
## The Parliamentary Debates Official Report

IN THE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIRST SESSION  OF THE RAJYA  SABHA Commencing on the  
23rd February,   1987/4th      *Phalguna*    1908     *(Saka)* 
 

## Rajya Sabha

Monday the 23rd February, 1987/4th Phalguna, 
1908 (Saka) 
The House met at fifteen minutes past one of the clock, The Deputy Chairman in the Chair. 

## Member Sworn

Shri Samar Mukherjee  (West Bengal) 
PRESIDENT'S   ADDRESS— Laid on the table SECRETARY-GENERAL: Madam, I beg to lay on the Table a copy of the President's Address to both the Houses of Parliament assembled together on the 23rd February 1987. [Placed in Library.    See No. LT- 3657/87] 
[Text  of  the  President's  *Address* in, *Hindi]* 
 
7 
[RAJYA SABHA] 
Address 
8 
 
11 
Presidents 
[RAJYA SABHA] 
Address 
12 
 
 
[Text of the President's Address in English] 
Honourable Memboxs, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this first session of Parliament in 1987. I extend to you my best wishes for the successful completion of the budgetary and legislative business ahead. 

 
2. In. 1986 many of the gains made-from the thorough and comprehensive policy changes initiated in several key areas were consolidated. At the same time it was a year in which the country was called upon to grapple with challenges, external as well as internal, to its unity and integrity. Our secular, democratic structure is boldly facing the forces of commu-nalism and separatism. Nothing will ever shake the people of India from their adherence to the basic princi. ples of democracy, secularism and socialism which form  our  Republic. 

3. In Punjab the forces of democracy, unity, progress and secularism continue; to be engaged in the struggle to isolate and wipe out the anti-national   elements   which  are guided communalism loomed     large    before them.   As we went ahead on our path of  planned  development,     we  began to assume that    social and economic progress would automatically weaken the  communal     outlook.   Experience has, however,     shown that the com munal    and    fundamentalist     forces, aided and     abetted by external ele ments,    are    challenging    our    basic values    of     nationalism,    secularism, democracy     and socialism.    Indiraji's martyrdom was    to defend the same sacred  cause  of the unity and  inte grity of India against the evil designs of    communalists    and   reactionaries. 

These nefarious    forces constitute    a deeper malady    which has persisted in spite  of  demonstrable progress    in socio-economic   sphere.   The  situation clearly  calls    for a    reappraisal and. Government  propose a  national dia logue for this purpose.   Our precious heritage  of unity in diversity can be preserved only by fighting all divisive forces. 

 
and   controlled     by  foreign  sources. Under the    leadership of the    Chief Minister,     Shri S.  S. Barnala,    the State Government and the people   of Punjab, have shown exemplary courage in upholding the values of secular democracy.   The  people  of Punjab have always been in the forefront to defend the unity and integrity of India.   They    played a historic role in  the  freedom struggle  which    has left the imperishable imprint of secularism and democracy on their mind and spirit.   It is, therefore, not  surprising that they have stoOd up to the blatantly unconstitutional     effort    to subvert      the      democratic      process through a sinister exploitation of religious sentiments.   In  flagrant    violation of the sacred tenets and traditions of  the    great religion founded by Guru Nanak,  a small section has turned    riligious    functionaries and holy  shrines into instruments of terror and  subversion.   Today  this  is the central issue in Punjab.   Government will not allow the enemies of India's unity and  integrity  to abuse and misuse religion for their nefarious ends  of     creating communal  disharmony and of unleashing violence and hatred in Punjab. All patriotic, secular, democratic and 
5. There can be no better way of celebrating the 40th anniversary of freedom and the birth centenary of the architect of modern India, Jawaharlal Nehru, than progressive forces have to unite to build the strength of the  people  to  overcome    the reactionary,  fascist   and   anti-national elements     who  are  misguiding    and confusing the masses in the name of religion. The challenge  faces  us  all. No one can remain on the sidelines. 

concerted and resolute action to remove the cancerous cells of communalism from our body politic. The National Committee for these celebrations, headed by the Vice- President of India, will devise a 
4. As the nation approaches the 40th comprehensive programme to inculcate secular values tnd scientific temper. 

