PTI
New Delhi, Feb 16: Following are the political highlights of President A P J Abdul Kalam's address to joint sitting of Parliament:
- 150th anniversary of First War of Independence next year
- Govt combating terrorism, militancy and extremism
- Govt working on governance, electoral, judicial reforms
- Right to Information Act to reduce corruption
- National e-Governance Plan ready
- Sixth Pay Commission for government employees
- Need to maintain communal harmony
- Govt committed to restore peace in J&K, North East
- Govt willing to talk to all political groups
- Defence modernised, military capability strengthened
- Relation with Pakistan improved but infiltration and cross-border terrorism remain a concern
- Substantial transformation in relation with the US
- Ties with Russia further strengthened
- Greater cooperation with the EU, China, Japan, Asean
- New 15-point programme for minorities in the offing
- Govt for 33 per cent women reservation in Parliament
- Bill on protection against sexual harassment soon
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
- New IIS in Kolkata, Pune and Punjab
- National Disaster Management Authority in operation
- Reservation for SC/ST in private education institutions
- NREG Act to assist SC/ST farmers
- Draft National Environment Policy formulated
- National Tiger Conservation Authority to be created.