President Pranab Mukherjee today said the new government at the centre will engage with foreign countries to bring back the ill-gotten money stashed abroad. Mr. Mukherjee in his address to the joint sitting of both the houses of Parliament said the government is determined to rid the country of the scourge of corruption and the menace of black money. He said it has already constituted a SIT to unearth black money stashed abroad.

The President said, the institution of Lok Pal is important to curb corruption and rules will be formulated in conformity with the Lok Pal Act. He said the government will also take steps to build the confidence and morale of the bureaucracy, enabling it with the freedom to work and welcoming innovative ideas.

For rapid creation of jobs in the manufacturing sector, the President said, government will strategically promote labour intensive manufacturing. Employment opportunities will also be expanded by promoting tourism and agro-based industries.

In a word of assurance to minorities, the President said the new government is committed to making all minorities equal partners in country's progress.

On internal security, Mr. Mukherjee said the Centre will maintain utmost vigil and pursue a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, extremism, riots and crime.

On poverty alleviation, the President said, elimination of poverty is the greatest challenge before the government as the first claim on the development belongs to the poor.

He said that containing food inflation will be topmost priority and the government will take effective steps to prevent hoarding and black marketing. He said that the government is also committed to improve the quality of life in villages through empowerment of panchayati raj institutions.

Underlining difficult phase of the country’s economy, President said that the steps will be taken to restore the confidence of the domestic as well as international community in the economy.

Mr. Mukherjee announced that a “Swachh Bharat Mission” will be launched for ensuring hygiene, waste management and sanitation across the country. He also announced that the government will set up IITs and IIMs in every state. He also said to promote sports, a National Sports Talent Search System will also be launched.

President Pranab Mukherjee said that India is determined to work towards building a peaceful, stable and economically interlinked neighbourhood, which is essential for the collective development and prosperity of the South Asia region.

He said that the government will engage energetically with other neighbours of the region including China and Japan to further develop strategic and cooperative partnership. He said that India will intensify its relationship with United States in different areas including trade, investment, science and technology, energy and education.

Mr. Mukherjee said that steps will be taken for modernization of armed forces and to address shortage of manpower. He said that a National Maritime Authority will be set up for coastal security. He said that a National War Memorial will be build to honour the gallantry of our soldiers.