At Samba
The Independence Day was celebrated with great patriotic fervor across the border district of Samba. The main function was organized at Rani Suchait Singh Stadium where Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the march past presented by contingents of Ex-Servicemen, J&K Police, Home Guards, NCC cadets and students drawn from different government as well as private educational institutions.
The function was also attended by Vice Chairman Advisory Board for Welfare and Development of OBCs Rashpaul Verma, MLA Samba Devinder Kumar Manyal, DC Samba Sheetal Nanda, SSP Samba Anil Magotra and District Heads of various departments.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister greeted the people on the national festival and lauded the role of freedom fighters for securing freedom to their countrymen by making supreme sacrifices.
The Minister highlighted various schemes and initiatives taken by the state government for progress and development of the public. He said that implementation of Goods and Service Tax was a landmark legislation in the history of the state as it now provides uniform tax structure and benefit the state greatly.
He informed that more than 100 km of road has been blacktopped and Rs 100 crore Central Road Fund projects have been sanctioned for Samba district including Sumb, Utterbehani and Purmandal roads. He appreciated the efforts made by District Administration under ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign and added that the scheme is now showing positive results on the ground. He said that sports infrastructure is being upgraded in the District and each block shall have a well developed stadium. He also informed that a Technological Centre shall be soon launched at Samba under Technology Centre Systems programme of central govt.
The students of various educational institutions presented a scintillating cultural programme depicting diverse culture of the state and highlighting patriotism and national integration. Later the Minister distributed prizes and trophies to the performers and participants. Prizes were also given to Parade Commanders, sportspersons, and meritorious students. The Independence Day functions were also held at Vijaypur, Ramgarh , Ghagwal and other parts of the district.
At REASI
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Bali Bhagat unfurled the national flag at the Independence Day function held here at sports stadium.
The celebration was marked by patriotic fervor and zeal with participation of large number of people from all walks of life.
The Minister inspected the parade and took salute at the march past comprising 28 contingents of IRP, J&K Police, STC Talwara, NCC and students of various educational institutions.
In his address, the Minister recalled the sacrifices of great leaders who led the freedom movement. He said the country has come a long way since independence and is progressing in leaps and bounds.
“We have reached to present stage because of our sages, maestros, teachers, scientists and social workers. These great people and the great generations, who had worked for the country throughout their lives, deserve our deepest respect”, he added.
Meanwhile, the Minister highlighted the initiatives of the state and central government to improve the economic profile of the people particularly living in hilly and far flung districts like Reasi.
The Minister also highlighted the scope and benefits of ongoing railways project, Salal Hydroelectric Project, 25 MW Hydel project on Ans river, network of roads under PMGSY and development of Domail-Katra-Reasi-Bhambla road as a national highway.
The Minister said that the state government has launched various projects and welfare schemes for development of far flung areas. The enhancement of old age, widow and handicapped pensions from Rs 200/400 to Rs 1000 is one of the biggest initiative which has resulted in benefitting 17000 people of this district, the Minister informed.
About infrastructural development in Reasi, the Minister said, work has been completed on Polytechnic college, ANMT school, health centres including community health center at Mahore besides other government buildings and many other projects are nearing completion. He also said work on Grid station is also been progressing at Seela. He said old hospital Reasi would be developed as MCH very soon. The vacant posts of doctors would also be filled up soon in the district, he assured.
He said government has initiated various welfare schemes for uplift of women, old age, children and other people by introducing Housing for all scheme under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Cash Assistance of Rs 6000 for pregnant women, insurance cover, financial assistance schemes for youth and entrepreneurs etc.
He said that district has got Rs 142 crore annual plan for year 2017-18 for its overall development and hoped that the administration would achieve full targets of expenditure. He informed that 32 roads have been constructed under PMGSY and work on others is in progress. In power sector 14 un-electrified villages will be fully electrified under Deendayal Uppadyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, he informed.
At last the prizes were distributed among the participants of parade and cultural programme by the chief guest. The students and officials were also awarded for their distinguished achievements.
