them.
A National Scheme was launched in March 1992 for liberation and rehabilitation of Safai Kamacharis so as to eliminate the inhuman practice of carrying night soil and filth on head by the end of the Eighth Five Year Plan. A separate Finance and Development Corporation for extending concessional finance to Safai Karmacharis for starting self employment projects is being set up with an authorised capital of Rs. 200 crore.
Reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, now made through an executive order under Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution, will be provided for under suitable Acts to be made by Parliament and the State Legislatures.
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and other applicable laws will be reviewed, amended and strengthened with the object of ensuring quick justice to the affected Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes.
Rules under SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 have been modified with effect from 31.3.95 wherein payment of compensation to the victims has been increased manifold and the procedure for payment has also been simplified.
The Congress Government amended the Constitution in order to continue the reservations for SCs /STs in promotions.
In order to honour Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and to disseminate his message of social justice and social emancipation, the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation has been set up as a registered society to manage and administer the long term schemes and programmes identified during his centenary celebrations.
Dr. Ambedkar University in Lucknow has been converted into a central university.
Dr. Ambedkar Chairs have been instituted in 9 Universities in India.
Dr. Ambedkar Overseas Scholarships are awarded to meritorious students for pursuing advanced studies.
Dr. Ambedkar National Award has been instituted for promoting outstanding contribution in the field of social understanding and work done for weaker sections.
The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) was established in 1987 with the primary aim of marketing Minor Forest Produce and surplus agricultural produce collected by the tribals so as to get them remunerative prices and to eliminate the middlemen who exploit the tribals. The authorised share capital of TRIFED has been increased from Rs. 50 crore to Rs. 100 crore. The turnover of TRIFED has gone up 10 times from Rs. 40 crore in 1990-91 to Rs. 400 crore during 1995-96.
Tribal Commission under Article 339 (1) of the Constitution will be constituted soon to report on administration of Scheduled Areas and welfare of Scheduled Tribes in States.
Congress Government took the historic decision to provide reservation of 27% to socially and educationally backward classes in civil posts and services under Government of India on 8th September, 1993.
The OBC candidates were given age relaxation of three years and 3 additional attempts in Civil Service Examinations.
A permanent statutory Commission for Backward Classes has been set up to make recommendations to the Government for inclusions /exclusions of castes in the Central list of OBCs.
The National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation has been set up with an authorised share capital of Rs. 200 crore for providing concessional finance to the poorer sections of backward classes for setting up self employment ventures. During the last four years Rs. 146.5 crore has been disbursed so far.
The Pre-Examination Coaching Scheme has been introduced with effect from 1992-93 to prepare candidates from Other Backward Classes and Minorities for competitive examinations. The number of candidates coached under the scheme during the past three years has been around 6,630.
A new scheme for welfare of street children has been started under which NGOs are given financial assistance for care, protection and development of street children. 81 centres have been set up under this scheme covering 37 important cities.
A new scheme for setting up homes for the aged was launched in 1992-93. Under this scheme 209 old age homes, 239 Day Care Centres and 29 Mobile Units have been functioning.
Women have been in the forefront of the Congress while championing the causes of the people and in the freedom struggle.
Apart from the legislative and other measurers taken from time to time, the Congress Government has set up the Rashtriya Mahila Kosh to develop a network of credit services for women working in the informal sector and to support self-employment ventures.
The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana has been launched for the welfare of women. A women who deposits Rs. 300 in the post office will get Rs. 375 after one year. A sum of Rs. 1,000 crore has been set aside for the scheme which will make our women self-confident, self-reliant and independent.
The Congress Government has established the National Commission on Women. Besides, there is a Commissioner for Women's Rights to promote the social well-being of women and check atrocities and violence directed at women.
The Congress Government has already provided reservations for women in Panchyats and Nagarpalikas. By a suitable amendment in the Constitution, Congress will provide reservations for women in State Legislatures and Parliament.
The Congress regards all Indian citizens as equal.
Yet we recognise Minorities of several kinds because we recognise he special disadvantages that they suffer and the special help that they need.
