14 Aug : Cautioning against corruption in flagship welfare programmes, President Pratibha Patil on Friday favoured reform of governance for effective delivery of public services for which administrators must be responsive to the needs of the people.
Patil said the expectations of the people were rising as they were becoming more aware of their rights and seek better opportunities.”Facilities, amenities and services meant for them whether they are living in rural or urban areas can be delivered smoothly only if there is an effective governance system that is less cumbersome but more transparent and accountable”.
“There is outrage when money meant for welfare schemes is pilfered out by corrupt practices,” she said.
Patil said the implementation of welfare schemes will have to be at optimal levels for an impact to be made on the lives of the people.
Hence, the emphasis on reform of governance for effective delivery of public services is critical to change the lives of the people.”The administrators must be responsive to the needs of the people. Their work is a public service commitment, dedication and honesty should be the hallmarks of their work,” she said.
Citizens have to come forward to contribute to government’s efforts in these areas and in other development initiatives through public-private partnerships, NGOs, community groups or Self Help Groups.
“An enlightened citizenry conscious of its civic duties and social responsibilities, maintaining discipline, following good habits particularly about hygiene and cleanliness, respectful towards nature’s bounty and sensitive to environmental concerns is the greatest asset of a nation,” she said.
The President was delivering her address at the Foundation day and annual award function of the Samaj Suvidha Sangam.
She however said that empowerment has to be inclusive in the widest possible sense, embracing all sections of society to be effective.” India has the necessary pre-requisites for becoming one of the leading nations in the world. Its people when well nourished and well educated will provide the hands and brains for the progress of the nation through their work and ideas, President Pratibha Patil”.
President Patil says that Mission Convergence is focusing on improving deliverability under the schemes by reorganizing Government processes. It is involving civil societies and community groups through Samajik Suvidha Sangam, a society formed for this purpose.