6. While the Government were engaged in anniversary of our freedom, it is fully conscious of the dangers posed by religious obscurantism and com-munalism. It was in April, 1948 that the Constituent Assembly CLegisla-tive) passed a resolution calling upon Government to take steps to eliminate communalism from India's political life. The father of the Nation had been assassinated barely two months earlier. Memories of tha ghastly killings were still fresh in the minds of our Constitution makers. The threat  to the unity of India  from controlling extremist activities in Punjab, a new danger appeared on our borders. In January, 1987. Pakistan deployed strike formations in a menacing posture threatening Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. As Members are aware, our borders are largely manned by para-military forces. Faced with this situation, the Government had to deploy our armed forces for safeguarding the borders.   Serious tension was  gene- 

    rated by the forward movement    of 
10. In my Addivss on February 20, 
1986 I had outlned the priority areas for 
1986-87 
and beyond. 

The main policy thrusts were: - 
(i) Formulation of the revised 20-point programme; 
(ii) Formulation of the new education policy; 
(iii) Formulation of technology missions to improve the condition of the rural and urban poor; 
(iv) A new orientation to our agricultural policy and taking the green revolution to the eastern region; 
Pakistani forces. The Prime Minister took the initiative for immediate talks between the two Governments. An agreement on measures to de-escalate the situation was reached -during negotiations between the two Government held in Delhi recently and Pakistan agreed to withdraw their Army Reserve North from the Ravi-Chenab corridor. Further talks will be held in Islamabad. India's policy is based on peace and cooperation with all nations. Government have taken various measures to strengthen cooperation with our neighbours. While determined to preserve our sovereignty and integrity, India is prepared to remove all causes of tension and distruct between the two countries in the spirit of bilateral cooperation embodied in the Shimla Agreement. 

(v) A more effective strategy for family planning; 
7. The Mizoram Accord, signed in 1986, 
(vi) Intensification of industrial growth; 
(vii) Promotion of exports and tourism; 
(viii) Reforms in the administrative brought to an end decades of insurgency and strife in that beautiful part of our country. Pursuant to this Accord, Statehood has been conferred on Mizoram and elections have been held. A new Government has taken office. 

system; and 
(ix) Changes  in  electoral  laws. 

8. The aspirations of the people of 
11. My Government have taken action in Arunachal Pradesh for a full-fledged State have been fulfilled by the enactment of parliamentary legislation to confer the all these areas and positive results are beginning to flow. 

12. The 20-point programme of 1986 has Statehood on Arunachal Pradesh. The new State came into existence on February 20, 1987. A new chapter in the history of the people of Arunachal Pradesh has begun. 

sharpened the focus on measures to eradicate poverty. 

The main fea-tures of the restructured programme are-— 
9. Government are committed to 
(i) 
Poverty alleviation programmes which aim at expansion of rural safeguarding the rights arid interests of minorities. The solemn assurances contained in our Constitution re-gardig religious, employment and 
-improvement of productivity and production; 
(ii) Programmes for ensuring justice to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes; 
(iii) Reduction of income inequalities cultural and linguistic matters have been and are being implemented in letter and spirit. Gov. eminent have continued to carefully monitor the implementation of the 15-point programme formulated by Shrimati Indira Gandhi to ameliorate the condition of minorities. 

and removal of social and. economic disparities; 
(iv) strengthening of the movement to ensure equal status for women; 

(v) Creation of new opportunities for 
youth; 
(vi)  Provision     of  safe  drinking water 
for all villages; 
Government are considering issues relating to an effective management and monitoring system for the missions. The key idea here is to involve the people in activities relating to the missions so that they realise the potential for individual and social development. 