This is not appeasement. This is heeding the call of the Constitution of India.
Equal status to all people and protection of the Minorities are fundamental features of the Indian Constitution. They are also the fundamental features of any plural society.
The cornerstone of Secularism is the security of the Minorities. The cornerstone of a civil society is the security of all people.
The Congress will leave no stone unturned to secure the life and liberty of all the people including the Minorities.
The Congress regards the 15-point Programme for the welfare of Minorities as a charter of duties. The programme will be reviewed from time to time, revised and updated.
For instance, a Rapid Action Force, consisting of young men of all communities, has been established. They are stationed at sensitive places. Although new, it has already shown its mettle and earned public confidence. The Congress Government has established the National Minority Finance and Development Corporation with a capital of Rs. 500 crore. The Corporation will support projects and schemes that will promote the well-being of Minorities.
The Minorities Commission has given statutory status.
The Congress Government has enacted the Protection of Places of Worship Act, 1991. The status of all places of worship as it existed on the day of Independence will be preserved. No one can now misuse any place of worship to divide Indian society.
After wide-ranging discussions and consultations with Muslim Members of Parliament, Members of Central Wakf Council and other leaders of the Muslim community, a comprehensive legislation to amend and consolidate the law relating to the administration of Wakfs has been enacted. The Wakf Act has come into force with effect from 1.1.96.
The Maulana Azad Education Foundation has been set up as an independent entity with a Corpus Fund of Rs. 30 crore with a view to promoting education amongst educationally backward Minorities in particular and the weaker sections in general.
The Congress has made its position very clear on the question of Personal Law. The Congress believes that there should be no imposition by Government of any change in the Personal Law of any community or any section of people. Such changes, against the wishes of the community concerned, would neither be favourable nor acceptable, if attempted in the name of uniformity.
The Congress is proud of the role played by the Indian workers in accelerating the pace of industrial development. The interest of workers has always been uppermost in the minds of successive Congress Governments.
It was Shri Rajiv Gandhi who set up a high level National Commission on Rural Labour when he was Prime Minister. The Government of Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao has taken important steps to implement the recommendations of the Commission and in extending social security and insurance schemes to various sections of unorganised labour.
The Congress Government has raised the eligibility limit for payment of bonus from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,500 per month and the ceiling for calculation of bonus from Rs. 1,600 to Rs. 2,500 per month. Earlier, it had increased the ceiling under the Payment of Gratuity Act to enable workers to get gratuity upto Rs. 1 lakh.
The Congress Government issued orders in March, 1992 sanctioning "one time increase" in pension with effect from 1st January, 1992 involving a recurring expenditure of about Rs. 140 crores. About 8.3 lakh defence pensioners will benefit under this scheme. Till April, 1995 over 5 lakh pensioners have already been sanctioned one time increases under this scheme.
The Congress Government has also undertaken various steps for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. Amounts of financial assistance provided from Raksha Mantri's Discretionary Fund to ex-servicemen in penury for marriage of their daughters, repair of house, education of children and medical treatment have also been enhanced.
In the last four years, a number of initiatives have been taken for promoting the welfare of disabled persons.
A comprehensive legislation for safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities and enabling them to enjoy equal opportunities and participate in national life will be introduced shortly.
A National Finance and Development Corporation with an authorised share capital Rs. 400 crore and a paid-up share capital of Rs. 200 crore has been set up to extend concessional finance to the disabled for self employment projects and promoting technical skills.
A National Trust for welfare of persons with mental retardation and cerebral palsy will be set up which a Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha last year. The Indian Spinal injury Centre has been set up in collaboration with the Italian government to provide treatment to persons suffering from spinal injury.
The Congress Government of Shri Rajiv Gandhi lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. Millions of young men and women have thus been given an opportunity to participate directly in the political process.
The population of India is getting younger. About 60% of the population is below the age of 40. That is 55 crore people. A Committee on National Youth Programmes has been set up under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister.
The Congress Government of Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao has made a public and firm commitment to spend 6% of the country's GDP on education. This would mean a doubling of investments in education by the turn of the century.
