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'India proving that coalitions can be stable'

"One year ago, the people of India reposed their faith in the National Democratic Alliance. I thank my countrymen for giving my government and me an opportunity to serve mother India.

The people voted for stability and good governance. Their mandate was an expression of their collective desire to make India a prosperous and proud nation in the 21st century. In the past twelve months, we have endeavoured to fulfil their aspirations. Our democracy is steadily growing in maturity to prove that a coalition government at the Centre can be stable and successful.

The India at the beginning of the new century is an India that stands stronger, prouder and taller than before. India is now seen as an emerging global player whose voice is being heard with respect in the capitals of the world.

We have fulfilled several promises contained in our common manifesto. It shall be our earnest endeavour to fulfill many more that are still unaccomplished.

Our governance has been free of corruption scandals and we are determined to further strengthen standards of transparency in government and probity in public life. Centre-state relations have become harmonious. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir and in the north-east is improving steadily. I am confident that it will improve further in the coming months.

Simultaneously, the circle of international support for our stand on Kashmir is expanding rapidly. Our fight against terrorism continues and shall continue till the terrorists' guns fall silent.

Our economy is growing steadily. We are now removing the hurdles for its faster growth, so that we can achieve our ambitious target of doubling the per capita income by the end of this decade. The number of people living below the poverty line has declined. Food security is no longer a distant dream.

I want to assure the people that the economic reforms we have initiated have no other aim than to create employment for all and bring the fruits of prosperity for all -especially to those who have so far been deprived of it.

These are the achievements not of any party or alliance, but of a nation on the move. They have been made possible by the close bond between the people and the government. I want to urge all my countrymen to further strengthen this bond, so that India can move from success to greater success in the coming years.

The path of reforms is never easy or straight. Sometimes, the government has to take hard decisions in the long-term interests of the nation. For example, the unprecedented increase in global oil prices has forced us to pass on some of the burden to the consumers.

We have to face such challenges collectively. The haves must bear a greater share of the burden than the have-nots in the transition period.

As my government completes one year in office today, I look more to the future than to the past. I urge my countrymen to do the same. India's greatest asset is her unity in diversity.

Let us together strengthen our unity, by creating greater tolerance and respect for our linguistic, ethnic, regional and religious diversity.

Today, there is greater social cohesion and communal peace, for which I compliment people belonging to all communities. We must now make it a permanent feature of our national life.

I see an atmosphere of self-confidence and hope in the country. Let us make this, too, a permanent feature of our national life.

Let us remember that the gift of a prosperous and happy future is available only to that nation whose people make themselves deserving of it with their hard work, discipline and mutual cooperation.

I assure my countrymen that the government will do its duty in a fair, impartial and determined manner. I urge every Indian to do his or her duty as responsible and aware citizens.

Together, we shall overcome the challenges facing the country. Together, we shall take India to a better position next year."

UNI

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