By IANS
New Delhi : India is moving forward in the right direction, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Wednesday, even if the government has been slow in taking some steps.
“I can say with some satisfaction that we are undoubtedly moving forward in the right direction,” the prime minister said in his speech from the Red Fort on the 60th anniversary of India’s independence.
“We have been slow in taking some steps; we have dithered at times, and stumbled some times. We have had success on some fronts, and setbacks on some others.
“But there is no doubt that we have been steadfast in our resolve, firm in our convictions and resolute in our commitment to the welfare of the common man.”
Manmohan Singh said he had “a sense of satisfaction” that on many fronts India had done well, yet “we are aware that there is much more to be done”.
“We have moved forward in the many battles against poverty, ignorance and disease,” he said. “But can we say we have won the war? We have been able to step up the rate of growth. But can we say we are satisfied with the pace?
“Even after years of developments and rising growth rates, why have we not been able to banish mass poverty and provide employment to all? Why do some regions of the country continue to lag behind?
“I ask these questions not to belittle our achievements, but to inspire us to greater effort. I ask not to make you feel dispirited, but to enthuse you to march forward.”