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| Sonia Gandhi supports raising finances for social sector schemes |
| BS Reporter / New Delhi Mar 05, 2010, 01:01 IST |
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The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government today received the strongest support on its decision to increase the prices of auto fuel when Congress President Sonia Gandhi batted for raising finances for social sector schemes.
“We have many essential social obligations and to meet them it is necessary to raise resources. I congratulate the Finance Minister for a fine and delicate balancing act,” Gandhi said at the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) meeting here.
The Congress chief not only supported the government on the slippery issue of fuel price rise where the coalition leader faced wrath from even its partners like the DMK and the Trinamool Congress, she also fully backed her government on another contentious issue — price rise. Reminding the states of their duties, she said: “The Prime Minister has also met with chief ministers and has sought to remind them of their responsibilities. They must ensure that the public distribution system functions properly, and that wherever necessary de-hoarding operations are carried out effectively. The food price inflation detracts from the UPA’s outstanding accomplishment in sustaining high economic growth that is so essential for generating resources for social welfare programmes and inclusive long-term prosperity.”
Keeping the issue of food prices as the “foremost priority”, Gandhi said the government had responded to the “pressing concern with all the resources at our command”. “Despite the fact that this was a crisis born of circumstances outside our control, the government has put in place proactive policies to mitigate the hardships of the people,” she added.
Hailing the General Budget, Gandhi said: “The social security fund for workers in the unorganised sector has finally taken shape and will soon become operational.
The expenditure emphasis on agriculture, rural development, infrastructure and social empowerment stands out boldly in the Budget. It is for all of us now to play our part in ensuring that the benefits of these programmes as well of those launched during UPA-I reach the intended beneficiaries.”
Gandhi also paved way for the two key Bills on food security and women’s reservation. “I personally attach the highest importance to the Women’s Reservation Bill. So many years have passed since Rajivji (her husband and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi) first unveiled his vision of empowering the women. It is a matter of pride that even though it has taken so long, it is our government that has cleared the legislation in Cabinet. The centenary of the International Women’s Day is on March 8. What a gift to the women of India if on this important day this historic legislation is introduced and passed!” she added.
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