Against the backdrop of complete washout of the Winter Session of Parliament, President Pratibha Patil on Tuesday virtually asked the Government and the opposition to sort out issues so that it can function normally.

She also utilised the occasion of her address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day to highlight the issue of corruption which, she said, is “enemy of development and good governance” and sought “systemic changes” to the deal with the issue.

Patil said the successful functioning of Parliament is a joint responsibility of the Government and the opposition and the dialogue among stake holders in democratic institution is an integral part of democratic working.

Her view on Parliament functioning comes more than a month after the Winter Session of Parliament was washed out following the deadlock between government and the opposition on the demand for setting up a Joint Parliamentary Committee to go into the 2G Spectrum scam.

“Parliament of the country is the repository of the sovereign will of the people, and its successful functioning is a joint responsibility of both the Government and the Opposition”.

“It is important that the decorum and dignity of the House is upheld at all times. The image of Parliament in the public mind should be one where proceedings, debates and discussions take place with a view to resolve issues through a constructive and co-operative approach,” she said.

Patil said if it does not happen, people’s faith in democratic institutions can be affected, resulting in a feeling of despondency which is unacceptable in a healthy democracy, as it may derail democratic institutions.

“Hence, dialogue among stakeholders in democratic institutions is an integral part of democratic working,” she said.

The President said as a nation, the aim is to grow and create a just society.

“Our goal of poverty eradication and of inclusive growth that embraces the disadvantaged and marginalised sections of society can be achieved when our actions are guided by a social conscience and are not devoid of sensitivity”.

“We are seeking good governance and a people-centric administration,” she said and warned hat “callous and casual attitudes in the sphere of public service are unacceptable.”

“Corruption is the enemy of development and of good governance. Instead of getting lost in this mire, it is necessary to rise above it and seriously look at bringing systemic changes to deal more effectively with corruption”.

“Financial institutions, the corporate world and civil society – all must uphold high standards of probity in their working. Only a genuine partnership between the Government and its people can bring about positive change to create a just society,” the President added.

The President said the country was now returning to the pre-crisis growth pattern and expected to have a growth rate of over 9 per cent next year and all sectors of the economy will be contributors to the growth trajectory.

“However, rising inflation particularly food prices, are a cause of serious concern and draw attention to the urgent need to take suitable action, and also look at more innovative approaches towards food security, agricultural production and rural development,” he said.

Touching upon the issue of terrorism, she said with India assuming its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, it will intensify efforts to effect concerted and collective global action against terrorism, and will also work with a deep sense of responsibility on all global issues.

“Development and progress require an environment of stability and security. The work of our police and internal security agencies is critical in this field, as also is our cooperation and dialogue with our neighbours for stability in our region, and with the international community to create a peaceful world”.

“Terrorism poses the single most detrimental threat to the progress of humankind. There is a crucial need for concerted action by all members of the international community to eradicate the threat of terrorism. India’s profile in global affairs is the focus of international attention today,” she said.

On incidents of rapes and murders, she said country’s social fabric is deeply damaged by violent acts like murder for a petty sum of money, rape of a woman due to her protests against being teased or cases of ragging.

“It is essential that these tendencies are curbed in the interest of social harmony and cohesion. I appeal to my fellow citizens to never resort to violence,” she said and added that societies evolve in a positive direction when people work to bring about constructive changes and to eliminate social evil.

She said “ragging is violence” and added “it is heinous and should bot be tolerated for it can cause irreparable loss to the parents and to the country.”

She said there was need for a “second green revolution” to maximizes productivity and generates income and employment opportunities for the rural population.

“The First Green Revolution was almost confined to irrigated areas and now we should also focus on rain fed areas, which could become the cradle for the Second Green Revolution,” the President said.

She said the farmers must be involved in all these activities, with a sensitivity that safeguards their rights on their land and its produce and asked the corporate sector to “take up responsibility to make agriculture productivity remunerative, particularly in rain fed farming areas, as food security is of prime importance.”

While commenting on the press, the President said media plays an important role in bringing information, news and views to the public to generate awareness, promote discussion on issues and create perceptions.

“There are numerous examples of outstanding conduct in the country where good Samaritans are rendering yeoman service to society…by highlighting such actions media can inspire others to follow good examples, and I would urge the media to work in a positive spirit, as it expands its reach and coverage.

“A responsive and responsible media is an asset in maintaining the vitality of democracy and its institutions,” she said.

“India too has its share of problems and obstacles, constraints and difficulties. We cannot evade these or wish them away, but working in different fields, we must together find solutions”.

“The strength of a nation is not determined by the challenges it faces, but by its responses to these challenges, especially so when it stands at a critical juncture and at a decisive point,” she said.

Calling for a national consensus on critical national goals, she said eradication of poverty, empowerment of women, access to quality education and affordable health facilities are essential for building human resources.

Apart from this, civic discipline, the readiness of people to work with dedication and integrity can make an enormously positive impact, she said.

On the education system, the President said, “We should regularly assess issues relating to training of teachers and quality of education including checking instances of absenteeism of teachers.”

The President also called for a national campaign for foodgrain productivity to create awareness about sustainable food production for food security in every state and in every block.

Similarly, she said, national planning for integrated production, particularly of foodgrains like cereals, oilseeds and pulses is needed and should be implemented, given that our population in the next 20 years is likely to become 148 crore.

The President said this decade has been designated as the ‘Decade of Innovation’ in India.

“Our scientists and researchers have the talent and capacity to look at high-end technology as also at cost-effective, location-specific and affordable innovations for wider use in the country,” she added.