The 5 big announcements by PM Modi in his Independence Day speech

In his 90-minute speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi congratulated the sportspersons who won medals at the Tokyo Olympics, paid tribute to frontline Covid workers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering the Independence Day address from Red Fort on 15 August 2021 | Photo: Kamal Singh | PTI

MOHANA BASU, The Print, 15 August, 2021,  New Delhi: On the occasion of India’s 75th year of Independence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday made several new announcements during his address to the nation, laying out the blueprint for the country’s economic, agriculture and infrastructure sectors, among others.

In his 90-minute speech from the ramparts of Red Fort in New Delhi, PM Modi also congratulated the sportspersons who won medals in the recently concluded Tokyo Olympics and paid tribute to frontline Covid workers for their ongoing fight against the pandemic.

Here are the five key announcements made by PM Modi Sunday:

National Hydrogen Mission

Modi announced the launch of the National Hydrogen Mission that will make India the global production hub for clean hydrogen fuel production and export. The mission aims to make India self-reliant in clean energy and create new jobs.

Fortifying rice by 2024

To fight malnutrition, the PM announced that all rice distributed through government schemes will be fortified with nutrients.

Fortification refers to the process of increasing the content of an essential micronutrient, such as vitamins or minerals, in a food item to improve its nutritional value and provide public health benefits at minimal cost.

This will include rice in the public distribution system and midday meal schemes. The move will help improve the health of women and children in low-income families.

Gati Shakti Yojana

The PM also announced a Rs 100-lakh crore national infrastructure master plan called the Gati Shakti Yojana. The mission aims to give an integrated and holistic pathway to the Indian economy. By breaking silos within the economy, the mission aims to make local entrepreneurs globally competitive.

75 Vande Bharat trains in 75 weeks

The PM announced that 75 ‘Vande Bharat’ trains will connect different parts of the country in 75 weeks. Vande Bharat is an indigenous semi-high speed train set

Sainik Schools to admit girls

The PM also announced that girl cadets will now be able to enter all-boys Sainik Schools from the academic session 2021-22. Sainik Schools Society under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) prepares students for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy (INA).

(Edited by Rachel John)