The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, said that determined measures are needed to boost the climate for industrial investment, both domestic and foreign.
“An urgent priority is to resolve issues relating to land acquisition, resettlement and the environment. We need to strengthen our food security system by building more storage capacity. We must address the scourge of malnutrition through multi-dimensional interventions. We need to scale up our skill development programme,” Dr Singh said.
Addressing a function to mark the third anniversary of UPA-II Government, Dr Singh said he recognised “that we face pressures on our balance of payments and that the fiscal situation needs careful management.”
The Prime Minister added that despite an adverse international environment, the economy grew by about 7 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, Dr Singh said.
The Prime Minister admitted that difficult decisions have to be taken on both spending and revenue mobilisation. The anniversary function was attended by the UPA Chairperson, Ms Sonia Gandhi and senior Ministers including Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the Defence Minister, Mr A.K. Antony, the Agriculture Minister, Mr Sharad Pawar among others.
Later, the Prime Minister hosted a dinner which was attended by senior Cabinet colleagues and several leaders from allies supporting the UPA Government.
Earlier in the day, the DMK Chief, Mr M. Karunanidhi told newspersons in Chennai that he would not be attending the dinner though he had been invited. The Trinamool Congress Chief and West Bengal Chief Minister, Ms Mamta Banerjee, was also expected to skip the dinner.
However, Member of Parliaments from both the parties were expected to attend the dinner. The DMK and UPA are allies of the UPA.