Sustained economic growth is only way to banish poverty: PM

New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) Acknowledging that India has been slow and has dithered and stumbled in its efforts to banish poverty and improve the quality of life of the common man, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said there ''is no doubt that we have been steadfast in our resolve, firm in our convictions and resolute in our commitment to the welfare of the 'aam aadmi'.'' ''Today, when I look back, I can say with some satisfaction that we are undoubtedly moving forward in the right direction.

''We have been slow in taking some steps; we have dithered at times, and stumbled some times. We have had success on some fronts, and setbacks on some others,'' Dr Singh said in his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the 61st Independence Day.

There was no doubt that India had been steadfast in its resolve, firm in its convictions and resolute in its commitment to the welfare of the common man, he said.

''We do feel a sense of satisfaction that on many fronts we have done well. Yet, we are aware that there is much more to be done. We have moved forward in the many battles against poverty, ignorance and disease.

''But can we say we have won the war? We have been able to step up the rate of growth. But can we say we are satisfied with the pace? Even after years of development and rising growth rates, why have we not been able to banish mass poverty and provide employment to all? Why do some regions of the country continue to lag behind?'' In his address, his fourth after becoming Prime Minister in May 2004, Dr Singh said he was asking these questions not to belittle the achievements, but to inspire the people to greater effort. ''I ask not to make you feel dispirited, but to enthuse you to march forward.'' UNI SN SBA VP0734