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Journalism of Courage
The expanded Union Cabinet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday finalised the Presidents address to the first joint sitting of the 15th Lok Sabha on June 4,it is learnt.
Sources said the Congresss promise of providing 25 kg of wheat or rice to each poor household at Rs 3 per kg through a Food Security legislation on the lines of NREGA is likely to find a prominent mention in the address along with plans to expand the rural job guarantee scheme (NREGS) to urban areas.
The address is also likely to express its commitment to extend credit to farmers at interest rates significantly lower than market rates. Currently,the farmers get agriculture loans at 7 per cent interest rate. It is also likely to underline its commitment to widen the skill development of the youth by craving out a separate Department of Skill Development.
The President is also expected to reaffirm UPA Governments commitment to fight terrorism in an effective manner through a well-defined blueprint to contain the terror menace along with its commitment to maintain communal harmony in the country.
It is also likely to reiterate Indias stand that resumption of the composite dialogue with Pakistan would be possible only after tangible action on dismantling the terror infrastructure.
The President will be addressing the joint session of Parliament on June 4.
