Pratibha Patil calls for taking on corruption, inflation

President Pratibha Patil on Tuesday stressed on the need bringing sweeping changes to the nation’s machinery to deal more effectively with corruption and also cool down spiralling inflation figures.

Addressing the nation on the eve of 62nd Republic Day, she said that that corruption is the enemy of development and of good governance.

She said, ?Financial institutions, the corporate world and civil society – all must uphold high standards of probity in their working…We are seeking good governance and a people-centric administration. In this, callous and casual attitudes in the sphere of public service are unacceptable.?

Patil further added, the media must play an important role in bringing information, news and views to the public, which will generate awareness, promote discussion on issues and create perceptions.

The President also said that India?s economy was progressing at a stable pace and that even in the face of difficult circumstances during the global financial downturn, its performance remains appreciable.

She said, ?We are now returning to the pre-crisis growth pattern and are confident of growing at over 9 percent next year. All sectors of the economy will be contributors to our growth trajectory.”

“However, 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,? she said.

Speaking about the country’s farmers, Patil said that it would be advantageous to think of modernization and mechanized farming, and there should be deliberations on evolving suitable models for partnerships between farmers, private sector and the Government in agriculture and rural development.

?We should bear in mind that our agricultural holdings are fragmented, small and are likely to further decrease in size; making economic viability of farming a big issue.It should be kept in mind that farmers are stakeholders in every aspect related to agriculture, whether it is cultivation related activities, warehousing, processing, marketing, research or development.

“Farmers, therefore, must be involved in all these various activities, with a sensitivity that safeguards their rights on their land and its produce. The corporate sector should take up responsibility to make agriculture productivity remunerative, particularly in rain fed farming areas, as food security is of prime importance for our country,? she said.