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With some parties and states voicing concern over the proposed Communal Violence Bill, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday sought to assure them by saying the Centre had no intention of tampering with the federal structure of the country.
"There has been a lively discussion regarding the content of the Communal Violence Bill. Concerns have been expressed about encroachment into states' jurisdiction, against the spirit of federalism," he said in his concluding remarks at the day-long National Integration Council meeting.
"Let me assure you that the central government is equally committed to preserving and strengthening the federal framework which has served this country well," Singh told the delegates who included leaders from political parties, chief ministers and senior ministers of states.
He made the remarks after Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party, along with chief ministers of National Democratic Alliance-ruled and some non-United Progressive Alliance states, voiced opposition to the Communal Violence (Prevention) Bill, arguing it will hurt the federal structure of the country.
Singh said the "richness" of points of view expressed during the day would serve to guide the central government in its quest for fashioning optimal policy and legislative interventions that balance various concerns.
The prime minister said that ensuring that the law enforcement and investigation machinery does not carry any bias while discharging its duties also must be accorded the highest priority.
He said it was heartening that the Council members had displayed unanimity of purpose, reaffirming their resolve to combat communalism and terrorism and to create a more inclusive India.
"There is clarity that resorting to violence and unconstitutional means cannot be justified," he said.
At the same time, Singh said the discussion underscored the need to continuously and creatively work towards securing in greater measure socio-economic and other aspirations of all sections of society.
Several speakers laid emphasis on a focussed approach to end a feeling of alienation and discrimination among minorities and marginalised sections of society like Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and women, he said, adding in this, the Centre, the states and citizens all have important roles to play.
"A number of speakers referred to the need to revisit our development model to promote greater inclusiveness and social equity," he said.
Noting that a suggestion was made regarding a trained force to deal with riots, he said that at the central level, there was Rapid Action Force which was a "proven model" for such a purpose.
"Perhaps the time has come for the central and state governments to explore ways in which states may be helped to create a well-trained and equipped police force capable of meeting the challenges that are now on the horizon," he said.
Referring to the point made by several speakers regarding the need to ensure fair and timely enforcement of laws, both by the Centre and states, he said it is "valid and I am sure my ministerial colleagues and the chief ministers would have taken note of the concerns expressed in this regard."
In handling civil disturbances, the prime minister said the lessons learned in Jammu & Kashmir and elsewhere and examples of corrective measures must be looked at closely and acted upon in time so that "unnecessary loss of life and limb is avoided."
He said several speakers referred to the need for engaging the energy and initiative of youth for constructive purposes.
"I agree with the suggestions made by many esteemed members that opportunities for our youth to acquire skills, engage in nation-building and social work, and interact more actively in sports, cultural and other character-building pursuits need to be enhanced and encouraged," he said.
The creation of new opportunities for productive employment for growing labour force was emphasised by many speakers, Dr Singh said, adding that in this context, provision of education and healthcare facilities on an adequate scale assume great importance.
"I would urge my ministerial colleagues and chief ministers to give careful consideration to this aspect," he said.
He also mentioned demands that NIC should meet more frequently and said the government "is in agreement with this view and we will ensure the Council meets once a year hereafter."