President assures minorities over safety in joint address to Parliament

New Delhi: In his speech to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament on Monday, President Pranab Mukherjee assured the minorities, particularly Muslims, that they would be safe.

The President said, “My government is committed to making all minorities equal partners in progress.”

Mr Mukerjee said the states would get help to modernise police infrastructure and equipment to tackle new forms of terror, including narco-terrorism and cyber threats.

He said the government would also take steps to equip the security forces with the latest technology and to improve their working conditions.

On black money, the new government said it was determined to deal with the menace, saying it will engage with foreign countries to bring back ill-gotten money stashed abroad.

Noting that this was the first election in 30 years to give a clear verdict in favour of a single party, Mr Mukherjee said he applauded the wisdom of the people for having voted for stability, honesty and development in a resurgent India where “corruption will have no place.”

Noting that the Lokpal was a major institution to curb corruption, for which the government will formulate rules soon, the President asserted the government’s commitment to provide a clean and efficient administration focused on the delivery of public services.