Agencies
NEW DELHI, APRIL 9
Less than two months before his government completes an year in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated that his government is working for the common man.Modi made the remarks in an interview to Hindustan Times, seeking to tackle growing criticism of his government for being 'pro-corporate and pro-industry'.
"Our job is to run a policy-driven government. Red tape nahin hona chahiye. Ab red tape nahin hona chahiye matlab Mukesh Ambani ke liye red tape na ho aur ek common man ke liye red tape ho, waisa nahin chal sakta (red tape should not be there does not mean it shouldn't be there for Mukesh Ambani, but be there for a common man; that won't do)," the PM told the English daily.
He further sought to highlight that his government, which has yet to complete an year in office, has managed to reverse the harm done to the Indian economy by the 10-year rule of the Congress-led UPA government.
"(Our) Achievements have to be seen with reference to the past. In what situation did the people bring us to power? And what is the situation now? Is there a policy paralysis anymore? No. Is there a transparency issue? No. Is there stagnancy in governance? No. Instead, there is dynamism," Modi said.
"We have taken a series of measures which have restored faith in our capacity to deliver with transparency, efficiency and speed. We are looking at the interests of the poor of the country and their empowerment. Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion," he added.
He further stressed that his government has restored India's global credibility in terms of its politics, governance and economy.
The PM also reacted to criticism from the business community that though his government had made tall promises, it failed to implement the same on the ground. "Industry has to come forward to take the benefits of the process we have set in motion," he was quoted as saying.
"I would request the media to counterpose two things together - the allegations our Congress friends level against us and the complaints that businessmen have; the Congress says we are a government of industrialists and industrialists say we do nothing for them!" he stated.
The PM stressed that his government has taken steps to address concerns regarding tax issues. These would help create jobs and opportunities for Indians, Modi said, telling the industry: “if you take one step, we will walk two steps for you".
PM Modi also spoke about his three-nation tour to France, Germany and Canada that begins today.
"These three countries have great relevance to our development process and growth; Canada is rich in hydrocarbons and other natural resources; Germany has a manufacturing and skill base; and France is our dependable strategic partner," he said, while expressing hope that there will be positive outcomes from the trip.
Modi said he visits more than one country on his trips to ensure more gets done. "I'm from Ahmedabad where we have a saying, 'single-fare, double journey'," he told the daily.
The PM also talked about India's relations with Pakistan and the peace process, stressing that his government was open to bilateral dialogue on all outstanding issues but the environment needed to be free from terrorism and violence. Peace cannot co-exist with terrorism, he stressed.
"We want peace and prosperity in South Asia, we want SAARC to flourish. This vision of regional cooperation and connectivity impelled me to invite the prime minister of Pakistan and other SAARC leaders to our swearing-in-ceremony," Modi said, highlighting the importance of the regional grouping for India.
"This remains a guiding factor in our foreign policy. The dividends are visible in the quantum leap in relations with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka. But peace cannot co-exist with terrorism, can it?" he added.
He also expressed hope on resolving the border dispute with China, saying both the nations were currently focussed on the economic welfare of their people and were trying to prevent border confrontations from escalating into a conflict.
Prime Minister Modi is due to visit China later this year.
The PM further said India figures significantly in the US' “geo-political, economic and strategic thinking” and that his "friendship with President (Barack) Obama is based on mutual respect and mutual interest".
On his call to the middle class to voluntarily give up LPG subsidies, Modi said it was part of the government's plan for the welfare of the poor . "The culture of our country is that of giving, not of cornering something that belongs to others."
Modi also disapproved of controversial remarks made by several leaders of his party and the RSS, but categorically stated that it is not possible for him to publicly clarify on all such controversies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday embarked on a three-nation tour of France, Germany and Canada that will focus on boosting bilateral trade and economic ties, including in defence and railways.
The prime minister, who will arrive late on Thursday in Paris, earlier said that his eight-day visit was focused on supporting India's national economic agenda, especially job creation for the youth.
All three destinations are G-7 industrialised democracies, with an economic interest, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar has said.
In France, Modi will be accorded a ceremonial welcome and immediately hold two back-to-back round-tables with top French CEOs -- one focused on infrastructure and the other on defence technology.