(vii) Protection  of  environment; 
(viii)  Supply    of energy for the 
15. The reorientation of agricultural policy 

villages; and 
(ix)  Evolving a more responsive 
administration. 
13. The new education policy has been has proceeded satisfactorily. Growth of productivity in the eastern region has vindicated Government strategy. To increase and stabilise production and productivity in the major part of our land resources, a national programme of rainfed agriculture through watershed development has been launched during the current year in 16 major rainfed/dry-land farming States. A National Pulses Development Project, with an outlay of Rs. 50 crores, has been started in 1986-87 to increase production  of this  essential protein crop. 

formulated. It is an effective instrument in our fight against poverty. Its major aim is to reach out to the poor and the deprived and to place in their hands the means to gain control over their own destiny. Programmes such as the Operation Blackboard, non-formal education, adult education, vocational education and Navodaya Vidyalays will bring about 
16. We have formulated a new family planning strategy with major emphasis on voluntary acceptance of the two child norm. The programme will be integrated with health care, nutrition and education programmes. Government have decided that the leading role in promotion of the family welfare programme should be played by voluntary agencies. 

17. In the sphere of industry, the dynamic qualitative changes in education. They will directly help socially and economically backward sections of the community. The new policy will also strengthen national Integra tion. We have emphasized the importance of spreading an awareness and involvement of all our people in the heritage of India. The newly established zonal cultural centres have begun undertaking this task with enthusiasm and have organised innovative Festivals of our culture in Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra thrust for efficiency and modernisation has begun to show results. Industrial production has picked up significantly. 

18. Intensive efforts have been made on the Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Aruna-chal Pradesh and Mizoram and *Apna Utsav* in the capital. 

14. Five technology missions have been set basis of a coordinated approach to promote exports of both primary commodities and manufactured products. 

In our strategy up in the following areas:— 

(i)  Drinking     water for all villages; 
(ii) Eradication  of illiteracy; 
(iii)   Universal  immunisation    of 
children; 

(iv)  Production of oilseeds   and 
manufacturing has bsen assigned the role of growth sector. A concessional rate of duty has been allowed on imports of mod. ern capital goods for export production. Contemporary technology is being permitted for the thrust sectors. Significant fiscal and financial measures such as the new cash compensatory scheme,     the  duty drawback: 
manufacture of edible oils; 
(v)  Improved communications. 

—The Suppression of Immoral Traffic in system, availability of MODVAT in repect of 38 specified chapters, deduction in respect of profits for exports, sharp reduction in the rates of interest on pre-shipment and post-shipment credit for exports and the new computer software policy are intended to boost exports. 

Women and Girls Act, 1956 was amended to protect all persons sexually exploited for commercial purposes. Stricter punishment has been prescribed for living on the earn, ings of prostitution of children and minors. 

—The Dowry Prohibition Act was 
19. The process of reform in our administrative system has gathered momentum. There has been a positive response of the civil servants to the new imperatives of accountability, social amended, shifting the burden of providing that there was no demand for dowry on the person who takes or abets the taking of dowry. Offien-ces under the Act have been made non-bailable. 

responsibility and a new work ethic. 

—Indecent Representation of Women Government are determined to carry forward the task of bringing about qualitative impiovements in Government management with the cooperation of all sections of the work force. 

 
(Prohibition) Act has been passed under which depiction of figure of a woman, her form or body, which has the effect of being indecent, derogatory or which denigrates woman has  been  made  punishable. 

20. The basic structure of our electoral A significant feature of these laws is that system has stood the test of time. It has ensured free and fair elections to Parliament and State, Legislatures and has been legal remedy can be invoked by citizens. In implementing these farreaching laws, the cooperation of public spirited and socially conscious citizens  is of vital   importance. 

22. Let me, now turn to the major trends in the economy. 

23. Notwithstanding an indifferent monsoon the growth in gross national product in 1986- 87 will be around 5 per cent. Thus the targeted growth rate of the Seventh Plan will be achieved for the second year in succession. 

 
recognised and acclaimed as such by the whole world. Based on the report of the Chief Election Commissioner of 1986, Government have formulated certain suggestions, which are to be discussed with the various political parties and also thrown open to public debate. Necessary legislation will be initiated, as in the past, on the basis of consensus  evolving from  such  discussions. 

24. The foodgrain output will be 
21. 1986 will be remembered for significant somewhat higher than last year inspite of inadequate rains for the third year in succession. 

Government are concerned      over  the  fact  that  even 
   though     agricultural     production has legislation affecting important areas of national life. Stringent and comprehensive environment protection legislation has been enacted. It was brought into force on November 19, 1986 as a fitting tribute to the memory of Shrimati Indira Gandhi who did more than anyone else to raise, environmental consciousness. 

—The rights of the  consumers  are now part of the statute book. 

 reached higher levels, it is showing Signs of levelling off. It is partly the result of three consecutive years of poor    precipitation. The    basic stra. 

 tegy for increasing agricultural production is sound. Vigorous implementation of projects and programmes for increasing irrigation potential 
—Radical  laws     have  been passed to improve the status of women. 

     and   nopularising      the   use   of  high,      
yielding varieties of seeds is expected to achieve the targeted growth rates of the Seventh Plan. 

Government have taken major policy initiatives to increase the domestic production of oilseeds. 

 
This has enabled Government to make additional allocations of rice and wheat to States for public distribution, to provide rice and wheat at concessional rates to integrated tribal development projects and nutrition programmes and to make higher allocations for the National Rural Employment 
25. The industrial infrastructure has Programme and the Rural Labour Employment Guarantee Programme. 

Comfortable stocks of foodgrains also enabled Government to give adequate quantities to drought-stricken States for the food-for-work programme. 

performed remarkably well both in 1985-86 and 1986-87. The average annual growth rates for the last two years are likely to be 9.5 per cent in power, 6 per cent in coal, 7.7 per cent in saleable steel, 6.8 per cent in hot metal, 8 per cent in railway freight and 16.5 per cent in fertilizers. The significant aspect of the infrastructu. 

ral scene is that annual 
28. There has been a major reorientation performance has continuously improved, extending over- every quarter. In many cases, the lowest production in a quarter has beeen higher than the higest production recorded in any quarter of the preceding year. The infrastructure has begun to use investments in an efficient maned. 

26. The revised index of industrial of policy to stimulate sugarcane and sugar production. The new two-year sugar policy aims at providing sugarcane farmers with more remunerative prices. It has also created a stable environment by announcement of the statutory minimum price a year in advance. As a result of this policy, sugar production increased by almost one million tonnes in 1985- 86, and is expected to increase further in 1986- 87. This has enabled Government to reduce sugar imports. 

29. The technology mission for boosting production (base 1980-81-100), with a wider and more representative coverage than the old index provides evidence of satisfactory industrial growth. In 1985-86 industrial production grew at the rate of 8.7 per cent. In 1986-87 growth rate is expected to be 7-8 per cent. There has been impressive growth in electronics during be nrevious two years at the rate of around 40 per cent per annum. The public sector has continued to play the key role in our economic development. At the end of 1985.86, the total investment in Oentrol public enterprises stood at Rs. 50,341 crores, registering an increase of Rs. 14,947 crores compared with 1984-85. The financial performance of Central public enterprises has shown an encouraging trend. Measures have bee taken to strengthen the autonomy of public enterprises and to make them accountable for results. 

oilseeds production has started functioning. A programme with an outlay of Rs. 170 crores during 1986— 90 has been launched to increase production of oilseeds to 18 million tonnes in 1989-90. In Kharif 1986, productivity of oilseeds is estimated to have gone up by 10 per cent and production by 7 per cent over Kharif 1985, despite adverse weather conditions which reduced acreage by 3 per cent. Edible oil imports were reduced to provide an incentive to domestic production. In 1985-86 imports were reduced by 55 per cent in value terms and over 15 per cent in quantity terms. Fiscal incentives have been provided to ensure processing of greater quantities of minor oilseeds and rice bran into edible oils. 

