Independence Day 2018 Live Updates: PM Modi announces healthcare scheme Ayushman Bharat, roll-out on Sept 25

India 72nd Independence Day 2018 Live Updates: This was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fifth and final Independence Day 2018 speech from the ramparts of Red Fort during his current tenure.

By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi |Updated: August 15, 2018 5:48:02 pm

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Independence Day 2018 Live: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on the occasion of 72nd Independence Day from the ramparts of the Red Fort. (Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

Independence Day 2018 Live Updates: In his fifth and final address in the current tenure, Prime Minister Narendra Modihighlighted the achievements of the NDA government in the last four years – Swachch Bharat, PMFBY, Mudra loans, GST.

During the address, he also announced his flagship health policy –Aayuhmaan Bharat from the Red Fort. The ambitious Ayushman Bharat or National Health Protection Scheme aims to cover over 10 crore vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) and provide health cover up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year. The scheme will be rolled out on September 25, on the occasion of Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s anniversary. Referring to the torrential rainfall in Kerala, PM Modi said, “My thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives due to floods in various parts of India.” Follow Kerala rain LIVE UPDATES

Modi began by congratulating the all-women INS Tarini team for circumnavigating the globe and paying tribute to freedom fighters and the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He said the recently concluded monsoon session of Parliament focused on social justice. Taking a jibe at the UPA government, Modi also added that the pace of development fast-tracked in the past four years. Modi also announced the much demanded permanent commission for women in armed forces. So far women were given short service commission in Army, Navy and Air Force.

Full Text of PM Modi’s Independence Day 2018 speech

Ahead of his speech, PM Modi unfurled the Tricolour and inspected the Guard of Honour. Also present at Red Fort were Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, LK Advani among other political leaders.