Manmohan: dialogue is the only option

NEW DELHI: On the 64th Independence Day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sent out a positive message that he wanted to resolve issues through dialogue, be it with Pakistan, Kashmiri separatists, northeast groups or Naxalites. “India's democracy has the generosity and flexibility to be able to address the concerns of any area or group in the country,” he said addressing the nation from the historic Red Fort here on Sunday.

Touching upon a range of issues, including high inflation and slow rate of growth in the farm sector, Dr. Singh talked of a “new India” in which every citizen would have a stake. But “harsh and unpleasant words in our political discourse” were against the tradition of tolerance. “There should be capacity to reconcile opposite points of view through debate and discussion.”

Peace with neighbours

The Prime Minister made it clear that India wanted peace and harmony with neighbours but emphasised that progress in dialogue with Islamabad would not go far if Pakistan continued to allow its territory to be used for acts of terrorism against India.Reiterating that Kashmir was an integral part of India, Dr. Singh said the government was ready for talks with every person or group which abjured violence. “Kashmir is an integral part of India. Within this framework, we are ready to move forward in any talks which would increase the partnership of the common man in governance and their welfare.”

He regretted the recent loss of lives in violent incidents in Jammu and Kashmir and said “the years of violence should now end.”

“A serious challenge”

Describing Naxalism as a “serious challenge” to internal security, Dr. Singh appealed to Naxalites to abjure violence, come for talks with the government and join hands with it to accelerate social and economic development.

Stressing the government's commitment to protect the lives of citizens and deal firmly with those who resorted to violence, he said, “We will provide all possible help to the State governments to maintain the rule of law in areas affected by Naxalism. We need to rise above our personal political interests to meet this challenge.”

Stake for tribals

Pointing out that the administrative machinery needed to be sensitive in the Naxalite-affected areas, he said the Planning Commission had been asked to formulate a comprehensive scheme to end the neglect of tribals and make them join the mainstream of development. Apart from payment of adequate compensation for land acquired from tribals, it should be ensured that they had a stake in the development projects being undertaken.

Dr. Singh conveyed to all political parties and groups of the northeast that disputes in the name of a State or tribe could harm everyone. Discussion and dialogue were the only options to resolve complex issues.

Turning to the issue of high inflation, he said the government was making every possible effort to tackle it. It was forced to increase the price of petroleum products as subsidy was increasing annually and this would have affected programmes for education, health and employment of the poor.

Despite last year's drought, India's economic growth rate had improved. The agricultural growth rate, however, needed to be around four per cent, and it should be achieved through technological breakthrough in dry land farming and by addressing the challenges of climate change impact, falling water table and deteriorating soil. This was required to meet the ambition of providing a food security net for people.

Dr. Singh announced the setting up of the Norman Borlaug Institute of South Asia that would facilitate availability of new and improved seeds and offer new technology to farmers.

Commonwealth Games

Putting his weight behind the Commonwealth Games to be held here in October, the Prime Minister said the event would be a proud moment for the country and another signal to the world that India was rapidly marching ahead.

GoM on CWG satisfied at progress, picks Rahman''s score for

theme song New Delhi, Aug 15 (PTI) A day after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took charge of Commonwealth Games, a Group of Ministers met here tonight and voiced satisfaction over the pace of progress in preparations and also approved the theme song for the event composed by Oscar winner A R Rahman. With the mega sporting event just seven weeks away and hit by allegations of corruption and financial irregularities, Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy, who headed the GoM, made it clear there is no change in schedule and said there should not be any concern over some delays in meeting deadlines in the readiness of the stadia to host the events. The nearly three-hour long meeting discussed the organisational details for the 11-day event starting here on October 4 and discussed the broad contours of the opening ceremony. The GoM heard the rendition of the theme song composed by Rahman. "We discussed the theme song among ourselves and A R Rahman, (Film Director)Shyam Benegal and (Producer) Bharat Bala. The GoM has approved the theme song in principle. It will be before public in another 10 days," Reddy said. He said some final touches have to be given for the song. When asked whether delays in meeting deadlines was a matter of concern, Reddy said, "There is no concern.Absolutely confident on state of preparedness (of Games)." To a question, he said there is no question of any change in schedules of the games. Asked whether significance should be attached to tonight's meeting since it came a day after Singh had met him for the first time as GoM chief, Reddy said " We did take stock of various matters and are satisfied on pace of progress." Rahman when asked wheether the GoM liked his selected score, said "Yes, everyone liked it. Details...tomorrow." Suresh Kalmadi, the chairman of the beleaguered Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games, said "Eveything is going well. I liked the song." Kalmadi is facing flak over allegations of corruption and irregularities. The GoM was also meeting for the first time after alleged corruption and financial irregularities rocked the Games and against the backdrop of missed deadlines for the readiness of several stadia in the Capital. Singh directly stepped in yesterday and reviewed preparations for the games. "Primarily the focus is on delivery of the Games and preparation of the various items required for the opening ceremony," Reddy told reporters ahead of the meeting. The others in the GoM include Sports Minister M S Gill. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit also attended the meeting. Sources said the idea was to ensure that the theme song becomes a sensation like Rahman's own 'Jai Ho' composed for the film "Slumdog Millionaire"and Soccer World Cup theme song 'Waka Waka'. The GoM has now been empowered to take all necessary decisions for the smooth conduct of the event. The GoM has been directed by the Prime Minister to meet immediately and frequently thereafter. Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar was also directed to liaise closely with the Group of Ministers to ensure "effective coordination" among all the authorites concerned. At yesterday's meeting convened by Singh, the GoM was empowered to take all decisions necessary for the smooth conduct of the Games and refer any matter that may require further consideration to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for a final decision. The Cabinet will be briefed on the state of preparations on a weekly basis.

Hyderabad''s Sreeram wins Indian Idol 5

Mumbai, Aug 15 (PTI) Sreeram Chandra from Andhra Pradesh tonight won the 'Indian Idol Season 5' music reality show beating Bhoomi Trivedi and Rakesh Maini. The name of 25-year-old Sreeram was announced by megastar Amitabh Bachchan at the Grand Finale held at Filmistan Studio. The winner gets Rs 50 lakh cash prize, a bike, a car, one-year contract with Sony TV and chance to sing in one of the forthcoming movies of Yashraj Films. Bachchan said he watched 'Indian Idol' since the selection process because his wife Jaya loved the show. "It is very difficult to satisfy her because she has very strong likes and dislikes. Since she followed this programme, I followed suit," he quipped. Sreeram has already recorded a song with Shreya Ghoshal for an upcoming movie, music of which has been composed by Sandip-Suleman. The earlier winners of the show were Abhijeet Sawant, Sandeep Acharya, Prashant Tamang and Sourabhee Debbarma.