Ministries asked to give inputs for Modi's first I-Day speech

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his maiden Independence Day address, various ministries have been asked to furnish by this month end details of programmes in different sectors which could form part of his speech, possibly in the form of announcements.
The Prime Minister's focus in the August 15 address from the iconic Red Fort is expected to be on infrastructure development, skill development, job creation, control of inflation and building of 100 smart cities across the country.
The Finance Ministry has written to other ministries and departments asking them to spell out the roadmap for implementation of the Budget proposals and new schemes that could be launched, sources said here today.

They have been asked to reply by July-end after which the details will be forwarded to Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth.
The Cabinet secretariat will assess these inputs and important decisions will be taken before August 10 regarding what will form part of the address, the sources said.
Modi's first address to the nation from the historic monument will be watched keenly as he has outlined that his priority areas would be 'good governance' and development, the planks on which BJP got a landslide victory in the Lok Sabha elections.
In this regard, his focus is on developing infrastructure like world class roads, airports, ports and railway networks besides development of rivers

Outlining its vision in the President's Address to Parliament last month, the Modi government had said it will revive 'Brand India', riding on its strengths of five 'T's -- tradition, talent, tourism, trade and technology -- and pursue foreign policy on the basis of "enlightened nationalism" and mutually beneficial relationships.