Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM's Independence Day Call - "Rozgar Badhao"

Speaking from the historic Red Fort here today, on the 58th anniversary of Independence Day, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh made employment generation a key commitment of the Government. Days after the Union Cabinet approved the National Rural Employment Guarantee Bill, that will now be tabled in Parliament, Dr. Manmohan Singh said, "Indiraji had given the call to banish poverty, "garibi hatao". Today we commit ourselves to eradicating poverty by creating jobs, "Rozgar Badhao".

Prime Minister quoted Mahatma Gandhi, who said: "I will work for an India where the poorest of the poor feel that this country and this nation belongs to them and that they have a major role in its construction. An India where there is no higher class or lower class among all people. An India where all communities live in friendship and harmony. An India where women have the same rights as men. ... The Swaraj I dream of is a Swaraj of poor people. I have not the slightest hesitation in saying that Swaraj cannot be complete till the poorest have a guarantee of being provided with the basic necessities of life".

Economy on the move: "Our country is witnessing unprecedented economic growth today. Last year, our economic growth rate was 7%, coming on top of over 8% growth, and it is likely to be similar this year as well. We have not witnessed such consistently high growth rates since 1996. I am confident that if we maintain this momentum of growth for the next 5?10 years, then it would be possible for us to eradicate poverty, ignorance, hunger and disease from our country. This is no longer just a dream but is now a possibility."

Initiatives for Rural India

1. Krishi Vigyan Kendra to be created in every village by 2007.

2. National Rainfed Area Authority to be set up.

3. Funding for Bharat Nirman - budgetary focus on outcomes, not outlays alone.

4. Appeal to all political parties to address water issues from a national and holistic perspective.

5. Reiterates commitment to preserve environment and wildlife.

6. Revamping of Khadi & Village Industries Commission, to create jobs.

Social Welfare Initiatives

1. Pension for Freedom Fighters

2. Prime Minister's Scholarship Scheme for children of ex-servicemen and

security personnel - 5000 children would be provided scholarships for college education every year.

3. Focus on elementary, secondary and higher education. "New wave" of

development for old Universities in Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai.

4. Development of sports - India to bid for Asian Games

5. Focussed commitment to combat HIV/AIDS.

6. New 15-point programme for welfare and empowerment of Minorities.

7. Empowerment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through

investment in education, assurance of employment and tribal rights.

8. Empowerment of women - Legislation against domestic violence against

women, legal protection of property rights.

9. Development programme for skill enhancement of artisans and weavers.

Infrastructure Development

1. Six-laning of Golden Quadrilateral.

2. High-speed rail freight corridor - Mumbai-Delhi-Kolkata - with Japanese aid.

3. Urban Renewal Fund - special focus on revitalization of Mumbai.

Development of non-metro urban centers.

4. World class airports to be built.

5. New thrust to civil nuclear energy development.

Governance Issues

1. National Campaign for Cleanliness of villages, towns and cities to be

launched.

2. National movement against wastage of water.

3. Review of Armed Forces Special Powers Act complete. AFSPA to be made

more humane to ensure protection to human rights.

4. Government to ensure that outlays of expenditure are visible to citizens as outcomes of progress.

5. Handling of tsunami and recent floods, incl in Mumbai - National Disaster Management Authority created.

National Security and External Relations

1. Reiteration of commitment to discussion and dialogue with all disaffected groups, provided they abjure the path of violence. Doors are always open to anyone interested in dialogue.

2. Reaffirmation of commitment to fight terrorism. Pakistan must dismantle entire infrastructure of terrorism. Success of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus link shows way forward in Jammu & Kashmir.

3. Need for holistic response to extremism. Development and security are inter- linked. Assurance of life of dignity and self-respect for all people. POTA repealed.

4. India's firm commitment to make South Asia a region of peace and prosperity. Well-being and welfare of neighbours in India's interests. Warm greetings to people of Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives,Mauritius and Nepal.

5. Discussions proceeding on Iran- Pakistan- India gas pipeline.

5. Movement forward in relations with all countries. Successful meetings last year with leaders of United States, Russia, European Union, Japan, China and several important and friendly countries. Summit meetings with leaders of United States, Russia, China and Japan have significantly improved bilateral relations, and strengthened India's global profile.

6. Success of Look East Policy in improving relations with countries of East and South-east Asia.

Prime Minister's Closing Remarks:

"There comes a time in the history of a nation when it can be said that the time has come to make history. We are today at the threshold of such an era. The world wants us to do well and take our rightful place on the world stage. There are no external constraints on our development. If there are any hurdles, they are internal.

We must seize this moment and grab this opportunity. We need to have the resolve to make our country prosperous. We must have the self confidence to realise that we are second to none, that Indians are as good as the best. Our political system and leadership must show sagacity, wisdom and foresight so that we are able to make the best of this moment and make India a truly great nation.

Let us come together, as one nation, strengthened by our plurality, to work shoulder to shoulder and build a new India. An India where there are no barriers between the government and the people. An India where each and every Indian can stand proudly and proclaim that he is an Indian. Let us work together to build such a nation.

Jai Hind! Jai Hind! Jai Hind!" -- Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh