TRICOLOUR CELEBRATION: Governor T.N. Chaturvedi reviewing the Republic Day parade at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bangalore on Thursday. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

BANGALORE: Governor T.N. Chaturvedi has stressed the need to improve the working of government institutions in the health and education sectors, both in urban and rural areas.

In his address to the people of the State after unfurling the tricolour on the occasion of the 57th Republic Day celebrations at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground here on Thursday, Mr. Chaturvedi said the two sectors that require paramount attention are health and education. It is heartening to note that there is a growing awareness of the importance of adequate healthcare and universal primary education.

He said that the basic minimum in the quality of services has to be maintained. Healthcare for women and children requires sustained action.

"It is painful to say while we always talk of `women's empowerment,' we are not taking adequate note of the increasing evil of foeticide, which is creating demographic imbalances." The affluent and educated sections are not immune to this evil in the State. "There is a need for a change in our mindset," the Governor said.

Partnership

Mr. Chaturvedi said the role of public-private partnership in health and education is visible. An effort has to be made to increase budgetary allocation for both sectors, and it is the responsibility of the administration to ensure that funds are utilised properly.

The Governor, who witnessed the ceremonial parade and cultural programmes, said adequate infrastructure is required in both rural and urban centres. Good infrastructure is essential for the smooth functioning of business, industry and the agricultural economy. "Infrastructure in Bangalore needs to be commensurate with international standards so that we are able to maintain the momentum of development," he said.

Metro rail project

The much-awaited metro rail project will help to ease traffic congestion in Bangalore. The work on roads, flyovers, water supply and sewage systems must gather speed as well as efficiency. Transparency, quality and a sense of urgency must be the watchwords.

"Public scrutiny and public satisfaction will be the test of governance," he said.

At the same time, the adequacy of rural infrastructure should not be neglected, he said. Roads and the availability of potable drinking water are the main concerns of rural Karnataka and need to be attended to. The problems in the field of agriculture require well-conceived measures and monitoring. "Development has to be equal and just all over the State and not divisive and discriminatory," Mr. Chaturvedi said.

Panchayat polls

The Governor commended the peaceful conduct of the panchayat elections and said it is a matter of pride that the State's Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department was ranked second in the country in recognition of its initiatives. He hoped that the forthcoming elections to urban local bodies would also be held peacefully.

Mr. Chaturvedi greeted the people on the golden jubilee year of the formation of the State — Survarna Karnataka — and said three new schemes have been launched to mark the occasion: Suvarna Grama, Suvarna Jala and Suvarna Ane (dam).

The weakest and poorest sections have been targeted under these schemes. "In this momentous year of Suvarna Karnataka we must pledge to eradicate conditions and causes of poverty and illiteracy," he said.

He said naxalism has raised its head in the State. Considering it to be primarily a socio-economic problem, many development schemes have been initiated in the affected areas. "I expect administrative agencies to work in unison, seek cooperation of the people and ensure that these schemes fructify as designed to the complete satisfaction of the intended beneficiaries."

Attack on IISc.

He termed terrorist attack on the Indian Institute of Science here as "unfortunate, sorrowful and painful incident." The people of Bangalore showed remarkable spirit of unity and courage during the incident. "Bangalore, completely undeterred, will continue to march on the road to its destiny," he said.

On the investigation of the case, Mr. Chaturvedi said, "We hope to bring the culprits to book... as the authorities have achieved commendable success in their investigations."

Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh, Legislative Assembly Speaker Krishna, Legislative Council Chairman V.R. Sudarshan and Minister for Water Resources M. Mallikarjun Kharge were among those who attended the parade.

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