New Delhi: There will be no more interviews for non-gazetted government posts for lower posts from 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Sunday.

Making the announcement Modi in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' sought to remind listeners about his Independence Day address, when he had said that interviews should be done away with for lower posts.

"The process is almost complete… There will be no interviews for non-gazetted government jobs for group D, C, and B," Modi said, adding that "It will be implemented from January 1, 2016. We did not want to stop the ongoing process."

Meanwhile, speaking on other issues in Mann Ki Baat Prime Minister Modi said diversity is the pride of India and the key to development.

PM Modi recalled Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose birth anniversary falls on October 31, and said he made a huge contribution to India's unity.

"He had a dream for a united India, and he succeeded in doing that geographically," said Modi.

The prime minister, however, added that the the 'mantra' of unity should "constantly be a part of our thought, behaviour and expressions".

"India is a diverse country, and this diversity is the pride of India… Peace, harmony and unity… these are the key to development," he said.

(IANS)