Karnataka Governor calls for efficient functioning of public services

Pointing to public resentment against corruption, Karnataka Governor H R Bhardwaj today stressed on efficient functioning of public services to reinforce people's faith in democratic governance.

"There is a visible tide in the country of public resentment against corruption, lack of probity in public life and failure to deliver public services, especially to the deprived sections. "Well functioning public services to make a big difference to people's lives is the need of the hour to revive and reinforce faith of the people in democratic governance," he said in his Republic Day address here.

Speaking after unfurling the national tricolour, Bhardwaj said the country cannot afford to weaken people's faith in democratic governance because it was an instrument for social change for eradicating poverty, inequality and social justice. "The voice and aspirations of the people that emerge in the outcome of elections should be heard, respected and given effect to by the government," he said.

Bhardwaj said though India's economic development was impressive, it had a very long way to go in fostering participatory and inclusive growth. He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Congress Government in the state, commending its efforts in various spheres including in ensuring food security, drinking water provision and bringing down infant mortality rate.

The national recognition accorded to Karnataka Sakala initiative, which guarantees services to citizens within the stipulated time, was a notable achievement, Bhardwaj added. Contingents of police, home guards and schoolchildren, among others, participated in the parades and cultural programmes held in district headquarters in the state.

Cultural pageantry by schoolchildren, a stunning display of daredevilry by a team of the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC), Belgaum, were among the highlights at the Republic Day celebrations for which tight security arrangements had been put in place.