Our people are on the march

Honourable Members,

You have passed a comprehensive Bill to protect women from domestic violence. A Bill on protection against sexual harassment is shortly to be finalized. Suitable amendments to the Sati (Prevention) Act will also be shortly made. The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act is proposed to be amended to strengthen provisions against trafficking in women and children.

The Criminal Procedure Code has been amended to ensure greater protection to women. These include the prohibition of arrest of women after sunset and before sunrise except in unavoidable circumstances, a provision to ensure immediate medical examination of rape victims within 24 hours, DNA profiling, and investigation by a judicial or Metropolitan Magistrate of incidents of rape in custody.

Honourable Members are aware of my views on the importance of investing in the knowledge economy. Since ancient times, our society has greatly valued knowledge. Our democracy has enabled us to spread the benefits of knowledge more widely. Today we live in a knowledge era in which every social and economic activity is driven by knowledge.

My Government had constituted the National Knowledge Commission to seek expert advice on how we can empower our people with skills and capabilities relevant to the knowledge era. The Commission is also expected to examine how we can modernize our educational system in keeping with the emerging requirements of the future. The Commission's report is shortly awaited. My Government has in the meanwhile, decided to create new centers of excellence in basic sciences, on the lines of the Indian Institute of Science, in Kolkata, Pune and in Punjab.

My Government is investing substantially in the Science and Technology field to promote domestic research and development, both public and private, so that India can emerge as a significant player in the knowledge era. We will work with partners across the world to promote the development and utilization of knowledge through collaborative efforts.

Last year Cartosat-1, the high resolution cartographic mapping satellite with along track stereo imaging capability, the first of its kind in the world, was launched, along with HAMSAT, re-affirming India's excellence in remote sensing and amateur radio operation. The PSLV C6 was itself launched from the recently established state-of the-art Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota. INSAT-4A, launched in December, will revolutionise the broadcasting infrastructure in our country, including DTH services.

Our space scientists and telecommunications engineers have played a major role empowering our teachers, media personnel and creative professionals with the requisite technological means. This synergy has enabled India to emerge as a major knowledge, media and entertainment power. My Government will further strengthen our capabilities in this area of cultural and scientific development.

The entertainment industry is getting linked to information technology. To explore ways and means of expanding our opportunities in this area, a Task Force on Information, Communication and Entertainment has recently been constituted. Given adequate attention, I am confident that our entertainment sector has the potential to be world class and compete with the best. My Government will take steps to strengthen the Indian entertainment industry so that it can achieve global scale and realize its potential.

Our space programme has been beneficial beyond our borders. During the current financial year, we have begun work on creating a pan-African e-Network Project that will be bridging the digital divide in that continent. Indian expertise in IT, education and healthcare will eventually be available to 53 countries in Africa.

My Government is deeply committed to the protection and preservation of our environment, including all species of flora and fauna. A strategic programme to increase forest cover is proposed to be undertaken. The Tiger is our national animal and an endangered species. A Tiger Task Force was established last year on whose suggestions action is being taken. My Government proposes to create a National Tiger Conservation Authority for more effective management of our Tiger Reserves. Steps are also being taken to reduce poaching of these magnificent animals. For the first time, a draft National Environment Policy has been formulated to harmonize environmental, social and economic imperatives.

Dr Kalam greeted by a large number of children during the Ceremonial Reception at Bessastaoir in Reykjavik in Iceland on 30.05.2005.