PM for good governance, unveils seven priority sectors

Singh outlined the road map for a prosperous Bharat that talked about empowerment of people and making Govt more transparent.

In an address that laid emphasis on good governance, probity in public life and economic development of underprivileged and minorities, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday unveiled seven priority sectors for focussed attention.

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Outlining a seven-pronged agriculture and employment-oriented strategy for higher economic growth, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his maiden 45-minute Independence Day speech to the nation, said that the challenge for reforms was to "breathe new life into Government."

He asserted that "the challenge for economic reforms today is to breathe new life into government so that it can play a positive role where it must."

He also called for a code of conduct for all political parties, while affirming government's firm resolve to carry forward the composite dialogue process with Pakistan.

The 71-year-old economist-turned politician outlined the road map for a prosperous 'Bharat' that talked about empowerment of people and making Government more transparent and officials accountable.

Speaking from the ramparts of Red Fort after unfurling the tricolour, the Prime Minister vowed to fight the menace of terrorism and expressed Government's willingness to hold talks with any group, provided they abjure the path of violence.

In the backdrop of the "tainted" ministers' controversy, he said, "the question of ethics in public life has repeatedly agitated our people...The time has come for us to consensually evolve a code of conduct for all political parties, a code of ethics for all individuals in public life and a code of best practices for the Government at all levels".