He promised five Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, eight IITs, seven IIMs and 20 Indian Institutes of International Technology.

Declaring secondary and higher education as a priority, he announced that the government would support 6,000 new “high quality” schools besides 370 colleges in districts with low enrollment rates.

To boost the “relatively neglected” university system, the Prime Minister said that 30 new Central universities would be set up to cover every state.

“I am sure that, working together, we can ensure that at least a fifth of our children go to college as compared to one-tenth now.”

On last year’s promise of a vocational education mission, the PM said that various initiatives under a Mission on Vocational Education and Skill Development would ensure education for 100 lakh students every year.

Promising to deliver on assurances that economic growth would benefit every corner of the country, he announced a Rs 25,000-crore investment plan in the agricultural sector to increase food production that would focus on farmers in dry and drought-prone regions.

“We will see a boost in food grain production in all parts of the country, particularly in regions untouched by the first green revolution,” Singh said.

Emphasising that India cannot become a nation with islands of high growths and vast areas untouched by development, he promised a future of rapid industrialisation balanced with a firm policy on rehabilitation and resettlement.

He said that the National Rural Employment Guarantee programme would be expanded to cover the entire nation. Singh also promised an old age pension scheme, health insurance model and life and disability cover for citizens living below the poverty line.