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Parliament : Budget session opens with President’s Address |
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The Budget session of Parliament opened on Friday (Feb.25) with the President’s Adddress spelling out the programmes and policies to be pursued by the Manmohan Singh Government this year. President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in his address said that health and rural development would be at the top of the Government’s agenda. He said the Government is determined to redeem its pledge to offer a new deal to rural India and short-listed health care as another priority area.
The President’s Address was significant because of what observers noted was its unapologetic tone on reforms. It termed the telecom policy a success that demonstrated the benefits of pursuing a liberal policy in the infrastructure sector. This is seen as an indication that the policy would continue in the same direction despite protests by Left parties against the hike in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector. President Kalam said, “My Government wants India to shine, but it must shine for all.”
In the context of the internal security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir, the President said, “in the final analysis, power in India can only flow from the ballot box, never from the barrel of a gun.” Even while the President said that the infrastructure of terrorism has not been dismantled across the border, he said the Manmohan Singh Government is committed to paying attention to the genuine concerns of the people and redressing their grievances. He repeated the Government’s willingness to talk to any group provided they gave up the path of violence. About the North East region, he observed the area needs a new agenda of hope.
Prime Minister denies any breach of privilege
The Prime Minister has rejected the BJP’s charge that he committed any impropriety or was guilty of breach of privilege of Parliament by responding to a letter from National Advisory Council Chairperson Sonia Gandhi making suggestions relating to the Budget. In his reply, Manmohan Singh had spelt out the Government’s thinking on Sonia Gandhi’s suggestions. There are reports that the BJP may move a Breach of Privilege Motion against the Prime Minister ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget on Monday, Feb. 28. The Congress says that no impropriety has been committed. “Even when the BJP was ruling, the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister had responded to specific proposals from chambers of commerce indicating the Government’s willingness or otherwise to accommodate their point of view,” said spokesperson Anand Sharma.
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