DATE=10/25/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDIA / GOVERNMENT (L)
NUMBER=2-255431
BYLINE=ANJANA PASRICHA
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: India's Hindu nationalist-led coalition
government promises bold economic reforms, and says it
wants to modernize the country's defense after the
recent military conflict in Kashmir. It has also
expressed concern over the situation in Pakistan. The
government outlined its policies Monday during
President K.R. Narayanan's traditional address to
newly-elected members of Parliament. Anjana Pasricha
has a report from New Delhi.
TEXT: President K.R. Narayanan said the recent
military takeover in Pakistan is a matter of "grave
concern", which the Government is watching closely.
He was silent on the government's plans to open a
dialogue with Pakistan's new military rulers, but
accused India's neighbor of stepping up cross-border
terrorism.
/// 1ST NARAYANAN ACT ///
Pakistan must stop cross-border terrorism in
Jammu and Kashmir and other regions in India,
and also put an end to hostile propoganda
against India.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Narayanan said Afghanistan is a threat to India's
security interests. India alleges that Muslim
mercenaries trained in Afghanistan and Pakistan are
being sent to Kashmir to fuel the separatist
insurgency there.
The government says it will give defense preparedness
its topmost priority, and the Indian military will be
equipped with modern weapons.
On the foreign policy front, the government wants to
broaden relations with United States and improve ties
with neighboring China.
On the domestic front, the government outlined plans
to give a fresh impetus to economic reforms that have
slowed down in recent years. It is promising a "pro-
development mind-set," and urgent steps to improve
infrastructure, which also has been a stumbling block
to economic growth.
President Narayanan says the government wants to
double the amount of foreign investment coming into
India each year, to about 10-billion dollars annually.
/// 2ND NARAYANAN ACT ///
Foreign direct investments play a crucial role
in rapid economic development, by bringing in
modern technology and management practices.
Government will review existing the F-D-I
[foreign direct investment] regime in order to
bring in greater transparency and cut delays in
project implementation.
/// END ACT ///
The government has also promised social sector
development, and says there will be greater focus on
education and health care.
On the political front, the government plans to bring
in legislation proposing a fixed five-year term for
parliament. India has faced political instability
recently, with three general elections in as many
years. The government also promises to bring in a
bill to reserve one-third of seats in the lower house
of parliament for women.
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's government was
sworn into office earlier this month. It consists of
more than 20 coalition partners, but it has a firm
majority in Parliament, raising hopes that it will be
able to implement its policies. (Signed)
NEB/AP/WTW
25-Oct-1999 06:46 AM EDT (25-Oct-1999 1046 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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