Tough Message to Terrorists: PM's I-Day Speech

New Delhi, Aug 15: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 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:

NATIONAL SECURITY

* No more business as usual in fight against terrorism

* Terrorism anywhere is a threat to peace and prosperity everywhere.

* Need for modernization of security and intelligence machinery.

* Mumbai showed courage, patience and communal amity.

* Pakistan must take concrete steps against cross-border terrorism, for peace process to move forward.

* Naxalism: power does not flow from barrel of gun, but from ballot box.

ECONOMY

* Economy on the move. Growth is robust.

* Inflation control a priority. But farmers cannot be grudged better incomes.

* There exists a constituency for peace and shared prosperity in South Asia.

* Global environment for India has improved. World wants India to progress.

* 8% growth for three years in a row is unprecedented in history.

* Higher growth is important in war against poverty.

* Manufacturing sector growth up at 11 pc.

* Inflation control a priority, but farmers cannot be grudged better incomes.

* World oil prices a barrel in 2004, now a barrel.

* Despite this no increase in kerosene or LPG prices in recent months.

FARM SECTOR

* Credit for farmers doubled in two years, loans at reduced rate of 7 pc.

* Expert group to study problem of agricultural indebtedness.

* Rs 13,000 crore package for revival of cooperative credit system implemented.

* National Fisheries Development Board created - p.16 * 2 crore families provided employment under NREGA in 200 districts - p.13

* Special programmes launched for handloom and textile industries.

UNI

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