Help weaker sections in getting benefits: Pratibha Patil

Jaipur, Jun 22: President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Saturday, June 21 called upon all voluntary and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help in perlocating the benefits of the development process to poor and rural backward areas, besides eradicating social evils like drug addiction and female foeticide.

Addressing a function after inaugurating Shekhwati Community Centre here, Patil said the country was developing fast, but the benefits were not reaching the poor and weaker sections in rural areas and some pockets in urban areas also.

She added Indian economy and development scenario had witnessed remarkable changes during the last decade. However, much more was still needed to be done for taking the impact of the changing scenario to rural and remote areas, where people were still poor, backward and landless.

''We ought to make development process more justified and rational to ensure that its benefits reach all, particularly the poor, backward and rural masses,'' the President observed.

Patil said the government had been carrying out a number of development projects and welfare schemes, but its solo efforts would not deliver the goals.

''The government initiatives and efforts ought to be assisted and supported well by social, voluntary and NGOs...they should come forward to play active role in coordinating and facilitating the process,'' the President underlined.

Patil said these organisations should become active in every village and work for people's welfare.

The President also stressed that these organisations should work to generate awareness for eradicating social evils which included liquor, drug addiction, female foeticide, child marriage and dowry.

Only welfare schemes and efforts for employment avenues alone could not eradicate poverty. These programmes should be coupled with effective social awareness campaign against social evils, she noted.

''There are instances when poor labourers spend their earnings on liquor or other addictions. This can be prevented through social awareness and NGOs and other such bodies can help to stop these,'' Ms Patil said.

Rajasthan Governor Shilendra Kumar Singh reiterated his views against reservation and said STs or SCs should not bother for any sort of reservation, but trust their own capabilities, self confidence and concentrate on ensuring quality education for their wards.

Gujarat Governor Nawal Kishore Sharma and Union Minister for Mines Shish Ram Ola also spoke on the occasion.

UNI