LD PM 4 LST

Describing secularism as one of the pillars of the
country's democracy, the Prime Minister said his government
considers "it our duty to protect the minorities and provide
for their special needs."
This is why the government has started many new
programmes in the last four years for the welfare of the
minority communities, he said, adding these would be carried
forward.
Among initiatives taken by his government for minority
communities, Singh listed scholarships and special programmes
for the development of districts which have a high
concentration of minorities.
"These schemes have shown good results. We will
vigorously take this work forward," he said.
Expressing concern over the division of society in the
name of religion, state, caste or language, the Prime Minister
said as the country progresses economically, the society
should also become more sensitive.
"We should be modern and progressive in our outlook," he
said.
Noting that it was the primary responsibility of all
Indians to maintain cleanliness and hygiene around them, Singh
urged that children be taught the importance of cleanliness
and hygiene in schools.
"Nutritious food and good health services are necessary
but not enough for ensuring good health of our citizens. We
also need cleanliness and good sanitation in our villages,
towns and cities. There are many diseases which would be
difficult to prevent otherwise. The truth is that our country
lags behind in this area," he said.
"I would like our children to be taught the importance of
cleanliness and hygiene in schools from the very beginning
under a campaign for a Clean India," Singh said
He said his government would endeavour to take care of
environmental concerns in its economic development projects.
Recalling that the Father of India Mahatma Gandhi had
said that the earth "had enough for everyone's need but not
for everyone's greed", he added "Imprudent use of the earth's
natural resources has resulted in the problem of climate
change." PTI AKK
KAB


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