We will move forward in Jammu and Kashmir by embracing people, not by bullet: PM Modi

New Delhi: On the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the ramparts of New Delhi's Red Fort announcing several new promises and schemes. The PM in his speech announced that his government will launch an ambitious healthcare scheme on September 25 year which will benefit 50 crore citizens of the country.

PM Modi said the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan (Ayushman Bharat) will be launched on September 25 on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay. "The healthcare initiatives of the government will have a positive impact on 50 crore Indians," he said.

Asserting that technology will play a crucial role in the implementation of the programme, he said in four to six weeks, testing of these technology tools under the scheme will start. He said the Swachh Bharat Mission will enable lakhs of children in leading healthier lives. 

This speech is his fifth after the NDA government came to power in 2014.

Here are the live updates:

15 August 2018

08:46 AM

For Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said --Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat, Jamuriyat. I have also said the solution of every problem of Jammu and Kashmir can be done only by embracing. Our government is committed to the development of all the areas and all sections of Jammu and Kashmir: PM Modi

08:44 AM

Tripura, Meghalaya and many parts of Arunachal Pradesh are seeing historic peace. From 126, Left Wing Extremism is restricted to 90 districts. We are working to ensure peace across the nation: PM Modi

08:43 AM

The practice of Triple Talaq has caused great injustice among Muslim women. We are trying to end this practice but there are some people who are not wanting it to end. I ensure the Muslim women that I will work to ensure justice is done to them: PM Modi

08:42 AM

PM Narendra Modi concludes his speech at Red Fort by greeting the nation on the 72nd Independence Day. He concluded saying, "Once again, I convey my greetings to the people of India on Independence Day."

08:37 AM

In today's India, there is no place for nepotism. We have ensured environmental clearances are done transparently: PM Modi

08:36 AM

We will not forgive the corrupt and those who have black money. They have ruined the nation. Delhi's streets are free from power brokers.  From the voice of power brokers, the voice of the poor is heard: PM Modi

08:35 AM

The honest taxpayer of India has a major role in the progress of the nation. It is due to them that so many people are fed, the lives of the poor are transformed: PM Modi

08:30 AM

Women officers who joined armed forces under short service commission eligible for permanent commission: PM Modi

08:29 AM

The healthcare initiatives of the Government of India will have a positive impact on 50 crore Indians. It is essential to ensure that we free the poor of India from the clutches of poverty due to which they cannot afford healthcare: PM Modi

08:25 AM

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyaan will be launched on September 25 this year. It is high time we ensure that the poor of India get access to good quality and affordable healthcare: PM Modi

08:22 AM

Due to Swachh Bharat mission, lakhs of children can lead healthier lives. Even the WHO has lauded the movement. Mahatma Gandhi led the Satyagrahis to freedom. Today, the Swachhagrahis have to ensure a Swachh Bharat: PM Modi

08:19 AM

As important as economic growth is the dignity of the individual. Initiatives such as Ujjwala and Saubhagya Yojana are enhancing the dignity of fellow Indians: PM Modi

08:15 AM

Today our full attention is to bring change in agriculture, to focus on modernisation. With a 'Beej Se Bazar Tak' approach, we are bringing remarkable changes in the agriculture sector. The aim is to double farmer incomes by 2022: PM Modi

08:13 AM

India is proud of our scientists, who are excelling in their research and are at the forefront of innovation: PM Modi

08:11 AM

We have decided to send an Indian to space before or by 2022 when India celebrates its 75 years of Independence: PM Modi

08:10 AM

India's voice is being heard effectively at the world stage. We are integral parts of forums whose doors were earlier closed for us: PM Modi

08:03 AM

From being seen as among the fragile five, India is now the land of reform, perform and transform. We are poised for record economic growth: PM Modi

08:02 AM

The OROP demand was pending for decades. The people of India, our brave army personnel had faith in us and we were able to take a decision on OROP. We will always take decisions in the interests of our nation: PM Modi

08:01 AM

Who did not want the passage of the GST yet it was pending for years? Last year GST became a reality. I want to thank the business community for the success of the GST: PM Modi

08:01 AM

The demand for higher MSP was pending for years. From farmers to political parties to agriculture experts, everybody was asking about it but nothing happened. With the blessings of the farmers, the decision on MSP was taken by our Government: PM Modi

07:58 AM

The demand for higher MSP was pending for years. From farmers to political parties to agriculture experts, everybody was asking about it but nothing happened. With the blessings of the farmers, the decision on MSP was taken by our Government: PM Modi

07:57 AM

If we had continued at the same pace at which toilets were being built in 2013, the pace at which electrification was happening in 2013, then it would have taken us decades to complete them: PM Modi

07:52 AM

We are proud of what we have achieved and at the same time, we also have to look at where we have come from. That is when we will realise the remarkable strides the nation has made: PM

07:50 AM

Since 2014, I have been experiencing that the 1.25 billion people of the country do not just stop by making government. They are engaged in making the country: PM Modi

07:49 AM

Poor people get justice, everyone has an opportunity to move forward according to their wishes and aspirations: PM Modi

07:49 AM

The Constitution of India, given to us by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar has spoken about justice for all. We have to ensure social justice for all and create an India that is progressing rapidly: PM

07:47 AM

The great Tamil poet, longstanding and optimistic Subramanya Bharathi wrote that India will not only emerge as a great nation but also inspire others. He had said, "India will show the whole world a way to get rid of all kinds of bondage."

07:45 AM

Next year on Baisakhi, it will be 100 years of Jallianwala Bagh massacre. I pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives: PM Narendra Modi 

07:45 AM

Many parts of the nation witnessed good monsoon but at the same time parts of India have been severely hit by floods. My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in these floods, in various parts of India: PM Modi 

07:43 AM

Today the country is full of self-confidence, and the country is crossing new heights by placing the dreams of diligence with hard work. Today's Sun brings a new consciousness to new excitement: PM Modi

07:42 AM

The recently concluded monsoon session of Parliament was one devoted to social justice. Parliament session witnessed the passage of the bill to create an OBC Commission: PM Modi 

07:41 AM

We are proudly celebrating IndependenceDay today as six women officers of the Indian Navy, circumnavigated the globe recently (on INSV Tarini): PM Modi

07:34 AM

We are celebrating the Independence Day at a time when people in every corner of the world is acknowledging India's 6th position in the economy: PM Modi

07:33 AM

PM Modi addresses nation from Red fort

07:29 AM

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at Red Fort.

07:27 AM

In the wake of terror alerts, a cordon of tight security, including NSG snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers, has been thrown around the Red Fort.

07:26 AM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Red Fort in the capital. He will address the nation shortly. 

07:24 AM

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/Yko8pgJlUX

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018

07:21 AM

On the occasion of Independence day, PM Modi wished the nation. He tweeted, "Independence Day greetings to the people of India. Jai Hind! "

07:15 AM

Former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda, Union Minister JP Nadda & BJP leader LK Advani at the Red Fort. 

Former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh & HD Deve Gowda, Union Minister JP Nadda & BJP leader LK Advani at the Red Fort. #IndependenceDayIndia pic.twitter.com/HRYgZlEkNJ

— ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2018