Highlights of Narendra Modi’s speech on 69th Independence Day

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi as India celebrates its 69th Independence Day on Saturday.

• The way the talks are going on I am expecting something positive: Modi on OROP.
• I assure the servicemen and I am saying it under the Tricolour from the Red Fort- we have accepted OROP. Some talks are still on.
• The issue of 'One Rank One Pension' came up in front on every government. Some even made small promises. Issue could not be solved.
• Why does somebody have to seek 'Seefarish' when a job is sought. It is not proper.
• Momentum created for achievement of goals by 2022. When we celebrated 75th anniversary of freedom we should achieve targets.
• We are looking at systems for enabling start-ups. We must be number 1 in start-ups. 'Start-up India' & 'Stand up India'.
• India cannot develop till the eastern part of India develops.
• We need to increase agricultural productivity and we are working in that direction.
• It has been 15 months now since we formed government, no accusation of corruption of even Re 1.
• Rs 6,500 crores disclosed under compliance window of black money & foreign assets law.
• Some people are worried about tough law on black money; it has ensured that nobody dares to take black money out of the country.
  
• India can be free of corruption, need lots of measures.
• 20 lakh people have given up gas subsidy; this is aimed at helping the poor.
• Some people like to remain in 'Nirasha'. And they are not satisfied till they have spoken about it to other people.
• Dignity of labour has to be our national duty, it has to be a part of our nature.
• We introduced Shrameva Jayate Yojana. It is an effort to change the way we look at the workers of India.
• People from all walks of life, spiritual leaders, media friends, celebrities, everyone has worked to create awareness.
  
• Almost 4.25 lakh toilets were built in 2.62 schools nationwide in one year; this gives self-confidence that we can do what we want.
• If there is something that has touched every person, it is the movement towards cleanliness.
• Last time from the Red Fort I spoke about toilets and cleanliness. People wondered what kind of PM is he, talking about these issues.
• We have emphasised on a new work culture.
• We have focussed on social security.
  
• Rs 20,000 crore were deposited in 17 crore Jandhan bank accounts.
• When the branch of a bank is built somewhere, people rejoice. But this is still easy. Getting people to those banks takes effort.
• Bank accounts are essential for integrating the poor into the financial system.
• The doors of the banks were not open for the poor. We decided this must end. We wanted to strengthen financial inclusion.
• There is a new atmosphere of trust.
• Nobody wants to remain poor. Those who are poor want to move away from poverty. That is why, all our programmes must be for the poor.
• All our schemes must serve the poor.
• Be it MyGov, letters from citizens, Mann Ki Baat, communication with people...daily Jan Bhagidari is increasing.
• Jan Bhagidari is the biggest asset of a democracy.
• This is Team India, a team of 125 crore Indians. This is the Team that makes the Nation and takes our Nation to new heights.
• Be it casteism or communalism there is no place for them. In no way can they be tolerated.
  
• If the unity of India is destroyed then the dreams of the people are also destroyed.
• There is simplicity in every Indian and there is unity in every corner of India. This is the strength of India.
• The Prime Minister pays tributes to all those great people who laid down their lives for India, during India's freedom struggle.
• This is no ordinary morning. This is a morning of hope of the dreams and aspirations of 125 crore Indians.
• My dear people of India, on this occasion my greetings to all of you: PM
• Modi hoists the national flag.
  
• Narendra Modi inspects guard of honour at Red Fort.
  
• Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar welcomes Narendra Modi at the Fort.
• Modi arrives at Red Fort.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays homage at Rajghat.

Security cover

Taking security measures to a new high, the Delhi Police will be adopting rooftop markings to enable unmanned aerial vehicles, choppers and CCTV cameras installed at high altitude in locating crucial spots, as nearly 40,000 security personnel have been deployed.

A senior police officer said, "Snipers have also been assigned designated spots in most of the 400 marked rooftops. This measure has been adopted for the first time by Delhi Police."

Security agencies have been working round the clock taking stock of the multi-layer cover in the capital against any possible terror strike.

Apart from ground-to-air security apparatus within a five kilometre radius, over 150 National Security Guard (NSG) commandos along with SWAT unit and paramilitary forces will be positioned in the radius of 200-metre from the ramparts of the Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation this morning.

Specialised units like Quick Reaction Teams, Bomb squad and Dog squad are being deployed along with the commando units of Delhi Police at sensitive points. A no-fly zone has been put in place besides patrolling of the skies by helicopters, according to officials.

500 CCTVs including some ultra-high resolution ones have been installed to keep a watch on any suspicious activity in and around the Red Fort. Nearly 6,000 local police personnel have been deployed at market places, airport, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals, metro stations and places of strategic importance in the capital.

Anyone wanting to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech at the Red Fort will be given a free ride by the Delhi Metro, which will start operations from 430am instead of their normal time of 530am.