By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, AUG 15, 2013: WHILE addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, today said that the Government has established the National Skill Development Authority a few months back, and will shortly launch a new scheme under which those who have successfully acquired new skills will be given a grant of about Rs 10,000. This scheme will benefit about 10 lakh young men and women in the next 12 months.

Dr Singh announced that after the enactment of the Food Security legislation, its implementation will be one of the Government's top priorities. He said that the Government has already started working in this direction in partnership with States. Computerization of the Public Distribution System will be speeded up.

The Prime Minister said that the Mid-day Meal scheme will be reformed. "The meals being provided to our children should not only be nutritious but also be cooked hygienically. We will take concrete measures to ensure this," he added.

The PM stated that in the last 9 years, there has been a continuous improvement in India's relations with the major powers of the world. "Our Look East policy in respect of 10 ASEAN countries in East and South-East Asia has borne good results, especially in economic matters. We have also strived for friendship with our neighbouring countries. However, for relations with Pakistan to improve, it is essential that they prevent the use of their territory and territory under their control for any anti-India activity," he added.

Dr Singh also touched the issue of RTI Act. He said that through the RTI Act, the common man now gets more information than ever before about the work of the government. This legislation is being used on a large scale at all levels. The Act frequently brings to light irregularities and corruption and opens the door for improvements. I am sure that the RTI will lead to further improvements in the way the government functions, he added.

He also said that the Government has introduced the Lokpal Bill in Parliament. "The Lok Sabha has passed the Bill and it is now before the Rajya Sabha. This legislation will be a major step towards making our political system clean," he added.