Independence Day: Lack of political consensus hampering growth, says Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI: Addressing the nation on the occasion of the 66th Independence Day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the government will continue efforts to bring more transparency, accountability in work of public servants.

Expressing hope that the economic growth would be better than the 6.5 per cent that the country clocked last year, Manmohan Singh said that a lack of political consensus was hampering growth. Bad monsoon poses difficulty in controlling inflation, Singh added.

Manmohan Singh sought help of political parties in passing Lokpal Bill in Rajya Sabha. The Prime Minister also promised electricity for every household in the country in the next five years.

Singh said that a scheme is being formulated for distribution of free medicines through government hospitals and health centres. Singh also announced that India will launch a spaceship to explore the planet Mars.