Highlights of Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech

Following are the highlights of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s speech on the 64th Independence Day.

*PM says government working for new inclusive India.

*PM asks Naxals to abjure violence, come forward for talks.

*PM invites alienated and dissatisfied groups in Jammu and Kashmir and North East to experience the potential of Indian democracy to accommodate divergent views and aspirations.

*PM says India wants a strong, stable and united Pakistan, but Islamabad has to act against terror.

*Government committed to the aam aadmi (common man).

*It is working for food safety and social security net, says PM.

*PM says farmers have been paid record minimum support price.

*Inflation will come down, assures the PM.

*Time for consolidation and fine tuning of Bharat Nirman flagship programmes, says the PM.

*PM announces separate councils for higher education and health, asks for a clean India campaign.

*PM cautions against harsh words and offensive language in public life.

*PM appeals to make the Commonwealth Games a success.