Checking inflation, probity in public life UPA''s priority:Prez

New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) Combating inflation and tackling"lack of probity" in public life would be among the foremostpriorities of the UPA-II government this year, PresidentPratibha Patil said today.

"My government''s foremost priorities in 2011-12 will be tocombat inflation, in particular, to protect the common manfrom the impact of rising food prices," she said in heraddress to a joint sitting of Parliament.

Listing out the ruling coalition''s priorities this year,she said the government, which has been facing oppositionattack on the issue of corruption, would "address frontallythe concern regarding the lack of probity and integrity inpublic life."

The government would also strive to sustain the momentumof economic growth, while ensuring that the poor, the weak andthe disadvantaged get a fair share in the result of growth,she said.

Regarding security issues and foreign policy, thePresident said the government would "maintain anuncompromising vigil on the internal and external securityfronts and to pursue a foreign policy which will ensure thatour voice is heard and our interests are protected in globalfora." PTI AD ARC