Modi govt promises policies to push growth, create jobs

Pranab Mukherjee said the Modi govt will initiate a series of social, healthcare and infrastructure programmes

Outlining its agenda for five years, the government today announced a slew of measures to push growth and create jobs, which will include encouraging investment and creating a predictable, transparent and fair environment.

Addressing the first joint sitting of Parliament after the recent Lok Sabha elections, President Pranab Mukherjee said the Narendra Modi government will initiate a series of social, healthcare and infrastructure programmes while asserting that there will be 'zero tolerance' towards terrorism and extremism, besides violence against women.

He said the government will revive 'Brand India', riding on its strengths of five 'T's -- tradition, talent, tourism, trade and technology -- and will pursue foreign policy on the basis of "enlightened nationalism" and mutually beneficial relationships.

"The people of India have given a clear mandate. They want to see a vibrant, dynamic and prosperous India. They want to see a resurgent India regaining the admiration and respect of the international community," Mukherjee said in his 55-minute address.

"Brimming with hope and expectation, they want quick results. With three 'D's of democracy, demography and demand on our side, ... We must rise to the occasion to fulfill these great expectations. In 60 months from now, we should be able to say with confidence and pride that we have done it," he said.

Noting that the country is passing through an "extremely difficult phase" on the economic front, the President said that GDP growth has been less than five per cent, tax collection has declined and inflation continues to be at an "unacceptable" level.

"Thus, putting the Indian economy back on track is paramount for my government. We will work together to usher our economy into high growth path, rein in inflation, reignite the investment cycle, accelerate job creation and restore the confidence of the domestic as well as international community in our economy," he said.

In this context, he said the government will create a policy environment which is "predictable, transparent and fair".