The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh assured the nation that the arresting price rise will be his Government's first priority. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort after unfurling the tricolour this morning on the occasion of 65th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said that his Government will continue to monitor the situation to come up with new steps to tackle the problem. Dr. Singh said, the steep hike of the price of petroleum products, food-grains and edible oil in the international markets give rise to inflationary pressure in the country. Though inflation was controlled many times, it has not proved lasting. A transparent law on Land Acquisition, strict vigilance against terrorism and extremism and an education commission are the other highlights of the Prime Minister's speech.Dr. Manmohan Singh also reaffirmed government's commitment for a strong Lokpal to prevent corruption in high places. But, he made it clear that resorting to hunger strikes and fast unto death will not help. Dealing at length on corruption, Dr. Singh said, no single big step will be able to deal with the menace.There is need for improving justice delivery system to tackle the menace and a Judicial Accountability Bill has been introduced in Parliament for this.Dr. Manmohan Singh said, there is a need to improve justice delivery system to punish the corrupt quickly. Saying there is no magic wand to eradicate corruption, he wanted all political parties to stand shoulder to shoulder to fight the menace.On tension witnessed in some parts of the country over land acquisition for industry, infrastructure and urbanisation, Dr. Singh said though the acquisition is necessary for projects of public interest it should take place in a transparent and fair manner. The interest of those whose livelihood is dependent on the land should be protected. Calling for second green revolution in agriculture, the Prime Minister said food-grain production went up because of the hard work of the farmers and there is need to implement a Food Security law to step up the output. He assured the farmers that the government will continue to take care of their special needs including easy access to fertilizers, seeds and credit.Turning to terrorism, Dr. Singh called for fighting the menace jointly by the Central and State governments and common man. He said last month's terrorist attacks in Mumbai have warned that there cannot be any slip in the vigilance. He said the intelligence and security agencies are being steadily strengthened and the process will continue in future. Dr. Manmohan Singh gave an assurance that all possible steps will be taken to overcome the challenge of naxalism and to eradicate the root cause of the menace.Recalling the seven years of his government's performance in sustaining the progress of the nation, the Prime Minister said, a lot has been done but more needs to be achieved.The Prime Minister said that the government will focus on health and education, a slum free environment and removal of malnutrition. Dr. Singh said the government has decided to appoint a commission to make recommendations for improvement at all levels of education.Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister said, his government has embarked on a journey to transform the huge and diverse country through rapid development. He urged that one must have faith in democracy.