PM's I-Day Speech Highlights

New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today declared from the ramparts of the Red Fort that his government was determined to crush terrorism and carry forward the economic progress. The following are the highlights of his address to the nation on the 60th Independence Day: NATIONAL SECURITY * Intelligence agencies and security forces will be modernised and strengthened to face terrorism.

* Pakistan must take concrete steps against cross-border terrorism for peace process to succeed * Naxalism: Power does not flow from barrel of gun, but from ballot box ECONOMY * There is a limit to continuing subsidy on LPG and kerosene due to rising international price of oil * Economy on the move. Growth is robust * 8 per cent growth for three years in a row is unprecedented AGRICULTURE * Viddarbha-like package for all farmers' suicide-affected states EDUCATION AND YOUTH * OBC Quota not at the cost of merit * Mission on Vocational Education to be launched to bridge 'skill deficit' * 12 crore children covered under nutritious mid-day meal programme.

INFRASTRUCTURE * Two crore families provided employment under NREGA in 200 districts * Progress of Bharat Nirman 'good' * New special economic zones to boost industrial production and employment DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE * Comprehensive Rehabilitation Policy for displaced persons in project areas * Rs 5,000 crore for Backward Regions Grant Fund for 250 districts * Safety, security, empowerment of women a priority. End female foeticide GOVERNANCE * Improve delivery of public services, eliminate corruption FOREIGN POLICY * Shared destiny of South Asia and growing constituency for peace.

UNI SN/FZ RL BST1150