27. Public stocks of foodgrains have 
30. In 
1986-87, anti-poverty pro continued at high levels and stood at 23 million tonnes in December, 1986. 

grammes received stronger emphasis. 

The   Integrated    Rural Development Programmme (IRDP) and the Employment Programmes are the kingpin of the antipoverty strategy. In 1986-87 an outlay of Rs. 

543.83 crores was provided for the Integrated Rural Development Programme. This may be compared with Rs. 207.7 crores provided in 1984-85 and Rs. 205.9 crores in 1985-86. Upto the end of December 1986, 2.07 million families have been assisted. New features have been introduced in the implementation of the programme. They are higher level of investment per family, provision for forward and backward linkages, emphasis on training of beneficiaries, involvement of vol-ntary organisations, introduction of concurrent evaluation and increasing the assistance to women. Under all these programmes the basic thrust is to provide maximum assistance to the poorest of the poor and to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. 

31. The National Rural Employ. 

ment Programme and the Rural Land less Employment Guarantee Program me were strengthened in 
1986-87. 

Employment aggregating to 
550 
mil lion mandays is expected to be creat ed. 

There has been a noteworthy step up in outlays on NREP. 

In 
1986-87 a total outlay of Rs. 479.75 crores was provided by the Centre compared with Rs. 

230 
crores for 
1984-85 
and Rs. 

337.21 
crores for 
1985-86. 

Under RLEGP, which is wholly funded by the Centre, an out lay of Rs. 731.10 crores was provided for 1986-87 which may be compared with Rs. 400 crores for 1984-85 and Rs. 606.33 crores for 1985-86. 

32. The 20-point programme of 1986 
emphasises the provision of safe drinking water for all villages. 

In 
1986-87, a total amount of Rs. 794.05 crores was allocated for the drinking waater programme in Central and State plans taken together. 

40,000 
villages are expected to be covered exceeding the target of 
35.930 
villa ges.    Special attention is being paid to provision of water supply for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. 

33. In 1986-87, the outlay for the annual plan was stepped up substantially. For the first time in our planning history, 40 per cent of the Five Year Plan was finoneed in real terms in the first two years of the plan period. In allocation of resources high priority was accorded to anti-poverty programmes and to strengthening the core sectors of the economy. A massive increase of 65-per cent was made in the outlay for major anti-poverty programmes. The outlays for agriculture, rural development and irrigation v/ere stepped up by nearly 30 per cent. The plan provision for education was increased by 60 per cent. The Central plan for 1986-87 envisaged an outlay of Rs. 22,300 crores, representing an increase of 20.5 per cent over the last year's outlay. The actual outlay of the plan is likely to be higher at around Rs. 23,000 crores. Nothing could illustrate better the strong commitment of Government to he pivotal role of planning in Indias development. 

34. Government have taken steps to implement the basic proposals outlined in the long term fiscal policy. The tax structure is being reformed and simplified, strong emphasis has been laid on mobilising resources for development by better administration and enforcement to improve compliance; a stable fiscal environment is being created to stimulate savings and investment, and a more open approach has been adopted in regard to fiscal policy. 

## 35. Central Government Revenues Which

increased by 23 per cent in 1985-86 have shown a further increase of over 17 per cent in April—December, 1986. Personal incometax collection recorded an impressive growth of 30 per cent in 1985-86; they have grown by another 16 per cent in April-December, 1986. The continued buoyancy of Central revenues       has vindicated Government's fundamental approach of reasonable tax rates combined with strict enforcement of tax laws. 

36. A Cabinet Committee on Exports was to 1716 in 1985 and 1234 in 1986 (January to October). The loss of man-days due to industrial disputes fell from 56.03 million mandays in 1984 to 29.37 million mandays in 
1985 and 19.41 million mandays during 1986 (January to October) . Government have taken a number of steps to ensure that unorganised workers receive entitled benefits. 

