'Start Up India and Stand Up India', Says PM Modi in Independence Day Speech

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi this morning as India celebrates its 69th Independence Day.

Following are the highlights of PM Modi's address:

• My dear people of India, on this occasion my greetings to all of you
• This 15th August morning is not an ordinary morning. This is the world's biggest democracy's Independence Day
• It's a morning of hope, dreams and aspirations of 125 crore Indians
• India's diversity is celebrated world over
• There's unity in every corner of India
• Indian diversity, simplicity, unity is our wealth
• There is no place for casteism or communalism, it won't be tolerated
• Jan Bhagidari is the biggest asset of a democracy
• Be it MyGov, letters from citizens, Mann Ki Baat, communication with people...daily Jan Bhagidari is increasing
• India is developing because of Team India
• There is a new atmosphere of trust
• All our schemes must serve the poor
• Nobody wants to remain poor. Those who are poor want to move away from poverty. That's why, all our programmes must be for the poor
• The doors of the banks were not open for the poor. We decided this must end. We wanted to strengthen financial inclusion
• Bank accounts are essential for integrating the poor into the financial system
• After all who are the banks for, they are for the poor
• When the branch of a bank is built somewhere, people rejoice. But this is still easy. Getting people to those banks takes effort
• The doors of the banks were not open for the poor. We decided this must end. We wanted to strengthen financial inclusion
• 17 crore people opened accounts under Jan Dhan Yojana
• Rs 20,000 crore have been deposited by the poor in banks
• All our programmes and institutions should be helpful to the poor; have to empower them through financial inclusion
• We have emphasised on a new work culture
• Last time from the Red Fort I spoke about toilets and cleanliness. People wondered what kind of PM is he, talking about these issues
• If there is something that has touched every person, it is the movement towards cleanliness
• People from all walks of life, spiritual leaders, media friends, celebrities, everyone has worked to create awareness
• Who has given maximum strength to Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan? It is the children of India
• We introduced Shramev Jayate Yojana. It is an effort to change the way we look at the workers of India
• Dignity of labour has to be our national duty, it has to be a part of our nature
• Some people like to remain in 'Nirasha'. And they are not satisfied till they have spoken about it to other people
• India can be free of corruption, need lots of measures
• Some people are worried about tough law on black money; it has ensured that nobody dares to take black money out of the country
• We need to increase agricultural productivity and we are working in that direction
• India cannot develop till the eastern part of India develops
• We affirm our commitment to provide electricity to all those villages that do not have electricity
• We are looking at systems for enabling start-ups. We must be Number 1 in start-ups. 'Start-up India' and 'Stand up India'
• Why does somebody have to seek 'Seefarish' when a job is sought. It is not proper
• The issue of 'One Rank One Pension' came up in front of every government. Some even made small promises. Issue could not be solved
• I assure the servicemen and I am saying it under the Tricolour from the Red Fort - we have accepted OROP. Some talks are still on
• The way the talks are going on I am expecting something positive