The President, Ms Pratibha Devisingh Patil, has said that efforts must be made to find ways and means to soften the impact of inflation, so that the benefits of growth are not blunted.

Addressing the nation on the eve of the 65 Independence Day, the President said that though events of far reaching consequences were taking place in the world, the Indian economy had fundamental strength and resilience.

Price rise

“However price rise is an issue engaging our attention and would have to be dealt with. Rising prices affects families and especially those of our citizens that living below the poverty line,” the President said.

Ms Patil added it was a growing Gross Domestic Product along with the welfare of the people that were the twin pillars of a progressive nation.

“Today, anti-poverty programmes, social welfare schemes, and a commitment to ensure food security, form the core of our inclusive agenda strategy.

Economic packages

“There are also a host of special economic packages for the under-developed regions of our nation,” the President said.

The President added that we must persist with our efforts to bridge differentials in economic growth in the country.

“Sixty-eight per cent of our population continues to reside in rural areas with a majority dependent on agriculture. Yet, agriculture is one area where we are yet to reach full potential. We need a model to revolutionalise agriculture, from the time when agricultural operations start, till harvest is reaped and beyond, where post-harvest processing aspects are addressed,” she added.

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