Industrial workers have made a notable contribution to raising production and productivity in the last two years. 

set up to expedite decision making on policies and programmes for promotion of exports. Exports grew by 17.3 per cent in April-November, 1986 over the corresponding period of last year. Imports increased by only 1.4 per cent over the same period. As a result the trade deficit has shown a substantial decline. We cannot, however, afford to be complacent. The challenge of self-reliance and of building a fully independent economy demands Government are committed to safeguarding their interest and to enlist their cooperation for accelerated industrial growth. 

unremitting effort. 

41. Government have continued to pursue 
37. In the current year we crossed the one our non-aligned foreign policy objectives of peace, disarmament, development and cooperation with all nations for building an equitable world order. 

million mark in foreign tourist arrivals. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism are estimated at Rs. 1600 crores as compared to Rs. 1300 crores during 1985-86. 

42. The Six Nation Five Continent Domestic tourism is being given special importance to promote national integration. Central Government is providing assistance for wayside facilities, wildlife sanctuaries sound and light shows, and cheaper tourist accommodation. 

38. While impressive results have been achieved in the matter of resource initiative in which Argentina, Greece, India, Mexico, Sweden and Tanzania are taking part, has produced a favourable impact on public opinion throughout the world for intensive and sustained effort to bring about nuclear disarmament. At Reykjavik radical proposals for ending the nuclear arms race were placed on the table. It is unfortunate that no agreement was reached. We have continued to urge both the USA and the USSR to persevere in their efforts to fulfil the aspirations of humankind for peace and for a world free from nuclear weapons. 

mobilisation, a similar effort has to be directed to controlling expenditure. The imperatives of growth with social justice compel serious attention to the task of containing unproductive expenditure. 

43. At the Non-aligned Summit at 
39. The consumer price index gives cause Harare, India handed over the chair manship of the movement to Zimbab we. 

The Summit acclaimed the role our country has played in strengthen ing non-alignment and in reaffirming for concern. However, inflation, as measured by the wholesale price index has been kept within reasonable limits. Government will continue to pursue policies to counteract inflationary trends in our economy. 

the basic objectives of the Movement. The Summit entrusted to our Prime 
40. During the last two years, a Miniser the chairmanship of the newly established AFRICA 
Fund Committee to carry forward the struggle against positive trend  of improvement    was seen in industrial relations.     Strikes . and lockouts declined from 2094 in 1984 
apartheid and to support the efforts of the Frontline States.   The AFRICA 
Fund Summit held in Delia on January 24-25, 1987 has given concrete shape to the concept articulated at Harare. 

Government are operations undertaken by the Sri Lanka security forces and the economic blockade of Jaffna area have. 

created further complications. We are deeply affected by the hardship, suffering and loss of life of the Tamil civilian population of Sri Lanka. The ethnic issue in Sri Lanka can only be resolved through political dialogue. 

47. My Government continues to strive convinced that comprehensive mandatory sanctions alone will compel the racist regime in South Africa to forestall blood-shed and listen to the voice of reasons. Governments that are in a position to influence South Africa, because of their commercial and economic relations, have to mount pressure through comprehensive mandatory sanctions. 

44. India's policy of expanding co operation in our region has achieved significant results. 

The successful SAARC 
(South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) 
Summit held for a just and peaceful settlement of the border question with China. The question remains crucial to full normalisation of our relations. The unfortunate development on the border continues to cause concern. Our position on the border question is well known. We are in discussion with China on the issue. 

in Bangalore in November, 1986 under India's chairmanship has demonstrat ed the benefits of regional coopera tion. 

A 
permanent Secretariat of 
48. We uphold the unalienable rights of SAARC has since been established in Kabhrnandu. 

New areas including control of drug trafficking, children's welfare, broadcasting, tourism and scholarships have been identified for the programme of SAARC 
coopera tion. 

Our Prime Minister took the opportunity of SAARC 
meeting to hold   useful  bilateral  discussions. 

