Dr Singh set to face some uncomfortable questions today

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will seek to dispel the perception of policy paralysis on Friday when he addresses a press conference during which he is expected to spell out the steps taken to boost the economy besides addressing issues of corruption and price rise.

Singh, who is in the tenth year in office, will be broadly speaking on three areas -- politics, economy and foreign affairs -- outlining what has been achieved and what remains to be done, sources said.

He is expected to spell out the steps taken to deal with corruption and price rise, issues over which the government has been facing sharp attacks.

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On corruption, Singh is expected to refer to the passage of the Lokpal Bill and proposals to enact other laws to build a framework to deal with the problem.

With regard to inflation, the economist-prime minister will explain the reasons for it. The public articulation of the reasons would be helpful to Congress cadres to convey to the people.

In terms of economy, he is expected to underline that the average growth has been unprecedented even though the country had to bear the impact of global recession twice during the last decade.

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At the same time, he is likely to admit that more could have been done in certain sectors of the economy, the sources said.

Singh is likely to highlight the growth in areas like manufacturing, employment and small industries.

This will be the second full-fledged press conference by Singh during the UPA-II and third in his entire tenure.

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