Highlights of PM Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech

Delivering his Second Independence speech from Red Fort in New Delhi, PM Modi gave a call for the unity of the nation.

Taking head-on the divisive forces, he said, "Poison of casteism and passion of communalism have no place in India, we have to defeat these through development."

"Simplicity and unity are India's strength, it should never be tainted or hurt,"  he added.

Here are the key points of his speech:

* Poison of casteism and passion of communalism have no place in India, we have to defeat these through development

* If the unity of India is destroyed, then the dreams of the people will also be destroyed.

* Rs 20,000 crore were deposited in 17 crore Jandhan bank accounts, says PM in Independence Day address.

* All our programmes and institutions should be helpful to the poor; have to empower them through financial inclusion

* Rs 20,000 crore were deposited in 17 crore Jandhan bank accounts

* 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

* The biggest brand ambassadors of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan are the 5-10 year olds, who have taken part in this campaign enthusiastically 

* We have been very successful in our campaign to make toilets,especially for girls in schools across India

* We introduced Shrameva Jayate Yojana. It is an effort to chage 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

* Almost 4.25 lakh toilets were built in 2.62 schools nationwide in one year; this gives self-confidence that we can do what we want

* India can be free of corruption; need lots of measures; have to start from top

* Even those people who are corrupt tend to give advice to others on how to deal with corruption

* Some people like to remain in 'Nirasha'. And they are not satisfied till they have spoken about it to other people

* All govts make programmes but what matters is implementation

* Today I proudly say that the  'give it up' campaign for gas subsidy has been successful, 20 lakh people have given subsidy up

* Timely auctions of coal, radio, spectrum have helped in eradication of corruption.

* There's no allegation of corruption against the government you voted to power

*  In 15 months, there is no allegation of corruption against my govt; I am determined to end the termite of corruption

*Corruption had become part of the system; contractors were running the nation; we have taken steps to correct the system

* Rs 6,500 crores disclosed under compliance window of black money & foreign assets law.

* Coal block auction has been undertaken by the govt, national exchequer will get Rs 3 lakh crore

* Agriculture Ministry to be renamed as Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare for institutionalised care of the farmers

* PM Modi's new slogan: 'Start-up India', 'Stand up India'

* PM Modi announces special scheme for miners and their areas; Rs 6000 crore to be spent on it every year

* The need for interview for small jobs should be ended immediately; says corruption takes place because of interviews

* In-principle this govt has accepted 'One-rank, One-pension'; we will have good news on the basis of talks, which are on going

* 'One-Rank, One-Pension' is a long-pending issue, discussions are underway and in last stages

 * PM Modi concludes his I-Day speech:  We have to ensure a prosperous India by 2022.