UPA govt faltering on foreign issues, feels Left

The PM8217;s references to a 8216;8216;war on poverty8217;8217;, equitable growth and a need for a solution to the agrarian crisis were laudable in intent, but little was said on a solution. For instance, the editorial says, the PM cited doubling of institutional credit to agriculture at 7 per cent, but this was way above the interest rate recommended by expert committees appointed by the government. 8216;8216;The inability to repay loans has been universally identified as the main factor contributing to farmers8217; suicides.8217;8217;

As for REGA and Bharat Nirman projects, their success would depend on larger public investments. But the PM8217;s address comes up short on raising resources for them. 8216;8216;The Prime Minister8217;s address does not inspire confidence that the government is prepared to take additional measures towards this end raising resources,8217;8217; the weekly says, adding that among the options is the Left8217;s alternative proposal on resource mobilisation.