Minister of State for Finance and Planning Ajay Nanda, DDC Ravinder Kumar, ADC Babu Ram, SSP Tahir Bhat and many other officers and officials from civil administration, Army, Police and para military forces were also present amid huge public gathering.
The day was also celebrated at the headquarters of Katra, Pouni, Arnas, Dharmari, Mahore, Chassanan and educational institutions of far flung areas.
At KATHUA
The 71st Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, patriotic zeal and fervor at Kathua.
The main function was held at District Sports Stadium, where Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh hoisted the National flag and took salute at the march past comprising 46 contingents of CRPF, District Police, Police Training School, NCC boys and Girls, Forest Protection Force and tiny platoons from various Government and Private schools.
The chief guest, Ch Lal Singh congratulated people on the eve of 71st Independence Day and recalled the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices to achieve freedom from the foreign rule. The Minister said the people of all ages and communities laid down their lives and fetched hard fought Independence. He paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Subash Chander Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chander Shekhar Azad, Rajguru, Sukhdev and scores of other unsung heroes of Indian freedom struggle.
The minister also underlined the unique feat achieved by India as one of the largest democratic and secular nation in the world. He also added that the independence has been achieved after lot of hardships and sacrifices ‘so we must keep in mind that it should be preserved by remaining united against all evils.’
He disclosed that the Union and State government has initiated several socio-economic security schemes viz Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY), Atal Pension Yojna (APY), Swatch Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, MUDRA, state marriage assistance scheme, Laadli Beti Yojna and Mufti Mohammed Syeed Food Entitlement Scheme etc for dignified subsistence of the people.
He also listed key development projects started in the state. “For supplementing medical infra 2 AIIMS and 5 medical colleges are coming up in the state to provide ultra modern facilities to the patients. Similarly number of modern educational institutes in the shape of colleges and universities were established to revamp the education sector. Connectivity has been enhanced manifold with the help of PMGSY and CRF” he asserted.
“Children are the future of our nation, education to them should be imparted with a view to the type of society that we wish to build. We are working for a modern democracy built on the values of human dignity and equality. These are only ideals: we should make them living forces. Our vision of the future should include these great principles,” Lal Singh asserted.
Reiterating the PM, Narendra Modi`s vision of building ‘New India’ by 2022 he asked every stakeholder of the society to toil hard to realize this dream and make India a world power.
The Minister further added that forest department has planted 50 lakh plant saplings in J&K to restore its fragile ecology and rich habitats where wildlife can flourish in peace and there is no man-animal conflict. He also made a point that the Forest Department also provided employment to 534 professional Forest Graduates besides launching massive afforestation.
He said to tap the tourism potential of the Ranjeet Sagar Dam and its scenic periphery, the government has taken landmark initiatives under which infrastructure for water sports, golf course and eco tourism will be developed in coming days.
A Colorful programmes by the Students of various schools was also presented on the occasion. A Mass Drill by the collage and school students was one of the main attractions.
The Minister also gave away prizes and trophies to the participating performers.
Among others, MLA, Kathua, Rajiv Jasrotia, MLA Bani Jeevan Lal, MLC Balbir Singh, District Development Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar, SSP Suleman Choudhary, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr Bahrat Bhushan, District Officers, Prominent citizens and freedom fighters were present on the occasion.
Independence Day was also celebrated at tehsil head quarters with patriotic zeal. At Basohli, ADC Basohli, Sanjay Gupta hoisted the national flag at Jawahar Navodya Vidyalaya, Basohli and took salute from the march past.
At Billawar, SDM, Rajesh Basotra unfurled the National flag at higher Secondary School Billawar and took salute from the march past. Whereas, SDM Hiranagar Sohan Lal hoisted the National flag at Tehsil office Complex and unfurled the National Flag. At Bani SDM Bani Ajeet Singh hoisted the national flag and took the salute from the march past. A cultural programme was also presented by the school children on the occasion.
At UDHAMPUR
The 71st Independence Day was celebrated with great patriotic fervor at Udhampur where Minister for Social Welfare, ARI and Trainings and Science and Technology Sajad Gani Lone – the Chief Guest unfurled the National flag in the premises of Government Degree College and took salute at the march-past comprising 38 contingents from CRPF, Police, NCC, Home Guards and students.