The Congress Government launched a new mid-day meal programme to increase nutrition and improve school attendance of 11 crore children in classes I to IV in three years. In the very first of the scheme, 3.4 crore children have covered.
An innovative programme has been launched for overhauling primary education in 42 of the educationally backward districts of the country. This programme is focussed on the education of girls and disadvantaged groups such as girls, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and children with disabilities. This programme, which is in operation in 42 educationally backward districts of the country would be extended to all districts soon.
In more than 300 districts of the country total literacy campaigns have been taken up. The National Literacy Mission has made big strides and its achievements have been acknowledged widely. These total literacy campaigns would be further strengthened with special emphasis upon marginalised groups like child workers, pavement dwellers, migrant labour, etc.
Despite tight fiscal constraints, the Central Plan budget allocation for education has gone up by over 90% in the last three years. The Congress Government's commitment to education can be seen from the fact that Plan investment in elementary education has gone up by 130% in the same period. The Congress is committed to ensuring access to elementary education by the year 2001, laying particular emphasis on the Girl Child and imparting a strong vocational bias to secondary education.
Access to Technical education, Vocational education and Higher education would be expanded and improved through distance learning modes, open schools and open universities.
Emerging areas of technology and management would be encouraged, supported and nurtured through centres of excellence.
Power is essential infrastructure for agriculture and industry. There is also growing demand for electrification of households. Development and prosperity means increased consumption of power. The improvement in the quality of our lives depends to large extent on the reliable supply of power.
With the best of efforts, the country is able to add about 4500 MW every year through public investment. A full 20% of the 8th Plan outlay has gone to the power sector alone. the demand for power is about 14,000 MWs per year for the next 10 years.
Hence the Congress Government took a decision to encourage the entry of private and Indian companies in the power sector. More private investment would release Government resources to be used in social sector programmes. A 1000 MW power station, if implemented in the private sector, would release Rs 3,000 crore which is the annual expenditure on the education sector. Thus investment in education could easily double.
The full effect of the Congress Government's policy of encouraging foreign and Indian private companies in the power sector will be felt in the years to come. The last four years have been a learning process for both the Government and companies involved.
In the last five years, between April 1991 and March 1996, power generation in the country has grown steadily despite considerable odds. While in 1990-91, 286.7 billion units (BU) of electricity was generated in the year 1995-96 the generation was 379.8 BU, i.e. an increase of 93.1 BU, which, in percentage terms, represents an increase of 32.5%.
During this period the annual per capita consumption of electricity in the country grew by almost 24% to approximately 330 units.
Even this level of growth is not adequate and efforts are being intensified to meet the growing demand for power which is annually increasing by about 8%.
The plant load factor, denoting efficiency of available capacity, rose substantially from 55.8% to 63%.
The Central Public Sector Undertakings in the power sector have shown a superb performance and made record profits of about Rs. 1800 crores in 1995-96 and are now paying dividends to the Government regularly.
Besides electrifying about 75,000 new villages, over 21 lakh agricultural pumpsets in the rural areas were energised in the last five years. To improve the general health of the electricity sector, special efforts are being made to reform and restructure the State Electricity Boards so that their functioning becomes more viable and responsive to consumer needs.
Overwhelming response has come from investors within India and abroad and nearly 140 projects aggregating to about 66,000 MW of new capacity and involving an investment of Rs. 2,50,000 crore are at various stages of active processing. Given political stability, continued infusion of such massive investment into the power sector is sure to be achieved.
The production of nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers has reached an all time record level of 104.3 lakh tonnes.
Fertilizers are also imported liberally. Thus, the availability of fertilizers has been ensured to fully meet demand at all times. In fact, at times there has been a glut.
Seven expansion projects in the public and cooperative sectors involving an investment of Rs. 4200 crore are under implementation.
The price of Urea continues to be heavily subsidised. On every tonne of Urea sold to farmers, the Government of India bears a subsidy of Rs. 2500. The sale price of urea in India is the lowest among our neighbouring countries.
