National

Award for Rahul Bajaj

PUNE DEC. 29. The Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, N. Ram, has said that the time has come to clip the wings of legislative bodies and the political establishment if they continue to assert power "out of bounds."

"Political establishments are becoming increasingly intolerant. As a result, the freedom of the press is being muzzled," he said.

Mr. Ram was speaking after presenting the Punyabhushan Award to noted industrialist Rahul Bajaj here on Sunday night. He made an appeal to the Nationalist Congress Party president, Sharad Pawar, who was present on the occasion, to initiate a debate in Parliament and in political circles on the need to curtail the excessive powers of legislative bodies.

Mr. Ram presented the Punyabhushan Award, instituted by `Tridal', to Mr. Bajaj for his outstanding contribution in the field of industry. The award comprises a cash component of Rs. 1 lakh, a `Puneri Pagadi', a statue of Shivaji Maharaj and a shawl.

Accepting the award, Mr. Bajaj addressed the theme of how to take India forward. He outlined the steps that the Government, the people and industrialists need to take to achieve success.

"Poor governance and economic progress cannot go hand in hand," he observed, adding that special emphasis should be given to build better infrastructure in the country.

Mr. Pawar lauded Mr. Bajaj's role in the field of industrial growth. The Rajya Sabha member, Suresh Kalmadi, was present.

PTI

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