PM Narendra Modi's Independence Day Speech: As it happened...

PM Modi gives new slogan on Independence Day – Start-up India, stand up India.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 69th Independence Day. Here's what he said in his speech:

• PM Narendra Modi concludes speech. National Anthem is being played.
• India will celebrate 75 years of Independence in 2022. We have to ensure by then that no poor lives without a house, no village is without power, there is all-round development, women are empowered.
• One Rank One Pension came up before every government in the past but none could resolve it. I have also not been able to implement it so far. But I assure the armed forces today from the Red Fort – we have accepted OROP in principle. Talks are underway with al stakeholders. Talks are in final stages. I am hopeful of a positive decision soon.
• PM says the need for interview for small jobs should be ended immediately; says corruption takes place because of interviews. 
• Why does somebody have to seek 'Seefarish' when a job is sought. It is not proper.
• PM Modi gives new slogan – Start-up India, stand up India
• If we have to progress, we have to give opportunities to our youth. Can't we dream that India will occupy number one position in the world in start-ups.
• Still there are 18,000 villages whioh do not have electricity. I want to focus on this issue in near future. At current pace, it will take 10 years to bring electricity to these villages. Team India's aim is to complete this target in 1000 days. I request states to help us in achieving this target.  
• Agriculture Ministry to be renamed as Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare for institutionalised care of the farmers - PM 
• We need to increase agricultural productivity. Save water, save energy,save fertilizers should be our motto – PM Modi.
• There was deficiency in rains affecting farmers. Despite that, we were successful in controlling rising prices and decreasing it from two-digit to around 3% – PM.
• About Rs 6500 crore of undeclared money has been disclosed during the black money compliance window - PM
• On the issue of black money, we formed SIT under guidance of Supreme Court – Modi.
• We want transparency. Since we came to power 15 months ago, no one has accused us of corruption, says PM.
• PM announces special scheme for miners and their areas; Rs 6000 crore to be spent on it every year. 
• Auction of coal mines will bring nearly Rs 3 lakh crores in government's coffers, he says.
• The gas subsidy campaign has been successful and over 20 lakh people has given up their subsidy, says Modi.
• In 15 months, there is no allegation of corruption against my govt; I am determined to end the termite of corruption - PM 
• We need to remove corruption completely from our system – PM.
• Some people like to be in negative state of mind and are not not satisfied till they have spoken about it to other people – Modi.
• Providing dignity of labour to people should be our nature and hence we introduced 'Shramev Jayate Yojna', says PM.
• While people from all walks of life worked towards creating awareness Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, children of India have who have taken part in this campaign with utmost enthusiasm - Modi.
• I spoke about constructing toilets in the nation. Now, in every survey being held in the nation shows the effectiveness of 'Swacchta Abhiyan'- Modi.
• Every government makes announcement but whether it is completed or not is the question - PM.
• We wanted to strengthen financial inclusion. If the development pyramid is strong then it empowers the poor, says PM.
• I would like to salute the poor who deposited Rs 20,000 crore in the bank despite opening the account at zero balance. Team India will move forward due to them – PM.
• Within given time frame, 17 crore people opened their accounts under PM Jan Dhan Yojana, he says.
• I assure you that in an year, Team India is dedicated towards fulfilling their dreams, says PM Modi.
• All our schemes are for the development of poor, he says.
• Public participation is the the biggest asset of democracy - PM.
• Team India comprising 125 crore Indians takes our nation forward, he says.
• Casteism and communalism cannot not be tolerated, says PM.

  Be it casteism or communalism there is no place for them. In no way can they be tolerated: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2015

• Unity in India is its strength and if its destroyed then the nation will also be destroyed, says Modi.
• It is not an ordinary morning but of hope of the dreams and aspirations of 125 crore Indians – Modi.
• A very happy Independence Day to my fellow Indians – Modi.
• PM Modi begins his address.
• He unfurls the national flag which is followed by a 21-gun salute and will address the nation shortly.
• PM Modi ​is welcomed by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar after he arrives at Red Fort . 
• PM Modi arrives at Rajghat and pays tribute to the Mahatma Gandhi.

  PM @narendramodi pays tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. — PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 15, 2015

• Among several senior leaders present at Red Fort for Independence Day celebrations include former prime minister Manmohan Singh, veteran BJP leader LK Advani, Union Ministers Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and Ravi Shankar Prasad.
• Home Minister Rajnath Singh unfurled the Indian flag at his residence and greeted people.
• PM Modi took to Twitter to greet people on Independence Day.

Independence Day greetings to all my fellow Indians. स्वतंत्रता दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनायें। जय हिन्द! #India

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2015

Earlier developments:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag and address the nation on the occasion of 69th Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort on Saturday.

A multi-layered security ring will be thrown at and around the 17th century historic Red Fort from whose ramparts the Prime Minister will address the nation.

A bullet-proof glass enclosure has been erected for the Prime Minister at the Red Fort but it is not clear whether he will be speaking from behind the glass or in open like last year.

Sky over Red Fort and surrounding areas will be a 'no-fly zone' tomorrow during the event while thousands of personnel from Delhi Police and central paramilitary forces will be deployed on the ground to prevent any mischief to disturb the celebrations of the 69th Independence Day, official sources said.

(With PTI Inputs)