PM rebukes Modi, says 11th Plan not religion based

PM Manmohan Singh said there was no attempt to divide people and focus remained on most marginalised sections of society.

Rejecting the charges levelled by BJP-ruled states that the 11th plan focused on minorities, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said there was no attempt to divide people on caste and religion and the focus remained on the most marginalised sections of the society.

“The goal of this plan is to invest in our people to enable them to become active participants in economic growth processes. The plan does not attempt to divide people on the basis of caste, creed or gender or religion,” he said just before the National Development Council approved the 11th five year plan document.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had alleged that the Centre had resorted to ‘communal budgeting’ and demanded that there be a review of the Prime Minister’s 15-point agenda for minorities. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan had echoed the sentiment.

Story continues below this ad

The Prime Minister said that it was, however, a reality that there are certain social groups who are relatively badly placed on all developmental indicators. The plan does pays special attention on the needs of these marginalised groups and targets them in a precise manner.

“Inclusiveness does mean better targeting and it is not at the cost of other groups. You will all agree that if we hope to have a prosperous, equitable, just India, we must cover all groups and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.

Modi speaks to Trump, Netanyahu: ‘Historic’

‘That’s a big step’: Trump says PM Modi ‘assured’ him India won’t purchase Russian oil

India1 hr ago

US President Donald Trump claims that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to stop purchasing Russian oil, after the US imposed tariffs on India for those imports. Trump plans to pressure China to do the same in an effort to cut off Moscow's energy revenues. He also speaks highly of his relationship with PM Modi and their recent discussions regarding India's imports of Russian oil.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS