Highlights of PM's Independence Day speach

EDUCATION AND YOUTH:

* India is a nation of youth. Youth want to build a New India. * Mission on Vocational Education to be launched to bridge ''skill deficit'' * 12 crore children covered under nutritious mid-day meal programme.

* Massive increase in educational opportunities. 19 new AIIMS-type medical institutions. 3 new Indian Institutes of Science

* Reservations for socially backward sections of society, with wider educational opportunities for all students.

* Recognition and reward for individual merit and hard work

* Youth must have faith in our future. Country will create opportunities for all.

INFRASTRUCTURE:

* Progress of Bharat Nirman good.

* Decade of City Development - better infrastructure, better governance.

* New special economic zones to boost industrial production and employment.

* Progress on railways and urban metros, new airports and power plants.

DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE

* Comprehensive Rehabilitation Policy for displaced persons in project areas.

* Rs 2,500 crore for Backward Regions Grant Fund, for 250 districts.

* 4 lakh women to be accredited social health activists (ASHA).

* Vigorous campaign against HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

* New initiatives to empower SCs, STs and Minorities.

* Safety, security, empowerment of women a priority. End female foeticide.

GOVERNANCE:

* Improve delivery of public services, eliminate corruption.

* Rid municipalities of the cancer of corruption.

J AND K, NORTH EAST:

* New Links of Connectivity in Jammu&Kashmir, Renewal of dialogue through Round Table Conferences -

* Improved connectivity in North-east - better roads, rail and airports. New Massive investment in power and education in the region.

FOREIGN POLICY:

* Shared destiny of South Asia and growing constituency for peace.

* Improved relations with all major powers.

* New focus on Africa and Latin America.

* Deeper economic and political relations with wider Asian neighbourhood.

* India invited to East Asian Summit

* Asia on the Move. New Powers rising. India must catch up.

UNI