We are equally committed to preserving federalism: PM

New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI) With some parties and states
voicing concern over the proposed Communal Violence Bill,
India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday sought to
assure them by saying the Centre had no intention to tamper
with federal structure of the country which has worked well.
"There has been a lively discussion regarding the
contents of the Communal Violence Bill. Concerns have been
expressed about encroachment into states' jurisdiction,
against the spirit of federalism," he said in his concluding
remarks at the day-long National Integration Council (NIC)
meeting here.
"Let me assure you that the central government is equally
committed to preserving and strengthening the federal
framework which has served this country well," Singh told the
delegates who included leaders from political parties and
Chief Ministers and senior ministers of states.
He made the remarks after Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) along with Chief Ministers of National
Democratic Alliance-ruled and some non-United Progressive
Alliance states voiced opposition to the Communal Violence
(Prevention) Bill, arguing it would hurt the federal structure
of the country.
Singh said the "richness" of points of view expressed
during the day would serve to guide the central government in
its quest for fashioning optimal policy and legislative
interventions that balance various concerns.
Referring to the point made by several speakers regarding
the need to ensure fair and timely enforcement of laws, both
by the Centre and states, he said it is "valid and I am sure
my ministerial colleagues and the Chief Ministers would have
taken note of the concerns expressed in this regard."
The Prime Minister said ensuring that the law enforcement
and investigation machinery does not carry any bias while
discharging its duties also must be accorded the highest
priority.
He said it was heartening that the Council members had
displayed unanimity of purpose, reaffirming their resolve to
combat communalism and terrorism and to create a more
inclusive India.
"There is clarity that resort to violence and
unconstitutional means cannot be justified," he said.
At the same time, Singh said the discussion underscored
the need to continuously and creatively work towards securing
in greater measure the socio-economic and other aspirations of
all sections of society.
Several speakers laid emphasis on a focussed approach to
end a feeling of alienation and discrimination among
minorities and marginalised sections of society Scheduled
Tribes, Scheduled Castes and women, he said, adding in this,
the Centre, the states and citizens all have important roles
to play.
"A number of speakers referred to the need to revisit our
development model to promote greater inclusiveness and
social equity", he said.
Noting that a suggestion was made regarding a trained
force to deal with riots, he said that at the central level,
there was Rapid Action force which was a "proven model" for
such a purpose.
"Perhaps time has come for the central and state
governments to explore ways in which states may be helped to
create a well-trained and equipped police force capable of
meeting the challenges that are now on the horizon," he said.
In handling civil disturbances, the Prime Minister said
the lessons learned in Jammu & Kashmir and elsewhere and
examples of corrective measures must be looked at closely
and acted upon in time so that "unnecessary loss of life and
limb is avoided."
He said several speakers referred to the need for
engaging the energy and initiative of youth for constructive
purposes.
"I agree with the suggestions made by many esteemed
members that opportunities for our youth to acquire skills,
engage in nation-building and social work, and interact
more actively in sports, cultural and other character-building
pursuits need to be enhanced and encouraged," he said.
The creation of new opportunities for productive
employment for growing labour force was emphasized by many
speakers, Singh said, adding in this context, provision of
education and healthcare facilities on an adequate scale
assume great importance.
"I would urge my ministerial colleagues and Chief
Ministers to give careful consideration to this aspect," he
said.
He also mentioned demands that NIC should meet more
frequently and said government "is in agreement with this
view and we will ensure the Council meets once a year
hereafter."