Government sincere about fighting corruption: President Patil

New Delhi, Mar 12 (ANI): President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Monday said the UPA-II Government is committed to promoting corruption-free governance and is sincerely taking action to ensure this.

Addressing a joint session of parliament, President Patil said: "My government has completed half its term. The government is committed to corruption-free governance and it is taking action to tackle the menace of black money.

"There is economic instability worldwide and we have dealt with economic troubles also," she added.

"Economy will soon revert to 8-9 per cent growth path. Industrial production grew 6.8 per cent in January, compared to 7.5 per cent in same month in 2011," she added.

The first part of the budget session of parliament, which begins today, will last till March 31.

The Railway Budget for fiscal 2012-13 will be presented on March 14, while the General Budget for the same period will be presented on March 16. The Economic Survey, which outlines the government's assessment of the economy, will be tabled on March 15.

The second part of the budget session of parliament will be from April 24 to May 22.

Observers have predicted rough times ahead for the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) II Government from the opposition on various issues, including the recent ban on cotton exports, the alleged dilution of federal structure through the establishment of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), controversial amendments to the Railway Protection Force Act and many other issues.

The opposition could also target the government on the Lokpal Bill.

Congress allies like the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have publicly expressed their opposition on the setting up of the NCTC, the hike of fuel prices, the fertilizer subsidy and the financial constraints experienced by its government in West Bengal. (ANI)