JP Calls For Course Correction

Lok Satta Party national president Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan today called for a decisive course correction since (the nation) "cannot afford to be complacent and persist with failed policies and dysfunctional politics".

Greeting people on the eve of Independence Day, JP pointed out that India can become an economic giant and ensure a bright future with dignity, opportunities and income for its young men and women at least in the next decade "if we learn from our past mistakes and take remedial measures".

In a media statement, JP said, "Telugu-speaking people have been going through tumultuous times during this Independence Day, even as unrest is brewing in many other parts of the country. The last decade has been one of missed opportunities, continuing misgovernance and monumental corruption. Now is the time for all of us to reflect on where we have gone wrong and why the promise of freedom and self-government is not fulfilled. We have to do many things to promote a sense of citizenship transcending caste, religion, language and region.

"If primordial loyalties are given a free rein for short-term electoral gains, the young generation will pay a heavy price. In a climate in which power has become an end, short-term freebies have gained precedence over long-term public good. As a result, the country has neglected vital infrastructure sectors like power, transport and water resources, and not equipped the youth with skills to make them productive members in a modern economy.

"Because of our short-term irrational policies, we are squandering the democratic dividend at hand. If India is to become a manufacturing giant, we should create at least 100 million jobs in the next years. We can do it if only we change our policies and focus on genuine priorities."

JP drew attention to the fact that countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand are about to occupy the space being vacated by China in low-end manufacturing, and opined that India would "miss the bus once again if it does not change its direction".

"We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past decade. This Independence Day is an opportunity to reflect deeply on our potential and failures, and reshape policies and politics to fulfill the aspirations of our youth." (INN)