The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, underlined the urgent need for a development strategy that puts in place corrective measures to achieve a sustained high economic growth rate. In his opening remarks at the full meeting of the Plan panel, which he heads as the Chairman, Dr Singh said this would accommodate a greater degree of inclusiveness and lessen the sense of alienation among people who felt left out of the reform process. He said the Government would pay greater attention to agriculture and rural development and to reduce regional imbalances in the process of development. Basic social services, such as education and health, would also require sharper focus, he said.