To ensure that there is no shortage in the supply of fertilizers to our farmers, the Congress Government has taken steps to initiate joint ventures abroad. Projects in Iran, Oman and Tanzania are being finalised.
Fertilizer factories owned and operated by organisations of farmers' cooperative like KRIBHCO and IFFCO have turned in excellent performances. They have major plans to set up new fertilizer plants in the country.
The Congress Government has ushered in a revolution in telecommunications. The national Telecom Policy of 1994 is a landmark development. The Opposition parties criticised this policy, but the Government's stand was vindicated by the judgement of the Supreme Court in January, 1996.
In the last four years, 1.38 lakh villages have been provided with telephone facilities. Out of 2,43,555 Gram Panchayats, 1,55,410 have been provided with telephone facilities. By 1997 all villages and gram panchayats will be on the National Telecom network.
STD Public Call Offices have doubled in the last four years, providing gainful employment to nearly 10 lakh unemployed educated people in the country. All the 500 District headquarters, 90% of the Sub-division headquarters and 85% of Tehsil headquarters have been provided with STD facilities. In this way telecommunications is being used to bring the country closer together.
To ensure that more and more Indians have access to the latest telecommunication technology at affordable prices, the Congress Government has taken far reaching steps along with private sector participation. The private sector will mobillise resources and obtain the most cost-effective equipment. The Department of Telecommunications will continue to be a major provider of telephone services.
The postal system continues to play a vital role in our country. In order to speed up transmission of money orders, a Satellite Money Order service has been launched covering 75 locations. This will enable instantaneous transfer of money benefiting lakhs of users in villages and towns.
The Congress is deeply conscious of the critical role that small scale industry plays in our economy. One of the very first steps taken by the P.V. Narasimha Rao Government was to announce a package of policy measures in July 1991 to strengthen the small scale industry.
A full-fledged Small Industry Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has started functioning. New legislation has been introduced to ensure timely payments to small scale entrepreneurs. Bank facilities have been strengthened in about 100 centres in the country where there is a cluster of small scale units.
The Khadi and Village industries Commission has been revived. A Rs. 1000 crore investment programme is under implementation to modernise these industries. This will create lakhs of jobs and open new markets for rural and small scale production enterprises.
All the steps taken by the Congress Government in the field of industrial and trade policy will create a new environment for small scale businesses. Improved technology is already flowing into the small scale sectors and new markets both in India and abroad are being opened up.
The Public Sector belongs to the people.
The savings of the people, tapped as borrowings and taxes, have gone into the Public Sector.
Our experience with Public Sector enterprises has been mixed.
Some enterprises have always done well. Some have been turned around recently. Others are chronically sick.
Some enterprises were put in the Public Sector because of security and strategic considerations. They will remain in the Public Sector.
Over Rs. 1,50,000 crore of the people's money has been invested in the Public Sector. The annual return is less than Rs. 3,000 crore. This is grossly inadequate.
The restructuring of the Public Sector is therefore of the highest priority.
The Congress Government has set up a National Renewal Fund to fully protect the interests of labour and to provide adequate funds for retraining and skill development. Almost 2,000 crore has been allocated to this Fund in the last two years.
The goal is to make these enterprises productive, efficient and profitable. The Congress is committed to achieve this goal.
Successive Congress Governments have been deeply committed to the development of Indian Science and Technology. It is because of this sustained support given by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Shrimati Indira Gandhi, Shri Rajiv Gandhi and, since 1991, by Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao, that India has emerged as a leading nation in the development and application of Science and Technology.
Only five countries in the world have designed, built and launched satellites into space. India is one of them.
The INSAT satellite series are being used extensively for telecommunications, TV broadcasting, weather forecasting to our farmers and in giving early warning on disasters like floods.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has developed many processes for several vital and essential drugs. This will help in timely production of these drugs. And at a cost which is one third to one fifth the price of the imported drugs. These include drugs for the treatment of Malaria, Gusto-enteritis, Cancer, T.B. and AIDS.
New technology programmes have been launched to modernise tanneries, improve recovery of sugar and improve productivity of fish farms.
