BOMBAY. May 4 Indian Fi nance Minister Manmohan Singh, the architect of market reforms, pledged to speed up liberalisation if the ruling Congress (I) Party returns to power in the current national polls, says AFP.

We will expand liberalisation. involve private sector in infrastructure development, widen and deepen the ta* net and cut government expenditure.' Singh told a news conference here.

The former central bank chief said a new Congress gov ernment would unveil* a national budget that would reform the tax structure, cut the fiscal deficit, begin insurance sector reforms and revitalise

loss- making Mate firms.

The minister said five years of reforms had seen India make exceptionally rapid pro-f;ress with the Ipast possible oss of output and employment.”

Other (opposition) parties have no experience of government and take contradictory stands on vital issues.” he said.

Singh said there was widespread support for liberal isatlon. which reversed nearly

four decades of quasi-socialistic policies, despite opposition claims that the country had become a hunting ground for niultinatlbnals.

"Liberalisation is only a means for India to get out of

grinding poverty, hunger and provide funds for education and other social sectors,” he said. "People appreciate the need for liberalisation and agree it will create Jobs.”

Singh slammed parties such as the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (Indian people's party) which oppose the entry of overseas firms in sectors like consumer goods while favouring Investment in hi-tech areas.

"The issue of computer chips versus potato chips is a futile one. raised by people with no experience in government." he said.

"Those who oppose foreign consumer goods companies

are enemies of Indian consumers. They want people to be content with shoddy goods as for the last 45 years and only help smugglers to thrive." . he said.