(c) It is a matter of regret that we have to continue to import agricultural commodities like cotton and vegetable oils. The programmes for developing new varieties of cotton and for stepping up over-all production have to be pursued with greater vigour. Our research efforts in the field of developing improved varieties of oil seeds should be stepped up. An integrated set of measures should be taken to encourage greater utilisation of the potential existing in the country for producing cotton seed oil, rice bran oil and other non-edible oils.
Fourth, serious attention should be given for setting up compact, feasible and effective technical and administrative arrangements by drawing upon the vast range of skills available in the country. We cannot countenance any longer the situation where technocrats and bureaucrats waste their energies in running each other down. A cooperative multi-disciplinary approach is essential for undertaking the difficult and complex tasks ahead.
It is the conviction of the Congress Party that economic growth, social justice and self-reliance are mutually reinforcing factors in the country's progress towards genuine economic independence not only for the common man but for the country as a whole. In this 25th anniversary year of our independence, the Congress Party renews and reaffirms its faith that it will lead the country to this goal of economic independence as surely as it did to political independence a quarter of a century ago. The effort and sacrifice and cooperation needed from all sections of society and all parts of the country would be no less than what was called for during the struggle for independence. But we have no doubt that the Indian people will never flinch from the struggle when the goal is clear.