The country's atomic energy programme has been consolidated in the last five years. About 700 MWs of additional power capacity has been added. Nuclear technology is being used in preservation and storage of food, introduction and extensive use of high yielding and insect and drought resistant varieties of ground-nut, moong and urad, high yielding varieties of bananas, cleaning of sewage, etc.
Impressive progress has also been made in fields like computers, robotics and lasers.
For the first time oral polio vaccine will be manufactured in the country. This will benefit 20 million children who are born every year.
Bio-technology applications to develop new varieties of cotton and rice and to improve the yield of our livestock population are now undergoing extensive transfer from laboratory to the field.
The people elect their representatives. Election carries the obligation of accountability.
The Congress Government is committed to providing an open, accountable and responsive administration at all levels.
The Congress Government is committed to the principle that all executive action-administrative or quasi judicial - shall be according to law.
The accountability of all to Parliament will remain supreme.
The Congress is committed to an independent judiciary. The accountability of all to the law and to the judiciary shall also remain supreme.
The revolutionary Panchayati Raj and Nagarpalika initiative will place power in the hands of people where it truly belongs. The strengthening of local governments will make the administration more accountable to the people.
The Congress will take steps to set up a Lok Pal. It will ensure that all those Congressmen and Congresswomen elected to public office will make a public declaration of their assets.
All elected representatives belonging to the Congress will declare their assets on the day they enter upon their offices. They shall also make a declaration of their assets on the day they vacate their offices.
The Congress Governments have a proud record in securing the defence of India.
Every Congress Government has added to the strength of India's defence.
The period from 1991-1996 has been another period of strengthening India's defence forces.
The important achievements of this period are:
By the turn of the century, India's defence forces will have the most versatile main battle tank and the most modern military aircraft of its kind.
The Indian defence forces have always been soldiers of peace.
Following the great traditions of the past, Indian defence personnel were deployed abroad in several countries including Kampuchia, Somalia and Rwanda as part of the UN peace keeping missions to these countries.
The world has changed dramatically in the last five years. Indian foreign policy has had to face new challenges arising out of fast moving global political and economic developments. The Congress Government under Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao has adopted a pragmatic and flexible approach to meet these challenges and has reoriented foreign policy to make it an effective instrument for furthering India's economic and political objectives.
India's prestige in the world has been restored by the Congress Government. The country is now respected and sought after. The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) has made India a full dialogue partner -- an honour that India now shares with the US, the European Union, Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. By becoming a full dialogue partner India becomes a major player in the economic and security policy consultations involving some of world's most dynamic and fast growing countries.
A large number of developed and developing countries have supported the inclusion of India as a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
Prime Minister Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao's visit to China in 1993 resulted in the conclusion of the historic agreement on the maintenance of peace and tranquillity along the line of actual control. It is an important step towards cordial relations and harmony between the two giant countries. Bilateral trade with China has registered a rapid expansion and Consulates have been opened in Shanghi and Mumbai.
With Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao's highly successful visit to the United States in 1994, the relationship between the two countries is growing closer by the day and the United States continues to be India's largest trading partner and the single largest investor country.
A large number of bilateral agreements have been signed with Russia covering the entire spectrum of political, economic, technological and defence relations with Russia.
India's ties with countries like Japan, UK and Germany have greatly expanded following Shri Narasimha Rao's visits. These countries are taking greater interest in India's economic and social development.
India has always had close ties with developing countries. Traditional friendly relations with countries in the Gulf region, Iran and the Central Asian Republics have been further cemented and upgraded and given a tangible economic dimension.
New and close relationships have been forged with emerging economic powers like Israel, South Korea and South Africa.
A path-breaking development in India's foreign policy has been the launching of a regional economic cooperation initiative around the only ocean that takes its name from a country -- the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean Rim Initiative launched in March 1995 will cover all areas of cooperation.
The SAARC nations took a significant step forward and launched the SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) with effect from 7th December, 1995. They have resolved to usher in a Free Trade Area (SAFTA) by the year 2005 and preferably by the year 2000. India's pioneering role in promoting SAPTA and SAFTA has been recognised in the South Asian region and elsewhere in the world.