45. Despite the set-back caused by the the Palestinian people. We support the liberation struggle of the peoples of Southern Africa. We have repeatedly urged an early end to the fratricidal war between Iraq and Iran. We continue to support the efforts of the Contadora group to achieve a peaceful and lasting settlement of the crisis in Central America. We have also supported the UN Secretary General's initiative on Afghanistan. We welcome the flexible responses to the outstanding issues in regard to Afghanistan and trust that conditions will be created soon to ensure the status of Afghanistan as an independent, non-aligned country free from outside interference and intervention. 

deployment by Pakistan of its troops on our borders, efforts are continuing to create a basis for cooperation with Pakistan. The main hurdles in the way of normalisation are Pakistan's clandestine effort to acquire nuclear weapons capability, its arms 
49. During the last year, I paid goodwill visits to Nepal, Greece. 

Poland and Yugoslavia. 

The Vice-President visited programme with serious implications for our security environment and its support to antinational and secessionist elements in Punjab. 

46. It is unfortunate that the promise held France and Botswana. The Prime Minister paid bilateral visits to the Maldives, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Tanzania, Mauritius, Mexico, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. The Prime Minister also participated in the Commonwealth Heads ot Government Review Meeting in London, the Summit Meeting of the Six Nation Five Continent Peace Initiative at Ixtapa   and out by our bilateral discussions with Sri Lanka at Bangaiore and of subsequent high level consultations in December, 1986 has received a set-back. The negotiating process has been hindered by the hesitations of the Government of Sri Lanka in regard to their own formula of December    19,    1986. The    massive    military the Eighth Non-aligned Summit in Harare, besides visiting Sweden to attend the funeral of late Prime Minister olof Palme. 

50. We had the privilege to host the Prime tions of the community. The primary focus of policies and programmes initiated during the last two years has been to assist the landless agricultural labour, the small and marginal farmers, artisans and craftsmen, handloom weavers, women, children; the urban poor, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and other backward classes. Our strategy of development will continue to strongly emphasize social justice as its foremost objective. 

54. Inspite of the many difficult problems we are facing, the peopie have high confidence in their capacity to build a strong and prosperous India. This confidence comes from our impressive achievements. India stands as a symbol of stability and progress. Our commitment to basic values and our determination to preserve our cultural Minister of Greece, the Prime Minilter of the Republic of Korea, the Prime Minister of Turkey, the President of Seychelles, the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, the President of the African National Congress, the President of SWAPO, the President of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister of Yugoslavia, the President of Nicaragua, the Prime Minister of Zambia, the King of Jordan, the Prime Minister of Denmark, the President of Peru, the Prime Minister of Malaysia and the President of Finland. The then Prime Minister and the current President of People's Democratic Republic of Yemen and the Prime Minister of Italy made transit visits to India. President Zia-ui-Haq of Pakistan paid an unofficial visit. 

51. These bilateral visits have strheritage have enabled us to march forward with cur head held high. We still have much to do. With the cooperation and unbounded enthusiasm of our people, my Government will take the country forward on its chosen path. 

engthened our friendly relations with these countries. A large number of agreements have been signed to further bilateral cooperation in economic commercial, scientilic and cultural fields. 

55. Our tasks are anchored to basic 
52. In the context of the close and friendly relations that have characterised the four decade history of Indo-Soviet cooperation, the visit of Mr. Gorbachev, the General Secretary of CPSU, was a landmark. The Delhi Declaration signed by Mr. Coibachev and our Prime Minister has provided a qualitatively new framework for international relations based on nonviolence, justice and equality. It will have worldwide significance in establishing new attitudes and values relevant to the crucial problems of humanity. 

national priorities. National cohesion will be strengthened. Communalism will be fought tooth and nail. The anti-poverty programme will be implemented with vigour. The core sectors of our economy will be strengthened and expanded to ensure self-reliant growth. The energy and vitality of our youth will be harnessed to nation building. The spirit of sacrifice which permeated the struggle for freedom must be recaptured to face the challenges that confront us. A passion for nation building must fill our hearts. For the accomplishment of these momentous tasks, I give you my good wishes. 

53. The thrust of Government policy is to improve the welfare of economically and socially weaker sec- 
Jai Hind. 