Act on terror, will meet you half way: PM to Pak

New Delhi, Jun 9: Manmohan Singh, the Indian Prime Minister on Tuesday, Jun 9 said that with the formation of the 15th Lok Sabha, India has made a new beginning and that the mandate was for stability and change.

"Our government has received and accepted the mandate in all humility. We recognise that this mandate has given us heavy responsibility to give a strong purposeful government, a government committed to inclusive development," said PM while replying to President Pratibha Patil's address to the Lok Sabha.

He added that there would be 'no tolerance to terror'. PM while focussing on the social sectors said that Congress-led UPA would strengthen the flagship programme for employment, education and health. He said that the government would not spare any effort to speed up the programmes.

"It was the dream of our Father of Nation to wipe out tears from each and every individual of our country. This is the inspiration that should drive our government in giving our people a life of dignity," he said.

Manmohan Singh, further said that India can achieve eight-nine per cent economic growth despite global economic slowdown. He also invited all the states to be a part of the development council.

While thanking the electorate and the officials for the smooth conduct of elections, PM also cautioned against the growing use of money and muscle power in elections. The inaugural session of the 15th Lok Sabha ended on Tuesday, Jun 9.

Underlining that India has vital interest in trying to make peace with Pakistan, Manmohan Singh promised to meet its leadership 'more than half-way' if it takes "strong and effective" steps to prevent terrorism directed against this country.

OneIndia News