‘India will be destination for western countries in future’

DHNS

Udupi, 03 July 2010: India will be an economic super power within ten to fifteen years. It is high time we recognise our potentials and proceed in the direction,” said Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes. 

Speaking after inaugurating the convention of newly elected Congress supported Gram Panchayat members followed by felicitation ceremony organised by Udupi District Congress Committee here on Friday, he said entire world is looking high at India. “It is our intellectual competences that has given an identity. India will be the destination for most of western countries in future to venture into business. The strong foundation laid by Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi has made it possible for the country to get the recognition,” he added.

American banks are going for the nationalisation process owing to the global meltdown. However the idea of nationalisation of banks was adopted in India 40 years ago. Farmers, labourers and public should be taken along in the path of development process. The progress of the country should be accompanied with the uplift of laymen, he said.
“Panchayat Raj system is indeed a novel system for administrative decentralisation. Panchayat members are having more responsibilities than any other elected members in the country as they come in touch with people at the grass root level,” he added.

Hike in petro price
He asserted that the recent hike in the prices of petroleum products is mainly based on the international market and added that UPA government is making all efforts to check the price rise of essential commodities.
Defending the government stand on decontrolling petroleum products, he said that this adjustment was necessary considering the heavy amount of subsidy being given while pricing the structure of fuel.

On Lokayukta tendering resignation, he said it clearly indicates the functioning of the state government.

Speaking on the occasion, former Union Minister Janardhan Poojary came down heavily  on state government for its anti-people policies. He said “state government is a failure. It is synonymous with corruption.” Government has failed in all aspects especially it has failed to root out corruption. In this background, Sadhana Samavesha is higly ridiculous. Congress should unite to fight against the corrupt government.”
He said Panchayat Raj system should be strengthened.  Oscar Fernandes was felicitated on the occasion.

MLC Prathapchandra Shetty, District Congress President M A Gafoor, Karkala MLA Gopal Bhandari, former Minister Vasanth Salian, leaders Jayaprakash Hedge, Gopal Poojary, Vinaykumar Sorake, Ashok Kodavoor, Raju Poojary, Congress District Women Wing President Veronica Kernelio and others were present.