PM urges Chief Secs to effectively deal with naxalism, terrorism

New Delhi, July 20 (UNI) Asserting that terrorists and naxalites will not be allowed to succeed, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today urged state governments to effectively deal with these greatest threats to the internal security by marshalling all resources, using new technologies and improving manpower capabilities.

Addressing a meeting of the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories here, Dr Singh said the recent attacks in Kashmir and Mumbai have brought out the extent of penetration of terrorists but they could not be allowed to succeed and get away with their crimes.

''We need to gear ourselves up to meet these challenges. We need to marshal all our resources, utilize all available technologies and improve the capabilities of our manpower in meeting these challenges. These threats have to be met firmly, with determination and with a will to destroy them'' Dr Singh said.

Pointing out that the past responses to these challenges have been inadequate as naxalism and terrorism have grown to a different intensity, magnitude, scale and scope, Dr Singh urged Chief Secretaries to empower police forces to be able to discharge their functions at higher levels of efficiency.

Assuring all possible support from the Centre, the Prime Minister said that the Chief Secretaries will have to show the necessary leadership in gearing up their machinery to meet these challenges.

He said maintaining law and order and assuring security to citizens was the primary responsibility of the state and no development could take place in its absence.

The Prime Minister also asked Chief Secretaries to adopt a leadership role to ensure a procedural and attitudinal change in the bureaucracy to cut red tape and ensure good, effective and efficient governance. They should ensure that its interface with the public becomes a pleasant one, Dr Singh said and urged them to uphold the values of honesty, integrity and professional excellence.

He asked Chief Secretaries to show clarity of vision, decisiveness in action and leadership by example which are essential for effective governance. They should create a benchmark and provide a framework whereby their subordinates could discharge their functions without or favour, feel secure and are rewarded for each correct action, the Prime Minister said.

Morever, red tape in the form of cumbersome procedures, complicated forms, inordinate delays and most importantly an insensitive and unconcerned staff should be cut down by simplification of transactions, strengthening accountability, using IT and e-governance tools and promoting behavioural changes in the government employees, he said.

More UNI AJ RP ND1908