NEW DELHI, Feb 23: President Pranab Mukherjee today said the Government is committed to forging a “mutually respectful relationship” with Pakistan while asserting that “firm and effective” steps will be taken to deal with any situation arising out of cross-border terrorism.
In his customary address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament outlining the Government’s agenda in the coming financial year, he said the Government is fully committed to firmly dealing with all challenges concerning the security of the country.
“Terrorism is a global threat and strong counter measures are necessary worldwide to eradicate it completely,” Mukherjee said, congratulating the security forces for successfully foiling the recent terror attack at the Pathankot air base.
He said, “Firm and effective steps will be taken to deal with any situation arising out of cross-border terrorism.”
Turning to Pakistan, the President said the Government is committed to forging a “mutually respectful relationship” with Pakistan and in creating an environment of cooperation in combating cross-border terrorism.
“My Government believes in a secure and prosperous future for our neighbourhood”, he said, adding that “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The world is one family” is the principle to which the Government is committed.
“Its expression is most resonant in the steps we have taken in reaching out to our neighbours,” he said at the outset.
On ties with neighbouring countries, the President said that last year, the Government adopted the historic Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh, leading to the peaceful exchange of disputed territories between the two countries.
The signing of the Motor Vehicles Agreement between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal will provide seamless connectivity and further strengthen ties, Mukherjee said.
“We have been a friend in need to Nepal during the devastating earthquake of April 2015. We opened our skies, became a key transit hub and essential enabler so that assistance from other countries could reach Nepal in the hour of need,” he recalled.
On Afghanistan, he said India remained committed in providing support to the people of Afghanistan in realising their dream of building a stable, inclusive and democratic nation.
“Dedication of the Afghanistan Parliament to its people by Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi was our contribution to Afghanistan’s pursuit of peace and prosperity,” the President said.
As the budget session commenced, Mukherjee hit out at the frequent disruption and obstruction of Parliament and urged MPs to function in a spirit of cooperation, asserting that it reflects the supreme will of the people.
He skipped contentious issues like the unrest in the JNU or Hyderabad University or the reservation agitation in Haryana.
The President declared that the Government will constantly strive for smooth and construction conduct of Parliamentary business
“Our Parliament reflects the supreme will of the people. Democratic temper calls for debate and discussion, and not disruption of obstruction.
“My Government will constantly strive for smooth and constructive conduct of Parliamentary business. I urge all Members of Parliament to discharge their solemn responsibilities in a spirit of cooperation and mutual accommodation. Let us all collectively endeavour to build a flourishing and prosperous India,” he said.
The President remarks assume significance in the context of repeated disruption of business on various issues, loss of time of Parliament and the stalling of legislative business in Rajya Sabha where the Government lacks majority.
The 75-minute speech was heard in rapt attention by members in the central hall of Parliament and occasional thumping of desks, especially when he regretted the disruptions and appealed for smooth functioning of Parliament.
“Let noble thoughts come from all directions, should be the spirit behind the debate in this temple of democracy. Being a member of this great institution bestows great honour as well as important responsibilities,” Mukherjee said.
The President used the occasion to give a report on the economy describing India as “a haven of stability” in a turbulent global economy and said Government has simplified procedures for approvals, repealed obsolete laws and put in place a non-adversarial tax regime to attract
Turning to Pakistan, he said the Government is committed to forging a “mutually respectful relationship” with that country while asserting that “firm and effective” steps will be taken to deal with any situation arising out of cross-border terrorism.
Terming the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) as “the world’s most successful” financial inclusion programme, Mukherjee said Rs 32,000 crore worth of deposits have been mobilised from over 21 crore account holders under the scheme.
He highlighted various social security schemes of the Government and the steps taken by it to improve functioning of state-owned banks.
He also said the “concerted efforts” to tackle the menace of black money stashed abroad have started yielding results.
The Government, the President said, has placed great emphasis on food security, Housing for All and subsidies so that they reach those who need them the most.
“My Government has pledged to make this goal (removing poverty) possible through financial inclusion and social security, the two wings on which human aspiration takes flight,” Mukherjee said.
The President said PMJDY has gone beyond mere opening of bank accounts to becoming a platform for poverty eradication by offering basic financial services and security to the poor.
“Today, I am proud to say it is the world’s most successful financial inclusion programme. Under the programme, out of over 21 crore accounts opened, 15 crore accounts are operational with an aggregate deposit of over Rs 32,000 crore,” he said.
On the black money front, the President said the Government has enacted a law to deal with non-disclosure of foreign income and assets and thus has put in place a “stringent legislative framework” to combat the problem.
Mukherjee said over Rs 1 lakh crore have been disbursed to more than 2.6 crore borrowers under the PM Mudra Yojana, of which 2.07 crore are women entrepreneurs.
On revitalising public sector banks, Mukherjee said the ‘Indradhanush’ programme to infuse Rs 70,000 crore into State run lenders will ensure credit flow in the economy. (PTI)
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