Greeting the people on the national Day, the Minister recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to free the country from foreign rule. He appealed the people to serve the nation with devotion, honesty and truthfulness for prosperous future of their children.
He said that the present Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is putting its best efforts for the development of every district of the state. Outlining the achievements registered by different departments, the Minister emphasized that the present dispensation has enhanced the old age pension/Widow Pension to Rs.1000.
Highlighting the achievements of Social Welfare Department, he said under Indira Gandhi National Old Age pension Scheme, an aid of Rs 548.55 lakh has been provided to 6276 beneficiaries, adding the department has also given Pre-matric scholarship to the tune of Rs 191.29 lakhs to 21817 students while 1160 students were given a total of 101.38 lakh as post-matric scholarship.
Students from different schools presented a colourful cultural programmes depicting diverse culture of the state and carrying the message of patriotism and sacrifice.
Later, the Chief Guest distributed trophies, certificates of merit among the students who excelled in academics, march past and cultural items.
MLA Udhampur Pawan Kumar Gupta, MLA Chenani Dina Nath Bhagat , MLA Kupwara Bashir Ahmed Dar , Director SKPA Mohammad Sulaiman Salaria(IGP),DIG Udhampur -Reasi range Varindra Sharma, DDC Arvind Sharma, ADC Avny Lavasa besides other officers from District Administration and Police department were present on the occasion.
At Kishtwar
Like in other parts of the country, the 71st Independence Day was celebrated with national spirit and enthusiasm in Kishtwar.
The chief guest, Minister of State for Transport, PWD (R&B), Revenue, Rural development and Panchayati Raj Sunil Sharma unfurled the tricolor and took salute at the 42 march past comprising contingents of JKP, CRPF, JKAP,FPF, NCC and School children. More than 1800 students participated in the parade.
While congratulating the people of Kishtwar, Sharma hailed them for maintaining brotherhood and harmony in the district. He paid tributes to the freedom fighters for securing freedom and enabling the coming generations to breathe in free and independent India.
Reiterating government’s resolve to meet the aspirations of all regions, the Minister listed numerous developmental projects taken up for benefiting the people in Kishtwar and other districts of the state.
Listing developmental achievements in Kishtwar district, Sunil Sharma informed that the work on around 20 new road projects have been taken up in various parts of the district including Rs 20 crore "Hasti Sarthal Devi Ji" road, whereas Rs 98 crore have been provided for the upgradation and macdamisation of Batote-Kishtwar National Highway.
About Power Sector, he said electrification of Rural areas of Marwah ,Warwan and Padder has been taken up. He said 25000 Poles have been already despatched for Padder Sub- division. Also Funds to the Tune of Rs 1 Crore released for construction of Receiving station at Gulabgarh Padder, he added.
The Minister also mentioned about enhancement of aid under Old age Pension scheme from Rs 200 to Rs 1000 and appreciated Social welfare Department for clearing 15000 cases in District Kishtwar.
He said the department has also approved 76 cases for providing Motorized Cycles(scooty) for specially abled persons. “In addition to that 791 cases have been sanctioned under "State Marriage Assistance scheme" and the beneficiaries will receive assistance of Rs 40000 each.
He also informed that under Post Matric and Pre Matric scholarship 10,318 students have been provided around Rs 95 lakh.
Highlighting the achievements under Tourism and Health sector, Sharma said that the work on additional 100 bed Hospital has been started, while the Sub District Hospital Padder is ready for commissioning. He further informed that a Rs 3 Crore Project for establishment of Tourist Facilitation Centre at Gulabgarh Padder is under process.
Referring to the Education sector he informed that 64 Kanal of land has been acquired for Model Degree College Marwah for which an amount of Rs 1.07 Crore have been received as the compensation amount. Similarly construction of Degree College building at Padder is at its Final Stage. He informed that the Work on Government Polytechnic College is also started thus ending long pending issues.
