Swraj Paul raises concern on education, health

New Delhi, Sept 24 (UNI) Raising concerns, over the condition of education and health in the country, NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul said India can become a developed nation if these issues are strongly dealt with.

''About 30 per cent students have no access to primary education, over 30 per cent people live below the poverty line surviving on less than one dollar a day,'' Mr Paul said during the launch of a magazine 'NRI Achiever - Doing India Proud' here.

He said there is an urgent need to address condition of women as cases of female feoticide are on rise in Punjab and Haryana.

Speaking about Indo-British relations, Mr Paul said it is fairly good, both on the political and economic fronts.

''Britain now sees India as a partner,'' he said, adding that the trade and investment is increasing on both sides.

Regarding the Walmart entry into the Indian market, Mr Paul said Indian retailers are capable of working in a competitive environment and global retail giants coming to the country will only spur them to do better.

''We can compete with the best. The reason why IT industry has progressed so well is because they did not need the government nor did they know how to control them. So, I have no problem with Wal-Marts or anybody. Let's believe in ourselves,'' he added.

On WTO talks on agriculture, Mr Paul said he is fighting hard in WTO to stop agri-subsidy in the West.

UNI