Friday, October 7 2005 10:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chandigarh: Strongly defending the economic reforms, Congress President Sonia Gandhi today (Oct 07, 2005) said it did not mean 'abdication' of the role of Government but was aimed at making the administration 'caring, effective and efficient' at all levels.

Setting the tone for the conclave of Congress Chief Ministers here in her inaugural address, she said there was a need for vast improvement in the functioning of public utilities, particularly in education and health sectors, which would require investment and changes in structure and procedures.

Talking about the Common Minimum Programme (CMP), the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson said it mostly reflected the Congress manifesto for the 2004 Lok Sabha election.

"Achievement of the CMP are therefore, naturally, the fulfilment of our own objectives," she said.

Noting that the experience of coalition politics at the Centre was new for her party, Gandhi said such an arrangement made it all the more necessary to 'carve out a niche for ourselves' so that the people knew about the 'unique contribution' of the Congress.

"The issue of coalitions is important when we speak of the political context," she said.

Asserting that law of the land should be implemented against those who disturb social peace without 'fear or favour', the Congress President said a significant new law on communal harmony would soon be introduced in Parliament.

"I would urge all of you to adopt it speedily as soon as it is passed," she told the 15 Chief Ministers of her party.

Asking the Congress-ruled states to provide an administration known for 'probity and austerity', Gandhi said "institutions that have been set up for ensuring probity in public life should be further empowered to discharge their functions and obligations."

She emphasised on the need for breaking the 'stranglehold' of contractors and middlemen in development programmes who are 'often in nexus with bureaucrats and politicians.'

Advocating transparency in procurement through public contracts, the Congress chief said if this was not done "we will be continuing to perpetrate a crime on the people of our own, most particularly on the poor and the deprived.

"Needless to say, we will be negatively affecting our electoral prospects," she warned.

Decrying 'factionalism' in the party, Gandhi asked the Congressmen to rise above personal ambitions in the "larger cause of the party, in the service of all people, especially of the deprived, the disadvantaged and the discriminated."

She also asked the Congress governments in states to closely associate the party organisation in policy formulation, monitoring and implementation.

"Our party workers must be made aware of and informed fully at every stage on all we are doing. Otherwise, how will they propagate our accomplishments effectively," she said at the conclave during which the Chief Ministers would be presenting their progress reports on implementation of the CMP.

Gandhi said very often, party workers got a feeling that 'once we are in government, we neglect them' and observed, "political mobilization will give them a sense of involvement and participation."

She said, it will also enthuse them to work for much wider social mobilization which was essential for success of development programmes and sustaining popular support.

"I believe in taking our manifesto commitments seriously. I believe that our pledges must be fulfilled. I believe that we must all be held accountable for the implementation of the promises we have made to the people," Gandhi said, adding "I see no reason why progress reports should not be shared by you (Chief Ministers) with the public every two months."

She announced that the AICC Plenary will be held in January next year.