We need a second green revolution: President Patil

New Delhi, April 5 : President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Saturday said that the country needs a second green revolution to enhance its agricultural productivity and to make India an agrarian superpower.

President Patil urged all policy makers, scientists and farmers to work towards this objective. She was delivering the valedictory centenary lecture in memory of Babu Jagjivan Ram.

She further said that the education schemes for the weaker and disadvantaged sections of society, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes are implemented and properly monitored. She said children coming from these backgrounds should be provided with facilities that would help in bringing them at par with the rest of society. Providing access to primary education to all is country's firm commitment and obligation.

President Patil further said, "We have to make special efforts for children coming from under-privileged backgrounds. There are many young bright boys and girls who have various hidden skills, talents and a passion to do things that can be of help to society."

The President said the Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojna has been launched this year for the construction of hostels. This scheme is a fitting tribute to Babuji who throughout his life championed the cause of education.

President Patil said, "Social justice must accompany our quest for growth. We have a constitutional and a moral duty to bring the weaker and the marginalized sections into the growth trajectory. A growth process that bridges the divide between the haves and have-nots, rural and urban areas, regions and communities and genders is the inclusive agenda that we should pursue."

ANI