The long-standing problem between India and Bangladesh relating to the Tin Bigha corridor was finally resolved by the Congress Government of Shri P.V.Narasimha Rao.
The voluntary return of Sri Lankan refugees to their homes commenced in January, 1992.
A landmark agreement for the development of the Mahakali river was finalised with Nepal. A large number of India-funded projects were commissioned in Nepal and Maldives.
An important border trade agreement was finalised with Myanmar trhereby promoting trade, including border trade, for the benefit of the local people on both sides.
The Congress Government has taken every step to establish cordial and good relations with Pakistan. It proposed a series of confidence building measures that were, unfortunately, rejected by Pakistan. Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao has repeatedly said that India is ready to discuss bilateral issues with Pakistan without any preconditions and to resolve all outstanding differences peacefully.
The Congress favours a nuclear weapons free world and will continue efforts for total and complete disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament. Our nuclear policy is geared for peaceful purposes.
We are deeply concerned that Pakistan is developing nuclear weapons unabated. They have already inflicted four wars upon India. In case Pakistan persists in the development and deployment of nuclear weapons, India will be constrained to review her policy to meet the threat.
The Congress Government at the Centre has fulfilled almost all the promises made in the manifesto of 1991. It has amply demonstrated that the Congress is a doer and not just a talker. Its main concern has always been and will always be for the emancipation of the poor and their early entry into the middle and higher classes of the society.
In the foregoing pages the Indian National Congress has revealed a vital and important agenda. It is an agenda that will provide the nation with strength and stability and take us forward.
Internal peace and harmony, national security and political stability are the sine qua non of a strong India. An India that can hold its head high in the world. The Indian National Congress, as in the past, pledges to strive for these goals vigorously without any compromise or let up.
Within the framework of a large agenda contained in this Manifesto the Congress presents the following concrete programme which will be implemented straightway upon securing the mandate of the people. This programme is necessarily composed of:
Our vision for the next five years, containing the main items for better life, is as followings:
Better Life
Detailed comments on these and other important items of the programme are given hereunder:
1. Economic and Institutional Reform
(i) To carry forward the momentum of economic reform and restructuring of economic policies to achieve a higher trajectory of economic growth, efficiency and competitiveness in all production sectors and achieve 8 to 9% growth in GDP per annum.
(ii) To initiate Rural Structural Transformation, consistent with and supportive of national reform. The main objective is to transform rural areas and backward regions to prosperity, with a diversified economic base, rural industrialisation and reduced rural-urban gap in transport, communications and services.
(iii) To extend and enhance support to our scientists and technologists and foster rapid utilisation of science and technology in all our national tasks, specially defence.
(iv) Intensify promotion of agro-processing, tiny and household enterprises, ventures and activities through improved arrangements for infrastructure and credit facilities and freeing them from bureaucratic and procedural formalities.
(v) Re-orient agricultural science and technology, extension and other support systems towards rainfed and drought-prone areas and extend Watershed Development Projects for conservation of water and protection of land with people's participation. The entire rainfed and dry areas in the country would be covered through these watershed development projects.
(vi) Continue and strengthen the policy reforms, price incentives and input subsidies which have improved the relative profitability of agriculture and have enabled our farmers to reach new heights of production and productivity.
(vii) Time bound implementation of the recommendations of the Committee on Revitalisation of Land Reform Administration and Computerisation of Land Records (P. S. Appu Committee), in consultation with the States.
(viii) Usher in a new policy for cooperatives to restore their democratic structure and autonomy of management.
(ix) Formulate the Ninth Five Year Plan in time with wide ranging consultations especially with the State Governments.
(x) Enhance the functional and financial domain of self-government institutions established under Constitution (73rd and 74th Amendments) Acts and support measures for training and decentralised planning at the micro-level.
(xi) Ensure that District Planning Boards as envisaged under Article 243 ZD of the Constitution, are established in every State at the district level to initiate, integrate and consolidate participatory local level plans.
