Prime Minister,
Pranabji,
CPP Executive Committee Colleagues,
Fellow MPs

Welcome back after Holi. You may recall that I could not address the CPP General Body in December last year since the Parliament session ended abruptly because of the Opposition's disruptive attitude.

Let me begin by congratulating the Prime Minister on a very successful visit to Saudi Arabia. The warmth of his welcome and the positive outcome only add to our country's prestige. This was the first visit by a Prime Minister since Indiraji in 1982.

Close to nine months have elapsed since the people of India clearly reaffirmed their faith in the Congress Party and gave us the opportunity to serve them for a second term. These months have by no means been easy. We have faced many political and economic challenges. While some of them like the drought and the global economic crises have tested us, we have come through and remain firm to our dedication and resolve.

Addressing the issue of food prices continues to be our foremost priority. We have responded to this pressing concern with all the resources at our command. Despite the fact that this was a crisis born of circumstances outside our control, the Government has put in place proactive policies to mitigate the hardships of the people. We had a day-long discussion on this subject last week in both Houses. Both the Finance and the Agriculture Ministers spoke in great detail on all that has already been done and on the steps that will be taken to reduce the rate of inflation of food items. The Prime Minister has also met with chief ministers and has sought to remind them of their own and responsibilities. They must ensure that the PDS functions properly, and that wherever necessary de-hoarding operations are carried out effectively. The food price inflation detracts from the UPA's outstanding accomplishment in sustaining high economic growth that is so essential for generating resources for social welfare programmes and inclusive long-term prosperity.

Left-wing extremism continues to be another major challenge. Our government is committed to addressing it both from the developmental and the law-and¬-order perspectives in partnership with the states affected. Both have to go hand-in-hand. I am happy that our Finance Minister has provided adequate funds, for an integrated action plan to combat this problem.

Speaking of the Budget that was presented just a few days back, Pranabji has already briefed you yesterday about its salient features and on the various new initiatives that have been launched. I am sure this input will help you in countering the Opposition's propaganda. We have many essential social obligations and to meet them it is necessary to raise resources. I congratulate the Finance Minister for a fine and delicate balancing act which has been widely welcomed.

The social security fund for workers in the unorganised sector has finally taken shape and will soon become operational. The expenditure emphasis on agriculture, rural development, infrastructure and social empowerment stands out boldly in the Budget. It is for all of us now to play our part in ensuring that the benefits of these programmes as well of those launched during UPA-I reach the intended beneficiaries.

Friends, over the last five years, we have built a structure of legal entitlements for the aam aadmi- starting with the Right to Information and the Right to Work in UPA-I, and followed by the Right to Education in the first few months of UPA II. We are now ready for the next step of placing the draft Food Security Bill for discussion in the public domain. This was perhaps the most important pledge in our Manifesto last year.

Other than the Right to Food Security, I personally attach the highest importance to the Women's Reservation Bill. So many years have passed since Rajivji first unveiled his vision of empowering us women. It is a matter of pride that even though it has taken so long, it is our Government that has cleared the legislation in Cabinet. This year is on 8th March is the centenary of International Women's Day. What a gift to the women of India if on this important day this historic legislation is introduced and passed!

We have taken steps to improve coordination between the party and Government, to keep our MPs better informed on issues likely to be raised by the Opposition, and enhance the quality of our parliamentary interventions. From time to time, ministers will brief all of you on important programmes and schemes in their charge. The Rural Development Minister has already done so. I urge all of you, especially my younger and first-term colleagues, to take full advantage of these opportunities.

Criticism, differences and debate are an integral part or a democracy. But the manner in which the Opposition sought to disrupt the presentation of the Budget last week is not in keeping with the democratic norms and traditions that we cherish. The disruptive approach of the Opposition was evident to the entire nation. If they look back, they will recall the constructive cooperation extended to the NDA in the six year's when we were sitting on their benches in the Opposition.

In almost all my addresses to you I have felt compelled to refer to another issue, that of attendance. Regular attendance is part of our basic duty' and responsibility.

Even to sit and listen to Parliamentary proceedings is an education in itself. The time has come to take poor attendance on the part of members seriously.

I cannot end without making a reference to the terror attacks in Pune and in Kabul in which a number of our countrymen were killed. On your behalf, I express our collective sorrow and anguish at these incidents. There are forces operating from both outside our country and from inside who are determined to destroy the bonds of social harmony that unite our people, and to thwart our economic progress. Our resolve to fight these forces remains firm, uncompromising and undiminished.

Thank you.