PM Modi greeted the nation on Independence Day

The nation is celebrating its 70th Independence Day today with patriotic fervor and gaiety. President, Vice President and Prime Minister have greeted the nation on the occasion.

Addressing the nation after unfurling the National Flag from the ramparts of Red Fort this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings to 125 crore Indians at home and abroad and said, government is surrounded with aspirations. Mr Modi emphasized on sensitivity and accountability in governance.

The Prime Minister called upon the countrymen to come forward with the commitment for Swaraj. He said, the meaning of Swaraj is a qualitative and positive change in the lives of the citizen of India.

Prime minister said, the government is working very hard to bring social change and emphasised that responsible government works for everyone. Mr Modi said, government is committed to change the lives of common people.

He stressed that transparency is key for good governance. Outlining his government's achievements, Mr Modi said, the government curbed inflation rates and will continue to work to ensure food plate of poor is not affected by inflation.

Saying government faced problems due to drought, he, however, hailed farmers for increase in foodgrain production. He said, sowing of pulses has increased 1.5 times this year and it will help solve problems of demand shortfall. Mr. Modi said four crore new LPG connections have been given in 60 weeks as against 14 crore connections given in past 60 years. Mr Modi said, this speed will bring a change in the quality of life of people of this nation.

He said power transmission lines increased to 50,000 kilo metres in a year from 30 thousand to 35 thousand kilo metre earlier. He said, cheaper LED bulbs has helped to save 20000 Mega Watt power.

Prime minister said, this government has made One Rank One Pension has become a reality. He highlighted government has revived sectors such as BSNL , shipping corporation and Air India.

He also highlighted on revival of 118 stuck projects worth 7.5 lakh crore rupees. On the government’s ambitious Aadhaar scheme, Mr Modi



said the government has now connected 70 crore Indians through Aadhaar and social security schemes.  He said, about 50 lakh free LPG connections released in 100 days through Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme. Mr Modi said, the target of 5 crore connections can be achieved earlier than scheduled 3 year.

Prime MInister said, electricity has reached 10,000 villages out of 18,000 unelectricified villages. He said, LED bulbs being sold at 50 rupees each against 350 rupees previously. He said 13 crore bulbs have been distributed so far and the target is 77 crore.

Prime Minister said, 77 crore LED bulbs can save 20,000 MW of electricity worth 1.25 lakh crore rupees. He said new godowns to store 12 lakh tonnes of foodgrains are being constructed. Mr Modi said, the present government at the centre will continue the good projects initiated by the previous governments. Prime minister said, the present government have increased the maternity leave benefits of working women.

Mr Modi today announced that government will bear up to one lakh rupees health care expenses annually for BPL families and 20 per cent increase in pension of Freedom fighters.He said, country's social unity is most important.

Prime Minister said, tough and sensitive approach is required to tackle the age-old social evils whether it is castism or untouchability. He said, violence has no place in the society. Mr Modi said, a strong country cannot be built without a strong society which is based on social justice. Prime Minister appealed youth to shun violence and return to mainstream.

Saying his government has adopted the strategy of Reform, Perform and Transform, Mr Modi said he has been trying to avoid populism. Mr Modi said, 99.5 per cent of past dues of sugarcane farmers have been cleared. Accusing the neighbouring Pakistan, Mr Modi said Pakistan continues to glorify terrorist. He said, Pakistan must stop backing terror.

Prime Minister said, a grateful nation today remembers Mahatma Gandhi, Bhimrao Ambedkar, Sardar Patel, Pandit Nehru and countless people who sacrificed their lives to attain Swarajya. Saying country face several problems, the Prime minister expressed hope that a billion people are capable to overcome them. Earlier, Prime Minister paid tributes to father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.