(xii) Implement the recommendations of the Committee of Members of Parliament and Experts on the law concerning extension of constitutional provisions relating to Panchayats and Nagarpalikas to scheduled areas.
2. Removal of poverty and unemployment
(i) Extend the Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) to all 4997 blocks in the country and intensify the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRY), to provide wage employment to all adults seeking and needling such employment.
(ii) Extend the Revamped Public Distribution System (RPDS) to all the 3198 backward blocks in the country and to families residing in Urban slums. Reduce the issue price of rice and wheat distributed in RPDS blocks by Rs. 2.00 per kg.
(iii) Extend Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) to all 4997 blocks in the country and ensure arrangements for nutritional support equivalent to 150 gms of foodgrains per day to all the eligible pre-school children and expectant and nursing mothers.
(iv) Extend the National Mid-Day Meal Programme to cover all elementary schools in the country and enhance the quantum of foodgrains supplied per child from 3 kg. per month to 5 kg per month, with the condition of 20 days' attendance of the child per month in the academic year.
(v) Provide skill development and self-employment opportunities to all literate youth belonging to poor households through intensification of Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) and the Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana (PMRY).
The Congress promises near-full employment by 2002 AD on the following basis:
Estimates of additional employment generated in the first three years of the Eighth Five Year Plan have been made on the basis of Provisional Estimates of GDP for 1992-93, Quick Estimates of GDP for 1993-94 and Advance Estimates of GDP for 1994-95 released by the Central Statistical Organisation and estimates of employment elesticities made in the Planning Commission. According to these, additional employment opportunities of the order of 187.8 lakh are estimated to have been generated during the first three years of the VIII Plan, implying an average rate of employment growth of 2.03 per cent per annum. During 1995-96 and 1996-97 employment is likely to grow by 150 lakh, making a total of 337.8 lakh during the Eighth Plan.
If these efforts are stepped up through intensive implementation of Special Employment Programmes as mentioned in Chapter XIII and growth of 7 to 8% is achieved during Ninth Plan Period, achievement of 100 to 110 lakh jobs in a year and a total of 660 lakh jobs during 1997-2002 is feasible. This would give near fulfillment of the objective of employment for all by 2002 AD.
(vi) Enhance the quantum of benefits to persons from poor households under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) being implemented with the active participation of Panchayats and Municipalities to:
Rs. 100 per month for old persons above 65 years of age; and
Rs. 500 for maternity assistance.
(vii) Extend Mahila Samriddhi Yojana to group savings and activities of rural women and provide facilities at their doorsteps for opening of accounts and receipt of interest income. Bring about a five - fold increase in the number of accounts opened.
VIII. (viii) Take all measures for substantial reduction of Child Labour and total abolition of Child Labour from hazardous industries.
3. Basic needs and human development
(i)Ensure that 6% of the country's GDP is spent on education and intensify all related activities for promotion of capability and involvement of teachers and provision of school buildings and educational aids on a mission mode to achieve universalisation of elementary education and foster excellence in higher education.
(ii)Launch a national sanitation programme to intensify public health and immunisation activities; to secure a disease-free atmosphere in the country, with the involvement of Panchayats, Nagarpalikas and NGOs. Implement innovative school health programme to provide health education as well as health services to all the school children through the help of primary school teachers and primary health-care providers.
(iii)A comprehensive survey on the status of drinking water in rural habitations conducted during 1991-93 has revealed that even after almost completing all the main villages, there are still a large number of habitations without adequate source of drinking water or chemical contamination of water through excess of fluoride, iron, arsenic and salinity. All these habitations would be provided with safe drinking water sources through intensification of outlays and implementation of Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme by the Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission.
(iv)The 1991 census has revealed the total rural housing shortage comprising of houseless rural families or those living in unserviceable rural kachcha houses as 1.3 crores. The Indira Awas Yojana will be expanded to provide a pukka house to all these households.
(v)Launch a massive housing programme to provide savings- linked housing loan assistance at subsidised rate of interest, with life insurance cover to benefit all economically weaker sections households in rural and urban areas. This scheme will be administered through HUDCO and other housing corporations, boards, development authorities, cooperative societies and NGOs and with direct credit from LIC, GIC etc. and will be designed to benefit one crore households.
