74th Independence Day: Major announcements made by PM Modi

PM Modi on Saturday unveiled an ambitious National Digital Health Mission under which every Indian will get a health ID that will ease access to medical services. The health ID will contain information about medical data, prescriptions and diagnostic reports and summaries of previous discharge from hospitals for ailments. The Mission is expected to bring efficiency and transparency in healthcare services in the country. Read full story here.

PM Modi said that the country has prepared a roadmap to ensure that a Covid-19 vaccine reaches everyone in the shortest possible time. He said three vaccine candidates are in different stages of trials in the country. The prime minister said whenever there is talk of Covid-19, the question that comes to everyone's mind is - when will a vaccine be ready. "I want to tell people, the talent of our scientists is like that of 'rishi munis' and they are working very hard in laboratories. Three vaccines are in various stages of testing. When scientists will give us the green signal, it will be produced on a mass scale and all preparations have been made for it," Modi said.

PM Modi reiterated that the government will soon unveil a new cybersecurity policy. He said that India is alert, cautious and is taking decisions to counter cyber threats and is constantly developing new systems. The draft of National Cyber Security Strategy 2020, that envisages creating a secure cyberspace in India, is ready and is likely to be finalised this year. "The threats from cyberspace can endanger all these aspects of Indian life. The government is alert to this threat and is taking all the necessary action," Modi said. The government recently banned several Chinese apps to protect the personal data of Indian users.

PM Modi announced a plan to eradicate pollution from the cities on the occasion of Independence Day. A special campaign is being worked out to reduce pollution in 100 selected cities with a holistic approach, said the PM. Announcing big plans for Ladakh, he said, "Just like Sikkim has made its mark as an organic state, efforts are being made to make Ladakh a carbon-neutral region." According to officials, Ladakh accounts for 0.1 per cent of the country's total emissions. Carbon neutrality means achieving a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing it from the atmosphere in carbon sinks.

PM Modi on Saturday said the government is deliberating on what should be the minimum age of marriage for women and has set up a committee to look into the matter. "We will take appropriate decisions after the committee submits its report," he said. The minimum age of marriage for women is 18 years and 21 for men. Among other women-related issues, PM Modi talked about the economic empowerment of women and the government's scheme to provide sanitary napkins at Rs 1.

PM Modi announced that the task to connect India's over six lakh villages with optical fibre network will be completed in the next 1,000 days. Before 2014, only 5 dozen panchayats in the country were connected with optical fibres, said the PM. In the last five years, 1.5 lakh gram panchayats have been connected with optical fibres, he said. Lakshadweep will also be connected by submarine optical fibre cable in the same period.

The Prime Minister announced the expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). PM Modi said that keeping in mind the development of youth in border and coastal areas, the government is going to expand the NCC for them. "We are going to train around one lakh new cadets and efforts will be made to ensure one-third of those are girls," Modi said. He said there are around 173 districts in border and coastal areas. "In border areas, the army will train the cadets. In coastal areas, the Navy will train them. And where there are airbases, the Air Force will impart training to these cadets. This way, border and coastal areas will get trained manpower to combat disasters. And, youths will also acquire necessary skills for careers in armed forces," he said.

PM Modi announced Project Lion and Project Dolphin. He said that India is fully sensitive to the conservation and promotion of its biodiversity. In the recent past, the lion and tiger populations have increased at a rapid pace in the country. Now Project Lion is also going to be launched for Asiatic Lions in the country. Modi also stressed on running projects for the conservation of dolphins.

PM Modi said that a plan has been prepared to connect the whole country with Multi-model Connectivity Infrastructure. He said that the country is moving towards spending more than Rs 100 lakh crore in this direction. Nearly 7,000 projects in different sectors have been identified. In a way, it will be like a new revolution in infrastructure.

PM Modi stressed on strengthening and expanding relations with the neighbouring countries. He said, "With our neighbouring countries, whether they are connected to us via land or from the sea, we are linking our relations with the partnership of security, development and trust. Today, the neighbours are not only those who share our geographical boundaries but also those with whom our hearts meet. Where there is peace in relationships, there is harmony."