Fruits of globalisation must reach masses: PM

By Sushma Ramachandran

NEW DELHI, NOV. 26. Taking heed of the controversy over the impact of economic reforms on the marginalised sections of society and the growing digital divide, the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, today declared that benefits of globalisation must filter down to the common people. At the same time, he expressed determination to go ahead with the next generation of reforms which entail difficult decisions.

``In implementing them, we will no doubt encounter resistance and transitional difficulties. But we shall overcome them,'' he said.

Setting an 8 to 9 per cent growth target, he referred obliquely to the rumblings within his own party as well as coalition partners such as the Shiv Sena regarding the reform process. ``We believe that the agenda for economic change should not be unduly politicised,'' he said, while stressing that efforts will be made evolve a national consensus.

Mr. Vajpayee who was addressing leading foreign and Indian industrialists at the India Economic Summit organised by the World Economic Forum and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), dwelt largely on the need to ensure that the fruits of development percolated to the grassroots and the obligations of industry in reaching this objective. He took pains to emphasise the importance of industry's social obligations and the need for bringing fruits of change to the masses.

The Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, echoed the same theme in his keynote address, emphasising that the aim of reforms was to eliminate poverty. The strategy involved higher growth with employment creation and affirmative action to ensure reverse discrimination to bring weaker sections into the mainstream. He rejected the concept of ``jobless growth''.

Mr. Sinha stressed that the ``palpable effects of growth'' had to be in terms of providing basic minimum facilities such as schools, medical services and clean drinking water.

The Prime Minister also made reference to such demonstrations when he asked if globalisation was being perceived to be ``elite- driven'', conferring benefits on large corporates while bypassing millions of poor and marginalised people. In India alone, he observed, the number of such people is nearly 300 million. A serious analysis of worldwide protests against globalisation would show there were many misgivings cutting across nations; apprehensions were shared across borders.

``If it is so self-evident that globalisation leads to increased opportunities, enhanced growth and real income, why are these not being universally accepted,'' he wondered, noting that ``acceptable, convincing responses'' were needed for these questions.

Mr. Vajpayee said globalisation will be pursued to India's advantage. In the process, the fruits of productivity and the gains of growth must bring about a qualitative change in people's lives. Besides, he said the privilege of being a global player must be matched with the responsibility of making globalisation universally beneficial.

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