Coimbatore: Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram asserted that terror attacks and communal riots in the country would be tackled with strong measures and peace would be maintained to help attract investments. Mr. Chidambaram said the nation would attain eight per cent growth rate by the turn of this year. At a public meeting in Kuniamuthur on Tuesday night to mark the 125 years of Congress Party’s existence and to celebrate the 60th Republic Day, he dwelt at length on the achievements of the UPA Government. He said when the Government completed its term in office it would have achieved the earlier growth rate of nine per cent.

Because of the protection given to farmers and the government’s inclusive economic policies, the Indian economy remained resilient even when the economies the world over witnessed a slowdown, he added. Mr. Chidambaram said after the Mumbai terror attacks, the country did not witness any terror attacks and communal riots in the last 14 months. A peaceful scenario was must for attracting investments, opening new industries to generate employment and achieving a higher growth rate, Mr.Chidambaram said.

India was a formidable economy in the world and the second in terms of progress. India should become the biggest global economic power for which he sought the support of the people for the Congress Party.

Referring to “alienation” of minorities and economic suppression, Mr. Chidambaram said Islam and Christianity were not alien faiths but were indigenous. He said that the governments had many schemes on the anvil. When the UPA Government assumed power in 2004 with just 145 seats in the Lok Sabha, the Cabinet realised that schemes and benefits should reach the tailend target beneficiary. Though many schemes were implemented, there were hurdles in reaching them the target group given the large size of the country with a huge bureaucratic set-up.

“I accept it with no regrets,” he said. Continued focus on inclusive growth of every section and sustained effort to reach the benefits to the target group did wonders and in 2009 the Congress bagged 206 seats. This indicated that more and more people had reposed faith in the Congress.

Mr. Chidambaram said 12 crore children enjoyed noon meal scheme everyday across the country. Sixteen lakh students were provided with Rs. 26,000 crore as education assistance, while over Rs. 70,000 crore given as farm loans was waived.

Courtesy - Hindu