Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM writes to Ministers on the government's priorities

"I am writing to you to highlight certain areas which deserve your wholehearted attention as you begin work in the Council of Ministers, and to wish you all the very best in your new assignment.

As you know, ours is a mandate both for continuity and for change. The people of this country have endorsed our efforts to create an inclusive society and an inclusive economy The flagship programmes that we put in place to translate this vision of inclusion into reality need to be consolidated. We have to ensure that these flagship programmes confer appropriate benefit on disadvantaged groups particularly scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, minorities, women and children. The empowerment of women is central to our agenda. I would urge those of you, who are looking after flagship programmes, to address the task of plugging leakages in the operation of these programmes with single-minded devotion.

The President's Address has drawn attention to some areas of immediate concern. Certain activities have also been identified which need to be pursued in the next 100 days. I would request you to focus on the issues raised in the President's Address within the time-frames indicated. I have asked my Principal Secretary to follow up on these issues.

I would like to remind you of your special responsibility in respect of the institutions under your watch whether they are public sector undertakings or other autonomous institutions. The spirit of functional autonomy in which they have been conceived should be respected in full had there should be no action that may lead to the erosion of this autonomy or credibility.

Our parliamentary traditions are constantly evolving and we are setting new benchmarks in our democratic enterprise. Work related to Parliament and the Committees of Parliament should receive your undivided attention so that the aspirations of our people are brought to bear on governance through their elected representatives. You may also like to ensure that requests of Members of Parliament for appointment are attended to on priority basis and their letters replied to quickly. We should make conscious efforts to enlarge and deepen the democratic processes.

Those of you who have Cabinet rank and have Ministers of State reporting to you have a special obligation. I hope you will give your junior colleagues adequate responsibility in your Ministry. This would not only give them a sense of involvement and ownership, but would also groom them for bigger roles in the future.

Respect for dissent and argument is the essence of our culture. I do not have to labour the point that we must give due consideration to the views of the opposition and seek to work together for the collective well-being of our people.

Our Government in the last five years� has been noted for its bipartisan approach on development issues. We have been objective and fair in dealing with the genuine concerns of all State Governments. Let me urge you to ensure that all requests made by State Chief Ministers, and Ministers are responded to quickly and effectively. You may also like to ensure that Panchayati Raj Institutions and civil society have an appropriate role in the formulation and implementation of development projects and schemes.

India faces many challenges on the economic front. We have to ensure that our economy continues to grow rapidly in spite of the global slow down. We must create an environment conducive to rapid growth and also ensure that the growth process benefits all our people, especially the disadvantaged sections of the population. Our young population is our strategic resource and we must ensure that the agenda of the youth in terms of education, skills, and employment remains our key concern. As you would see, the agenda of our government as. indicated in the President's Address, has several major steps for equalizing opportunities for all our fellow citizens. We need to be focused on them. We need to push the frontiers and question outdated practices to bring a critical edge to governance. The Decade of Innovation about which the President spoke in her address should see promotion of creativity and innovation in your areas of work. Equity, innovation and public accountability should be the watchwords of our government.

Let me take this opportunity to remind you that matters that require the views or concurrence of other Ministries or involve unbudgeted financial outlays ought not be made public without due consultation. The collective responsibility of the Cabinet enjoins us to do so. Needless to say, in case you have urgent problems or you consider it necessary to make any policy announcements you can always take them up with me.

I am confident that you would bring to bear your considerable experience in public life and your professional commitment on the onerous task assigned to you. Once again I wish you all the very best in your endeavours as we grapple with the many challenges we face as a nation.

With warm regards"

Sd/-

(Manmohan Singh)