PM lists challenges for India to become urban nation Monday, December 18, 2006 11:03 [IST]
 New Delhi: Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh today outlined five challenges, including improving financial
system for global integration, for India to become a developed economy
while cautioning that the rapid progress should not lead to complacency.
"It would be wrong to assume, as some do, that the major development
challenges had been solved and that the Indian economy can effortlessly coast
towards becoming a developed economy," Singh said while releasing 'India
Rural Infrastructure Report' by economic think-tank NCAER.
"Despite a high level of public debt, inflation has been contained and in
brief the economic environment facing the private sector has been transformed and
the results are evident," he said.
Giving policy prescription for each of the five challenges -- revitalisation of
rural economy, improved delivery of public services, improved management of
urban areas, preparing financial system for greater inclusion and increased
global integration besides facilitating private investment in infrastructure,
he said "we must not be complacent." He said rapid growth was needed
to provide hope and productive employment for millions of young people joining
the labour force each year and to accelerate the reduction of extreme poverty.
The Prime Minister said it was heartening to note that growth process that
began with the external sector and services, has now spread to manufacturing.
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