NEW DELHI: President Pratibha Patil on Monday addressed her last joint session of Parliament before her term ends. The session witnessed uproar by the Opposition when the President spoke about the minorities sub-quota. "The government has decided to provide a sub-quota for minorities. The government has decided to bring 4.5 per cent sub quota for minorities with the existing quota," Patil announced, following which there was uproar in Parliament.
Addressing Parliament, she also expressed concern over the world economy, but said that India's economic growth was better than others. "My government has completed its half tenure. This was a difficult economic year for the world. The economic growth of India has decreased but is better compared to the world economic scenario," President Patil said.
She also said that the economy will stabilise soon. "Economy will soon revert to 8-9 per cent growth path," she said.
President Patil also assured that the government was acting to tackle black money. "Government is working on various levels on black money and is taking action to tackle the menace," she said. "The government is also working to reduce corruption at all levels," she added.
Speaking on India's removal from WHO's list of Polio nations, Patil said, "A separate department of disability affairs will focus on issues confronting disabled persons proposed to be set up. Polio has almost been removed from India."
The President also announced that Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Bill will be introduced in Parliament.
Speaking on cross-border relations, Patil said, "We are committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through dialogue."
President Patil also mentioned the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) saying, "NCTC aims at improving India's capability to counter internal security threats."