E-Paper
Highlights of PM's press conference
Following are the main points of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's address to journalists on Wednesday in New Delhi.
- Never thought of quitting even though there were lots of problems. Will face and shoulder all responsibilities, and carry on .
- Compromises have to be made in a coalition govt, and yet growth must not stop.
- We have a strong coalition govt. No comments on Left.
- Many things I don't like but life is a long learning process and will carry on.
- Not afraid of JPC but PAC is good enough. Ready to appear before PAC.
- Can't reveal what went into inducting A Raja again as telecom minister.
- A Raja had been told to be fair and transparent and Raja had assured that no injustice would be done to any one.
- Differences can occur on loss estimates regarding cases like 2G.
- There was no backroom talks on ISRO-Devas deal, had not met anyone.
- Will have zero tolerance for corruption in any walk of life, and ready to get the guilty to book.
- Opposition should cast aside differences and let the next Parliamentary session work.
- Media should not give a negative picture all the time, even though highlighting problems are necessary.
- Will see how discretionary powers of ministers can be removed.
- Despite adverse external factors like high oil price and local problems, the govt will push hard to keep up the development momentum.
- Will aim at smooth functioning of the government so that development projects are not affected.
- Cabinet reshuffle after budget session.
- Working on food security act, national rural health mission and several other agendas.
- Growth rate this fiscal at 8.5%, but food inflation is a matter of concern.
- Positive changes in Kashmir and north-east like Assam will further lead to greater developmental activities. No timeline on Ulfa dialogue peace process.
- Internal security is a big concern but will take all steps to have full control so that the rule of law prevails.
- Congress has a very good chance of returning to power in Kerala.
- The fact that all the heads of five permanent members of the UNSC had visited the country recently shows India's stature in the world.
- On infrastructure, will mobilise funds from outside and will have a strong corporate structure.
- Trying for a consensus on the Telengana issue even though it is very complex issue.
- India is with countries struggling for democracy like Egypt and Arab countries.
- SL has been told that it must act responsibly regarding our fishermen.
- Will try to bring back black money stashed away in foreign banks.
