Sonia stresses for quick infrastructure devp

Sriperumbudur, Nov 4: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today stressed the importance of accelerating infrastructure development programmes to sustain economic growth.

Participating in the foundation-laying ceremony of the Rs 470 crore Global Automotive Research Centre at Oragadam near here, she said infrastructure should be developed particularly in regions where connectivity was poor.

''Infrastructure itself triggers significant economic activities.

To sustain economic growth, focus should be on infrastructure for which much remains to be done,'' she added.

Stating that greater attention should be paid to public transport, Ms Gandhi said the Mass Rapid Transit System and public transport should be the core of the transport system. Alternative fuels had to be found and harnessed.

Noting that development in the automotive industry reflected India's revival in the manufacturing sector, she said the UPA Government was giving highest priority to this sector.

This was demonstrated by the establishment of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council by the Centre, she said.

Ms Gandhi said debates were on about global warming but India was not a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, like the developed countries were.

''But we must be concerned (about the issue). Growth must not just be rapid but also equitable and sustainable,'' she added.

Quoting the late Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, she said, ''Poverty in itself is one of the worst pollutants. As we tackle poverty, tackling the consequences of rising prosperity are also amongst the many challenges before us.'

UNI