With a firm belief that the first claim on development belongs to the poor, the President said the government will focus its attention on those who need the basic necessities of life most urgently.
It will take necessary steps to provide security in its entirety to all citizens, through empathy, support and empowerment.
He said containing food inflation will be the topmost priority for the government.
“There would be an emphasis on improving the supply side of various agro and agro-based products.My government will take effective steps to prevent hoarding and black marketing. It will reform the Public Distribution System, incorporating best practices from the states.
“My government is alert about the possibility of a subnormal monsoon this year and contingency plans are being prepared,” he said.
The President said while India is a federal policy, over the years the federal spirit has been diluted. Noting that the states and the Centre should function as an organic “Team India”, he said the government will reinvigorate fora like the National Development Council and the Inter-State Council.
“The Centre will be an enabler in the rapid progress of states through “Cooperative Federalism”.
Here is President Pranab Mukherjee's complete address:
