New Delhi: Releasing the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), its chairperson Sonia Gandhi today (May 27, 2004) said the Congress-led coalition was committed to "implement it in letter and spirit."

"The document prepared in consultation with all pre-poll allies and others supporting the coalition reflects the mandate of the people, which was the mandate for a strong secular Government, which will work and care for all sections, especially women, youth and the weaker and the poorer sections," Gandhi said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, leaders of all coalition partners and the Left parties were present on the occasion.

Gandhi said the UPA was "pledged" to implement in letter and spirit the CMP.

She said the CMP broadly set out the main priorities, policies and programmes of the coalition.

• UPA partners have agreed to meet once a month.
  
  
• Social harmony: The Government will seek to preserve, protect and promote social harmony and ensure seven to eight per cent growth on a sustainable manner over a decade, he said.
  
  
• Labour welfare: Singh said the Government would also enhance welfare of farmers, artisans and labour, particularly in the unorganised sector.
  
  
• Women empowerment: The Government will seek to fully empower women, provide full equality of opportunity in jobs and education and release the creative energies of entrepreneurs, scientists and other professionals, he said.
  
  
• Transparency: The UPA was committed to provide corruption-free, transparent, accountable, responsible and responsive Government at all times.
  
  
• Law enforcement: CMP pledges to preserve and protect social harmony and enforce the law without fear and favour.
  
  
• Farmers: UPA was committed to welfare and well-being of farmers, workers and farm labourers and to ensure a secure future for their families.
  
  
• Equality: CMP pledges to provide political and economic empowerment and equality of opportunities, particularly in education and employment for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, minorities and other weaker sections.
  
  
• Priority sectors: The UPA to pay attention to agriculture, farmers, small industries, village industries, artisans and other neglected sectors of the Indian economy.
  
  
• Internal Peace: The CMP seeks to deal with all obscurantist and fundamentalist elements, who seek to disturb social amity and peace.
  
  
• Employment: The gross domestic product (GDP) growth would be achieved in such a manner, which would generate employment so that each family is assured of a safe and viable livelihood.