UPA highlights eco growth: PM says uncertainties are there

New Delhi, May 23 (PTI) Celebrating its eight years in office, India's United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition government of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Tuesday sought to smash the perception of policy paralysis by saying that India is the world's second fastest growing economy even as Singh admitted that there are "uncertainties" and more needed to be done. Releasing 'The Report to the People' here along with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Singh acknowledged that there is "frustration" among people over corruption and said the government was working sincerely to address it through legislative and administrative measures. He highlighted the initiatives and achievements in various fields including economy, agriculture, education, poverty eradication, healthcare, power generation, internal security and foreign policy. Singh said that despite an adverse international environment, the Indian economy grew at about 7 per cent in 2011-12, which is amongst the highest in the world. "Sustained high rates of growth during the UPA government's tenure have enabled us to pursue our agenda of inclusive and equitable growth," he said. "Despite these real achievements, there are uncertainties and a large unfinished agenda before us," he said. Gandhi, while highlighting the achievements of the UPA government, underlined that the result of the next Lok Sabha elections will depend on the "nature of work done by us" and not the promises. After the release of the report, Singh hosted a dinner for leaders and MPs of the UPA constituent and other supporting parties. Interestingly, the cynosure of all eyes was the presence of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and RJD chief Lalu Prasad, both outside supporters, on the podium along with senior ministers and UPA leaders which have representatives in the Cabinet. Holding the celebrations against the backdrop of perception of policy paralysis and attack over corruption, Singh said, "We know there is public frustration and anger on the issue of corruption. "I wish to assure our people that we are working sincerely to address this issue through both legislative and administrative measures. Legislation is before Parliament to establish a Lokpal (ombudsman), ensure time-bound delivery of goods and services and judicial accountability." With the government gearing up to announce austerity measures to deal with the fiscal situation, Singh also said the Centre will take difficult decisions on spending and revenue mobilisation. "Difficult decisions have to be taken on both spending and revenue mobilisation", he said. When asked by reporters about details of the tough measures being contemplated by the government, Singh said, "let us wait. Sometimes, something will be obvious". His statement comes in the backdrop of the announcement made by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee recently in Rajya Sabha, upper house of Parliament, that government would roll out austerity measures. PTI