'We have huge amounts for social welfare schemes for inclusive growth. Our delivery systems must be made more effective, so that benefits of welfare programmes reach them,' Patil said
Present day administrators can draw lessons in delivering basic and other facilities to the masses from the legacy of Indian emperors, president Pratibha Patil said today.
"We have huge amounts for social welfare and other schemes for inclusive growth. Our delivery systems must be geared up and made more effective and non-corrupt, so that benefits of welfare programmes reach them," Patil said here after inaugurating the 500th Coronation Day celebrations of 15th century ruler Sri Krishnadevaraya, the emperor of Vijayanagar kingdom.
"We must focus on undertaking rural development in a manner that villages become progressive economic units and agricultural productivity is increased. Agro-industries and other productive activities should be undertaken in rural areas," she said.
"The difficulties faced by farmers in dry-land areas, need to be addressed in a multi-pronged manner by putting in place effective water utilisation practices," she said.
Observing that India has assumed leadership in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, Patil called for sustaining it by persisting efforts in this area.
She stressed the need for adopting management techniques in improving civic amenities to ensure Indian cities were livable in the face of growing urbanisation.
Praising the greatness of Sri Krishnadevaraya, Patil said the Vijayanagar empire reached its zenith during his reign, extending from Cuttack in the East to Goa in the West and from the Raichur Doab in the North to the Indian Ocean.
Hailing the legendary emperor as a great statesman and an administrator, she quoted Portuguese traveller Domingo Paes
as saying that "Sri Krishnadevaraya was a perfect king, a great ruler and a man of much justice... loved and respected by all."
Andhra Pradesh governor ESL Narasimhan said the Vijayanagar empire symbolises the pride of what is best and noble in the rich history and legacy of Telugu-speaking people.
Chief minister K Rosaiah said common people still remembered Sri Krishnadevaraya as an ideal ruler because of his personality.
The month-long celebrations, to be held across the state, will culminate at Penukonda in Anantapur which was the second capital of Vijayanagar empire, he said.
The state government would also set up a museum at Penukonda, culture minister J Geeta Reddy said.
The president unveiled a bronze statue of Sri Krishnadevaraya on the occasion. The programme began with renowned playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam singing a song in praise of Sri Krishnadevaraya.
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