On Independence Day, PM Modi will focus on health sector

New Delhi: In his second Independence Day speech from the Red Fort next month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to roll out some significant sops for the social, rural and health sectors. Highly-placed sources said the PMO had directed the health ministry as well as ministries handling the social and rural sectors to identify five major activities to be undertaken by them over the coming year. They have been told to identify activities that may significantly impact the common man and bring about a perceptible change in society in the long run.

A PMO note seeking details of five such activities was sent last week to the rural development, social justice, women and child development, health, drinking water and sanitation, Ayush and tribal affairs departments. Most of them, it is learnt, sent the PMO the required list over the weekend. The directive from South Block was part of the PMO’s preparations for Mr Modi’s August 15 address.

Having peppered his first Independence Day address with key announcements like Jan Dhan Yojana, Swachch Bharat Abhiyan and Digital India, Mr Modi is keen to make his second August 15 speech as memorable as the first with big ticket announcements.

Besides this, all ministries/departments were also asked to give a status report on implementation of the schemes the Prime Minister had announced on August 15 last year. Among other things, the PM had announced in 2014 that toilets would be provided in all schools within a year.