The Minister further added that the Land for the construction of indoor stadium at Kishtwar has been identified and the process for land acquisition for Sports Stadium Gualbgarh has been completed.
The Minister mentioned many more developmental works like Naigad Water supply scheme, third lift made functional for lifting of water, Saffron Park and Krishi Vigyan Kendra announced by the Union government, chopper services for Kishtwar and the 3 Mini Hydel Projects prposed to be developed at Bott Nallah, Hanswar, and Appan Nallah.
A colorful cultural programme depicting the rich cultural heritage of the state and country was presented by the school children.
Later consolation prizes, commendation certificates and mementoes were distributed among the participants and officers by the Minister.
Similar celebrations were held in other parts of the district where respective SDMs and tehsildar hoisted the national flag.
At RAMBAN
At Ramban Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Choudhary unfurled the national flag to mark the Independence Day Celebration. The function was attended by a large number of people. The Minister took the salute at the march past comprising contingents of police, CRPF, NCC and students.
In his address, the Minister greeted the audience including the locals, students, officers, forces and government employees, on the national day.
He recalled the contribution of freedom fighters and supreme sacrifices made by soldiers of different forces including Dy.SP Mohammad Ayub Pandit, SHO Mohammad Farooq Dar and Major Kamlesh Panday. He said on this day entire nation paying tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for unity of the nation.
The Minister also gave a brief account of the main developmental activities in the district including those which are to be completed in near future.
He said government has successfully implemented GST in centre and state which is accelerating the pace of business, trade and transport delivery. He also mentioned about various welfare schemes for uplift of women, old age and children including Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, UJALA Yojana, housing for all scheme under Pardhan Mantri Awas Yojana, financial assistance schemes for youth and entrepreneurs besides several other flagship schemes.
He said that Rs 123 crore annual plan has been approved for Ramban for the year 2017-18 to achieve overall development of the district. He informed that 40 roads have been constructed under PMGSY at an expenditure of Rs 143 crore while 18 more villages have been electrified under PDD sector and 439 km road is being maintained and 75 villages have been provided road connectivity under R&B sector.
Listing steps taken under Education sector, he said girls hostels have been sanctioned for Ramban and Bannihal and 48102 students are being provided mid day meal. “In PHE sector Rs 433 lakh funds have been allocated for providing potable water to public of Ramban” he added.
On the occasion, MLA Ramban Neelam Langeh, DDC, Tariq Hussain Ganai, DIG, SSP and other officers of civil, police and Army were present. The Chief Guest also gave away prizes to the participants.
At Doda
The 71st Independence Day was celebrated with great zeal and patriotic enthusiasm at Doda.
The main function was held at Sports stadium where Minster for Cooperatives and Ladakh Affairs, Chering Dorjay unfurled the tricolor and inspected guard of honour.
Later he took salute at March past comprising contingents of J&K police, IR 5th Batallion, CRPF 76 Bn, Forest protection force, Home guards and school children.
MLA Doda Shakti Raj Parihar, DDC Doda Bhupinder Kumar, SSP Doda Mohammad Shabir Khatana besides other senior officers and prominent citizens of Doda graced the occasion.
In his address, the Minister congratulated and greeted the people of the district for huge participation national festival celebration. He paid tributes to the eminent personalities and freedom fighters who played an important role in liberating the country from British rule. He said that since independence the country has achieved new heights of developmental and it is the duty of every citizen to work and make India shine globally.
Elaborating the overall development scenario of the district, the Minister said that an amount of Rs 172.13 crore has been released under District plan for the year 2017-18 and against available amount of Rs 83.10 crores , Rs 70.49 crore stands utilised so far.
Recounting numerous initiatives taken by the Chief Minister, the Minster described the laying of foundation stone for Government Medical College at Ghat Doda as landmark moment. He said the construction work on the prestigious project shall start shortly. He also greeted the people on start of work on the Government polytechnic college the work on which is in progress.
