Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for evolving economic policies to keep pace with the ever-changing ground realities.
He believes that the economy has to be perked up along with the think tank 'Niti Ayog' to solve the pressing problems faced by the country.
Bhagwat's speech was more in the nature of stock taking as the Modi government has crossed the half way mark of its five-year term. The counsel to gear up policies in the wake of the prevailing worrying economic slippages could not have come at a more opportune time as the general elections are barley 18 months away. It also comes in the wake of former Union minister Yashwant Sinha's unabashed criticism of the BJP-led NDA government's economic policies.
He laid stress on encouraging small and medium sectors that provide the maximum employment in the country. They are the country's security net in times of economic upheaval as crores are employed in such enterprises.
The Modi government cannot afford to sidestep the suggestions of the RSS chief at this critical juncture.
Bhagwat's much awaited Vijayadashmi speech on Saturday at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur was attended by former deputy prime minister L.K. Advani and Union minister Nitin Gadkari.
Bhagwat also sought protection for farmers and the informal sector.
He also spoke about having "new provisions" through Constitutional amendments to overcome the crisis in Jammu and Kashmir. This was in the specific context of Article 370, according special status to the state and 35A pertaining to residency rights.
Claiming that many Muslims are also involved in "gau raksha", he said cow protection was beyond religion. He condemned the death of those involved in cow protection. Inquiries into recent incidents of violence and atrocities revealed that gau rakshaks were not involved in these incidents, he said.
He claimed that many activists who have been involved in the protection of cows were assaulted and killed.
Bhagwat said Rohingya Muslims coming to the country would pose security threats. Drawing attention to the alleged links between Rohingya and jihadi elements, he felt the presence of Rohingya refugees in India might have adverse impacts on the country's security situation.
The RSS chief wanted an effective system to be created whereby realistic information from all sources about the execution and impact of the schemes reaching to the lowest level is available on public domain.
There is a felt need for a holistic and integrated policy considering the diversity and disparate requirements of agriculture, industry, environment and culture, the RSS chief added.
