Manmohan worried about plight of 'aam aadmi'

New Delhi, Aug 15: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says he is worried about the 'aam aadmi' who has been hurt by globalisation, displaced by big projects, still has to live in slums and do hard labour and face ''crisis'' on the farm front.

''Globalisation certainly has its benefits; but it can also hurt the common man (popularly known as the aam aadmi credited with installing the UPA in power),'' Dr Singh said in his third consecutive address to the nation today, marking the nation's 60th Independence Day.

''There is visible progress all around. However, when I see this, I have some worries. And I am aware that every Indian has similar worries,'' he confided.

Even as India moved forward rapidly to claim its rightful place in the comity of nations, he said he saw ''vast segments'' of people who were ''untouched by modernisation; who continue to do backbreaking labour.'' Such people continued to suffer from inequitous social orders.

''I see that our farmers in many parts are in a crisis, not managing to eke out a decent living from their land.'' He said when he visited Vidarbha earlier this year, the plight of the farmers there had a ''deep impact'' on him. The agricultural crisis that was forcing them to take the desparate step of committing suicide had to be resolved. ''We need to think about how we can provide a decent livelihood to our farmers.'' He further observed that while ''one rejoices'' at the progress that was being made, ''one worries'' for those who are displaced, for those who had lost their lands and livelihood.

When one saw the cities growing rapidly and felt happy, one could not help but worry for the large number of people who still lived in slums.

''When our industry and services compete successfully across the globe, we celebrate our success in global markets; but at the same time, we are buffeted by the same global forces when oil prices go up because of factors beyond our control.'' All this drove home the bottomline that the government had to ensure that no section of society and no part of the country was left behind when the wheels of progress moved rapidly forward, he said.

The government had also to ensure that growth generated employment and the necessary wealth which could then finance the welfare of marginalised groups and usher in a bright future for the youth, he said.

UNI