"I am happy to say that in the last four years we have accomplished much in keeping with our commitments," the prime minister said, after giving away national awards to micro, small and medium entrepreneurs in New Delhi.
He said small enterprises play an important role in ensuring inclusive growth which is also regionally balanced.
"The National Common Minimum Programme underscores this," he said.
Singh said his government has been able to address 'long standing issues through
major institutional reform measures'.
With a demographic advantage, education and skill development can be India's global opportunity, he pointed out.
"In our National Action for Skill Development, we would like to set for the country an ambitious goal of 500 million of trained people by 2020 in keeping with Sonia Gandhi's vision of Rozgar Badhao," Singh said.
For achieving this target, he has asked the states to allow the use of school and college infrastructure after class hours for skill upgradation of the youth.
"I have written to chief ministers to consider opening up the public stock of buildings of educational institutions of the high school level and above after class hours for those who are engaged in skill development for our youth," he said.
