Governor H.R. Bhardwaj on Sunday said that there is a visible tide of pubic resentment in the country against corruption, lack of probity in public life and the failure to deliver public services, especially to the deprived sections.
In his Republic Day address at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here, the Governor said, “Well-functioning public services to make a big difference to people’s lives is the need of the hour, to revive and reinforce the faith of the people in democratic governance.”
After unfurling the national flag, Mr. Bhardwaj inspected a guard of honour from an open jeep. He received salute from men of the armed forces, police, National Cadet Corps, Scouts and Guides, and hundreds of schoolchildren.
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He said that India has emerged as a powerful economy over the last three decades. The country continues to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world. India was considered one of the emerging economic giants. Though the economic development was impressive, was the achievement sustainable and helping Indians, he asked.
Noting that the country’s commitment to secularism cannot be compromised at any cost, he said, “No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.”
In the 15-minute address, the Governor said that there has been significant progress in the State by the bold initiatives of the governments, enlightened and public-spirited groups, entrepreneurs and other NGOs. The government was treading the right path in ensuring food security to the people.
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“I am particularly pleased that efforts in the health sector have brought dividends in bringing down infant mortality in the State. The State should resolutely march ahead in mitigating malnutrition among hapless children,” Mr. Bhardwaj said.
Implementation of drinking water schemes, especially in villages suffering from fluoride and arsenic content, and the push given by government for the effective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme by ensuring electronic transfer of wages to workers at a time when some parts of the State were drought-hit was commendable, he said.
The Governor said that the national recognition accorded to Sakala was a notable achievement.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minister for Transport R. Ramalinga Reddy, MLA N.A. Haris, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike Commissioner M. Lakshminarayana and Police Commissioner Raghavendra Auradkar attended the two-hour programme.