Concerned over law and order issues derailing economic growth, the Prime Minister has stressed the need to ensure rule of law for rapid development.<br/><br/>Addressing the first ever annual conference of State Chief Secretaries in New Delhi on Monday, Dr. Manmohan Singh said terrorism, insurgency and extremism needed to be tackled with a firm but effective and sensitive hand. Dr Singh said an atmosphere of peace and communal harmony is also a pre-requisite for rapid economic growth. <br/><br/>The Prime Minister asked states to use all instruments at their command to make essential commodities available to the poor at reasonable prices. The statement assumes importance in the wake of rising prices of essential commodities despite a series of measures by the Centre. <br/><br/>He also asked state governments to devise strategies to bolster food production and tackle shortages of essential supplies. Dr. Singh said there is great scope for improvement in the productivity of major crops and hoped to see greater efforts in achieving it.<br/><br/>He however, maintained it must be recognised that in a globalised world it will never be possible to insulate the country from the pulls and pressures of international demand and supply.<br/><br/>On newer challenges confronting the administrators, the Prime Minister said people today resent apathy, sloth and corruption in any form and at any level of government more than ever before.<br/><br/>The Prime Minister stressed the need for inclusive growth to cover all sections of society. For this, effective implementation of the flagship scheme launched by the Centre is essential.<br/><br/>He also called for better implementation of schemes for developing infrastructure and prevent climate change.