President Karzai held up the example of India and said that our success in democratic governance had shownto the developing world that democracy isnot a characteristic of the advanced western nations alone. That, in fact, countries of eastern cultures could also present successful examples of democratic politics. President Karzai said, India has more than a billion people with different cultures, religions, and languages. By facilitating participation from its people, India has been able to make a stable and pluralistic democracy a reality for Indians. Asian and African countries in general, and Afghanistan in particular, can learn much from the rich experience of India. We have an obligation not just to our own people, but the people of the world in making sure that our democracy world have a stake in the success of our democratic institutions for they too aspire for the freedom and dignity that democracy gives them. Every Indian will feel pride rushing through this veins listening to such warm appreciation from a friendly neighbour. I salute the people of Afghanistan for the courage, fortitude and wisdom they are showing by embracing democracy as a way of life and of governance. India will do whatever it is called upon to do to strengthen democracy and the freedom of Afghanistan. Speaker, Sir, when we speak about the fruits of democracy we are not mouthing empty phrases. I am happy that in this session of Parliament the poorest of our people have been assured an important fruit of democracy, the assurance of gainful employment. Our Government is proud of the Rural Employment Guarantee Bill that this House has commitment we had madeat the time when our Government came to office. The challenge is now in how well we implement this assurance and ensure its benefits reach the intended beneficiaries there. Sir, a number of important developments have taken place after the close of the Budget session of this Parliament. Seven weeks have passed since the Government took the difficult, and even painful, decision to devalue the rupee. I am keeny aware that there are some.