(vi)Strengthen the post-harvest activities, cold storage, pre-cooling, refrigerated marketing and transport facilities in the country, thereby minimising post-harvest losses and enhancing the incomes of the cultivators in these districts.
(vii)Protect our biological and environmental heritage through strict vigilance over pollution, denudation and displacement and promotion of sustainable development through participatory mechanisms such as Joint Forest Management Groups.
(viii)Introduce a system of "proximity benefits" in favour of a specified number of villages adjacent to a large industry, to be funded out of the funds of the industry upto about one per cent of its outlay. Details will be worked out at an early date after the new Congress Government takes over.
4. Special measures for excluded sections of our society
(i) Formulation and implementation of a national strategy to promote full participation and equality, of persons with disability in all programmes of rural development and other social sectors under the newly enacted legislation for disabled persons.
(ii) Enhance the allocation of funds and intensification of the activities of the Commissions and the Corporations established for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, Minorities, Women and disabled persons, to pull up their socio-economic development and to deal with gaps and missing links in their development process.
(iii) Extend the reservations for certain excluded categories in deserving cases, such as Dalit Christians and for Women in Vidhan Sabhas and the Lok Sabha.
(iv) Appoint a Commission on Tribal Areas under Article 339 (1) of the Constitution to report on good administration of Scheduled Areas and welfare of Scheduled Tribes in States and implement its recommendations within one year.
5. National Security and Integration
(i) Relentless fight against terrorism and all other anti-national activities with special developmental efforts in States and regions which continue to be disturbed.
(ii) Strengthen the steps taken by the Centre, with States' cooperation, to protect our borders on land and sea in dealing with infiltration of foreigners, smuggling and narco-trafficking.
(iii) Elimination of criminal nexus with influential segments and control of organised crime, that has come to vitiate our social, political and administrative structures.
(iv) Central support for modernisation and training of police service, aimed at improving their response, quality of investigations and accountability to crime and treatment of offenders.
(v) Simplification of procedures and strengthening of judiciary for disposal of all pending cases in three years.
(vi) The National Security Council formed in 1990 proved to be unwieldy. The Congress Government, after it came to power in 1991, has made a thorough reappraisal of the aspects of national security and a new blueprint, suited to the Parliamentary system of Government, has been evolved. At the apex is the Cabinet Committee on National Security(CCNS) with three Cabinet Sub-Committees on internal Security, Defence and Foreign Policy. A strategic policy group will contribute to the CCNS, assisted by the Joint Intelligence Committee and a strategic technology sub-group. Experts from outside the Government could be associated with these groups, giving a wide scope for fresh ideas and papers to be produced for the decision of the CCNS. The new body will be set up as soon as the new Congress Government takes over at the Centre.
6. Vigilance and anti corruption
(i) Appoint a high powered Commission consisting of eminent jurists, parliamentarians and administrators to recommend legal, administrative and enforcement measures to control and contain corruption and implement these measures within 6 months.
(ii) Establish LOKPAL with jurisdiction over all political offices, including that of the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers.
(iii) Reduce the amount of discretion obtaining in administrative decision-making, including at Ministers level, so as to render them public, transparent and accountable.
(iv) All members of Parliament, Legislatures and local bodies to declare their assets, when assuming office and when leaving office.
(v) Review the work of the enforcement agencies at the Centre and in the States with a view to accord adequate autonomy and insulation from interferences in dischanging their duties.
(vi) Involvement of the public in vigilance and control of corruption through public hearings, access to information and promotion of voluntary organisations in this area.
(vii) Strengthening of internal vigilance and anti-corruption mechanisms for preventive and punitive vigilance in all Government, Quasi-Government and Public agencies / organisations.
Our is a commitment to provide an effective Government for a stable polity, based on performance, a commitment to preserve and promote the Unity and Integrity of India in which every section of the Great Indian Nation can live in harmony and in pursuit of happiness.