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Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Information, Chowdhary Zulfkar today underlined the need for peace and amity among the people of different regions, religions and castes to achieve new heights of socio-economic development in the state.
The Minister was addressing people after unfurling national flag and taking salute at the march past comprising contingents of JKAP, JK Executive Police, CRPF, JK Lady Police, JK FPF, Home Guard, NCC cadets and students at an impressive function here organized by the district administration to celebrate the 71st Independence Day.
The day was celebrated across this border district with national spirit and enthusiasm.
The main function was organized at District Police Lines Rajouri.
Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, the Minister said, “We are breathing in free India only because of the sacrifices that the leaders and people of our country made during the freedom struggle.”
The Minister, while elaborating on the developmental works in the State in general and Rajouri in particular, said that provision of basic amenities for all especially in far flung and remote areas is the topmost priority of the state government headed by CM Mehbooba Mufti. He said that the road connectivity under PMGSY and other schemes has pushed inter-district and intra region trade and benefited areas which remained untouched over the years.
“In Health Sector the government has made steady progress. The construction of 2 AIIMS at Srinagar and Jammu and 5 medical colleges will greatly improve the health facilities in the state,” he said adding in coming days people will get specialized healthcare facilities at their doorstep.
Zulfkar further elaborated on the scope of employment under MGNREGA and benefits being provided under PMAY, PMUY, SSA, SKEWPY, Seed Capital Scheme, Youth Startup Scheme and other State and centrally sponsored flagship programmes.
“The government has successfully implemented NFSA and MMSFES and as a result the ration quota of the state has increased to 11.81 lakh metric tons. The State has achieved 100% digitization of records, end to end computerization, online supply chain management and online grievance redressal to ensure public friendly and pilferage proof PDS,” he said adding “The Ration Policy for nomadic Gujjar & Bakerwals has already been notified and now they are being provided ration at their place of migration.”
He lauded enthusiasm and whole hearted participation of the people of Rajouri in the Independence Day celebrations and said the unity and integrity among the people of different regions, religions and castes is indispensible for the socio-economic development of the district.
A colorful cultural programme depicting the rich cultural heritage of the district and state was also presented by the school children on the occasion which mesmerized the audience. The main attraction of the programme were Gojri, Pahari, Punjabi, Kashmiri and Dogri songs based on patriotic and pluralistic themes. Marshal art show, skits and folk dances also won huge public applaud.
Later the chief guest presented prizes, commendation certificates and mementoes to the students and officers for their excellent achievements.
Also present on the occasion were MLA Rajouri Advocate Qamar Chowdhary, MLC Vibodh Gupta, Vice Chairman Pahari Advisory Board Kuldeep Raj Gupta, Ex-MP Chowdhary Talib Hussain and Mirza Abdul Rashid, Senior officers of Civil and Police Administration, Army and CRPF, other district officers besides a huge public gathering.
Similar celebrations were also held at all tehsil headquarters of the district where flags were hoisted by the concerned sub-divisional magistrates and tehsildars. The celebrations witnessed huge public participation, while school children presented scintillating cultural programmes.