• published: 21 Oct 2010
• views: 634

In 2004, I had promised you that any Congress led government shall be a government of the poor, of the weaker sections, of the minorities, of the tribals. And since 2004, we have undertaken many mega programmes for the upliftment of all such people who have stayed marginalized from witnessing the fruits of economic and social growth. These innovative schemes aimed at inclusive growth have shown positive results in various parts of the country. If you look at MNREGS, it is not just a programme for development. It has been made into a law. Our government ensured that a full-fledged legislation is enacted to ensure that any poor in India wanting employment is not denied his or her basic right of earning prideful livelihood. We also witnessed that during the NDA regime, the then government had forgotten the importance of farmers. But our government was duty bound to help and support farmers who form the backbone of our country. Many farmers had fallen into a vicious debt-trap. We brought an amnesty scheme where loans worth 7000 Crores were distributed by our government so that farmers could start their farming activity with a fresh lease of life. We ensured that the doors of banks and financial institutions which had been shut for the farmers is reopened so that they can earn their livelihood. Similarly, our government also introduced many meaningful programmes for the welfare of the minorities. The recommendations of the Sachar Committee Report has been implemented in the entire country. We are now talking about Right to Food. This basic right will help ensure that each one of us is provided with nutritional food and hunger is eradicated from the country. What I want to reiterate here today is the fact that Congress manages the government for the poor, for the weaker sections. Critics often ask me about the utility and relevance of running a government for the poor. My simple answer to all of them is that India is governed by the poor -- not by the affluent. Labourers from Bihar and UP are the ones who are contributing to the development of far-flung places like Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab. I don't think the Punjab could have never emerged as the food bowl of India, had it not been for the hard work of labourers from Bihar in their fields. We are being able to administer a capable government because Congress party is well aware that the country's might is constituted by the poor people. Had it not been for your hard work and dedication, the future of India couldnot have encouraging been as bright as it looks today. www.pressbrief.in