Bangalore: Visible tide of public resentment against corruption, says Governor

From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jan 26: Karnataka Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj exhorted all elected representatives and bureaucrats to be more vigilant and careful about the menace of corruption as he felt there was a visible tide of pubic resentment in the country against corruption, lack of probity in public life and failure to deliver public services, especially to the deprived sections.

In his Republic Day address at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bangalore on Sunday, the Governor said: ''Well functioning public services are necessary to make a big difference to people’s lives” as it is the need of the hour to revive and reinforce faith of the people in democratic governance.”

After unfurling the national flag, Bhardwaj inspected the guard of honour in an open jeep.

The Governor received salute from the armed forces, police, National Cadet Corps, Scouts and Guides, and hundreds of schoolchildren.
 
Addressing the gathering, which included the chief minister Siddaramaiah, State Cabinet ministers, top civil, police and military officials, he also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to secularism and said it cannot be compromised at any cost.

''No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive and the people will feel alienated if they were to discriminated on the basis of their religion, langauge, regionalism or ethnicity,” he said.

He said India has emerged as a powerful economy over the last three decades by quickened growth.

The country continues to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world. India was considered one of the emerging economic giants. While the economic development was impressive, was the achievement sustainable and helping Indians, he asked.

In the 15 minute address, the Governor said there has been significant progress in the State by the bold initiatives of the governments, enlightened and public spirited groups, entrepreneurs and other NGOs. The government was treading the path in ensuring food security to the people of the State.

"I am particularly pleased that efforts in the health sector have brought dividends in bringing down infant mortality in the State. The State should resolutely march ahead in mitigating malnutrition among hapless children," Bhardwaj said.

Implementation of drinking water schemes especially in villages suffering from fluoride and arsenic diseases and push given by government for effective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme by ensuring electronic transfer of wages to workers at a time when some parts of the state was drought-hit was commendable, he said.

Pomp and cultural pageantry by schoolchildren and a stunning display Malkhamb by Maratha Regiment marked the 65th Republic Day celebrations at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here on Sunday.

On a sunny day, an air force helicopter showered rose petals at the podium at the Field Marshal Manekshaw ground in the city where Governor H R Bhardwaj hoisted the national flag.

In the heavily guarded event, a total 2500 of schoolchildren danced for nearly an hour to the rhythm of patriotic songs.

Contingents from the Indian Air Force, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), City Armed Reserve, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme and Bharat Seva Dal participated in the march-past.