Expressing satisfaction over Road improvement works, he informed that the restoration work of Batote- Doda _ Kishtwar National highway-244 is being carried out by NHIDCL and all consolidated slips have been removed and black topping on 8km double lane has been completed. He further informed that the government has also approved upgrading and widening of road from Pul Doda to Beoli via Doda town under CRF at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore. He said that the acquisition proces for Bhagwah- Bijarni- Laldraman Defence Road is in its final stages.
Giving further details, he said under PMGSY Phase-3rd to phase-10, a total 133 roads have been taken up, of which 36 have been competed under phase-1 and 1 under phase-2, while 4 Long span bridges have also been completed. He also informed that 36 schemes at a cost of Rs 270.89 crore have been approved under phase-10. Adding further, he informed that the famous Ganpat bridge has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs 35.71 crore which has reduced travel distance to Doda town by around 20 kms.
Regarding power supply, he said the upgrading of existing grid station at khellani from 40 MVA to 70 MVA, the power scenario of the Doda town has improved significantly. “Similarly the position of education sector has also improved by the completion of 12 new school buildings under Distt sector, 04 under state sector and 12 under RMSA during the past one year” added Mr Doorjay.
Under MGNREGA, the Minster highlighted that during current financial year, an amount of Rs 69.33 crore has been utilised and 2.671 lac man days generated and 1220 works competed. The major achievement under MGNREGA and 14th FC is construction of 34 bridges and 169 culverts during the past one year, he asserted.
Later a scintillating cultural programme was presented by the students of various govt and private schools of the district. The programme concluded with distribution of prizes among the participants of parade and cultural programme. The government employees with excellent performance were also awarded by the chief guest.
Similar celebrations were held in other parts of the district including Bhaderwah where ADC Mohammad Hanief Malik unfurled the national flag and took salute at the march past.
At Poonch
The Independence Day celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation of people from all walks of life across border district Poonch.
The main function was held at sports stadium where Minister for horticulture, Seyed Bashrat Ahmed Bukhari unfurled the national flag & took salute at the march past comprising 25 contingents of J&K police , CRPF, JKAP, NCC & school children here amid tight security arrangements.
MLA Haveli Shah Mohammad Tantary, MLA Mendhar Javid Ahamad Rana, MLC Dr. Shehnaz Ganai, MLC Yashpal Sharama, MLC Pardeep Sharama , brigade commander A S Pandharkar ex legislator jehngir Hussain Mir, officers of district administration and police beside a large number of locals and school children were present.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister gave a historical background of Indian freedom movement and paid tributes to freedom fighters. He said the leaders of the nation made supreme sacrifices for the freedom of the nation adding that the best tribute to them is to raise and stand up against forces who promote division on the lines of religion, region, cast, colour & creed.
“Our independence is half way till we progress in those fields where we are still lacking and till we become socially and economically sound” he asserted.
On the occasion, the Minister enumerated various development initiatives taken during the regime of late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed & now under the leadership Mehbooba Mufti. He said Mughal road is best gift dedicated to the people of Peerpanchal including people of Poonch. “The upcoming projects like tunnels on Zojila & Mughal road from Tatta Pani to Zanzar connecting three regions of the state for all weather will not only ease the people’s miseries but also change the course of development” he added.
Basharat Bukhari said visible impact is being felt on the ground with implementation of prime minister package and various central sponsored schemes.
“We are committed to utilize these funds judiciously for effective development and creating employment opportunities for unemployed youth” he said & impressed upon district administration to evolve a transparent system for implementing government welfare programs for better results.
The Minister said the hostile situation along the border and LoC is not favourable for the state of J&K. “It is unfortunate that people of this region are begging for bunkers instead of more colleges, hospitals and other public projects” he regretted.
He said our focus is on balanced development of all the regions adding that govt will leave no stone unturned for the development of Poonch. He said the tendering process of 132kv transmission line has been completed & the work on the project will start soon.
Later the Minister presented certificates and prices to students who presented a scintillating cultural programmes on the occasion. He also presented mementoes to DC Poonch Tariq Ahamad Zargar, SSP Rajiv Panday, executive engineer PMGSY Muneer Hussain for their exemplary work in getting through a major held up road project from the last 12 years on the recommendation of national social development organisation a local NGO.