Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh said that his government has been able to achieve encouraging growth rate in the backdrop of worst global economic slowdown. He said, the focus of the government will remain on inclusive growth. Citing various human development indices, the Prime Minister said, the UPA's welfare programmes have improved the life standards of the people, particularly, the vulnerable sections.

Dr. Singh was replying to the debate on Motion of Thanks on President's address to the Joint Sitting of both the Houses of Parliament. Later, the House adopted the motion by voice vote after negating several opposition sponsored amendments.

The Prime Minister, during his 45-minute long reply, compared the achievements during the 9-year rule of UPA with the 6-year regime of the NDA government. He said, the average growth rate of GDP has been 7.9 per cent as against NDA's 6 per cent.

The agriculture sector has touched 3.7 per cent growth rate as against NDA's 2.9 per cent. Dr Singh also outlined the progress made in sectors like agriculture, education, skill development, health, life expectancy and elimination of regional inequalities. He said, agriculture sector remained a priority of his government.

Rebutting BJP's remarks about the lack of political authority in the Congress leadership, the Prime Minister quoted a Hindi proverb meaning that thunder clouds will not always give rain.