Celebrating its eighth year, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, on Tuesday, sought to smash the perception of policy paralysis by saying that India is the world’s second fastest growing economy even as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh admitted that there are “uncertainties” and more needed to be done.
Releasing T he Report to the People here along with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Dr. Singh acknowledged that there is “frustration” among people over corruption and said the government was working sincerely to address it through legislative and administrative measures.
He highlighted the initiatives and achievements in various fields including economy, agriculture, education, poverty eradication, healthcare, power generation, internal security and foreign policy.
Dr. Singh said that despite an adverse international environment, the Indian economy grew at about seven per cent in 2011-12, which is amongst the highest in the world.
“Sustained high rates of growth during the UPA government’s tenure have enabled us to pursue our agenda of inclusive and equitable growth,” he said.
“Despite these real achievements, there are uncertainties and a large unfinished agenda before us,” he said.
Turning to economic situation, Dr. Singh said difficult decisions have to be taken on both spending and revenue mobilisation as he underlined the need for both the Centre and states have to be “fiscally responsible.”
However, when asked later to specify the tough decisions, Dr. Singh told reporters, “let us wait. Sometimes some things will be obvious.”
On the perception of policy paralysis, he said, “this can be corrected by reality. Misconceived perceptions can be corrected.”
Ms. Gandhi, while highlighting the achievements of the UPA government, underlined that the result of the next Lok Sabha elections will depend on the “nature of work done by us” and not the promises.
