More reforms in Budget, but Opposition stalling process: PM

New Delhi, Feb 16: Stressing that the government has not given up on reforms, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday said more reforms will be unveiled in the 2011-12 Budget, but blamed the Opposition for delaying the introduction of crucial Bills in Parliament.

"No, we have not given up on reforms. We will persist...I sincerely hope in the (upcoming) Budget we will see a clearer picture of the reform agenda," Singh told editors.

He, however, blamed the Opposition, particularly the BJP, for not allowing Parliament to function, thereby delaying the introduction of more reforms.

Singh blamed the Opposition for the delay in introduction of the Constitution Amendment Bill on Goods and Service Tax, saying, "When the Parliament is not allowed to function, when the Opposition do not wish to cooperate with the path-breaking reforms of Goods and Services Tax (GST)... This is a reform which is needed."

"The Opposition, particularly the BJP, has taken a very hostile attitude," he added.

He reiterated that the government has been working on a host of reform initiatives, some of which have already been successful.

"We are working on a Food Security Bill, the Right to Education is now a reality... The ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) is a reality... and also the National Rural Health Mission," Singh said.

He further said, "In the same way, I believe we are going to have a fresh wave of infrastructure investment with the help of public-private partnership model."

PTI