SECULARISM IN INDIA IS SAFE: VENKAIAH NAIDU URGES NRIs TO INVEST IN RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

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Union Minister for Rural Development, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has asserted that secularism is safe and secure in India and there is nothing to worry about it. Shri Naidu was addressing a widely attended meeting of the Indian Community organised by the Urban Indo-American Cancer Organization, in New York, yesterday. Shri Naidu said that secularism is part of the Indian ethos and added that what has happened in the recent past in Gujarat is an aberration. He said that the entire spectrum of political opinion has condemned these incidents and added that the current happenings are the handiwork of forces encouraged by certain outside elements and that the government is determined to put this down with an iron hand.

Shri Naidu also said that a major disinformation campaign is being carried out by vested interests to deface India and the Government and called upon the Indian community to effectively counter the same. The Minister said that Gujarat has comeback to normalcy as it has been evident from the examinations with 96% attendance as well as the Panchayat elections that were held in peaceful manner. Moreover, 7000 Hajis returned peacefully and were welcomed at their native places. The Centre is closely monitoring the relief and rehabilitation package announced by the Prime Minister amounting to Rs. 150 Crore. Shri Naidu said that the State Government is also effectively dealing with the situation.

Shri Naidu said that the Government is stable and there is nothing to worry on this count and added that the guiding principle of the Government is development. He said many innovative schemes are in various stages of implementation like the Golden Quadrilateral Scheme of the National Highways, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for rural connectivity and massive housing programme of constructing 25 lakh houses per year in the rural areas. The Samporna Gramin Rojgar Yojana (SGRY), Crop Insurance Scheme, Kisan Credit Cards and construction of cold storage units to support the farmers, massive expansion of the telecom network, revolution in the Information Technology sector, decentralization at every level, large scale food production, excellent relationship with the International Community, reforms in every sector, opening up of Insurance sector, Private-Public Participation for rural prosperity are other highlights of the Government. Shri Naidu said that development activities are in full swing and hoped that in another ten years India will be marching towards becoming a strong economic power in the world.

The meeting was attended by a large number of professionals and prominent people from various walks of public life. Shri Naidu complimented the Indian community for expanding the cause of India in the United States. He called upon Telugu people to remember their mother land and supplement the efforts of the Government in providing infrastructure facilities like schools, health centers, community halls and water schemes back home in their respective villages. Dr. K. Sivaprasad Rao, Minister for Civil Supplies, Government of Andhra Pradesh, also addressed the gathering.

Shri GV Krishna Reddy, a prominent NRI has announced an amount of Rs. One Crore for developing the Indo-American Hospital in Hyderabad in memory of Late Smt.Basava Taraka Ramam, wife of Late Shri NT Rama Rao, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. On Friday 10^th May, Shri Naidu also addressed the Indian Community at Chicago.

At Chicago Shri Naidu visited Stickney Waste Water Reclamation Plant. The Minister held extensive discussions with US-Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) and US-Asian Environmental Partnership (US-AEP).

It may be recalled that Shri Naidu has been on a visit to the USA from 4^th May 2002 after being invited to deliver the keynote address at the World Water Forum, at Washington on May 6^th 2002. During his visit, the Minister has had meaningful discussions with senior officials of the World Bank and undertaken site visits to study measures and technology available related to improving water quality.