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Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 16: Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh on Monday rolled out the contours of comprehensive development plan envisaging series of initiatives to accelerate the State’s economic growth through creation of dependable infrastructure in core areas and employment generation in private as well as public sector.
The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing a huge gathering of citizens after hoisting the National Flag at Mini Stadium Parade Ground- the venue for the main Independence Day function in Jammu region.
He touched range of issues including targets set for achieving self-sufficiency in electricity generation, improvement of economic indicators through infrastructure development and steps in pipeline to deal with the increasing unemployment problem.
Reiterating Govt’s resolve to promote the lucrative tourism industry, the Deputy CM said the thrust has been laid to develop every potential area as independent tourism destination. In this regard, he listed various steps taken by the Government to promote tourism in the region, especially in the winter capital.
Listing the steps taken to generate employment in public sector, he said the State Government has started the process of appointing 19,000 youth by raising 5 police Battalions. “Besides this, doctors and teachers would also be recruited to overcome the problem of staff shortage in health and education sectors”, he informed.
Speaker Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta, Members of Parliament, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Legislators, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, IG Jammu, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, senior civil and police officers, prominent citizens and a large number of people were present at the function.
On development of infrastructure in core sectors, the Deputy CM said the State was on way to witness a path breaking improvement in the power scenario – the sector which has remained a major challenge for the subsequent Governments. “I assure you that by 2019, every household in the State will get round-the-clock electricity” he asserted, while listing various power reforms introduced to upgrade the existing infrastructure and reduce T&D losses.
The Deputy Chief Minister also mentioned about law and order challenges faced by the State and reiterated the Government’s resolve to foil all attempts by forces inimical to peace. “Our security forces have given a befitting reply to all the negative forces which are always in search of an opportunity to disrupt peaceful atmosphere in the State,” he said, adding the people of the State have also showed unrelenting resilience to fight back such forces.
Paying tribute to Indian freedom movement leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev and Ashfaqulla Khan, the Deputy CM said, “the nation can never forget the contribution of those brave souls who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country”.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister took salute at an impressive march past. The melodious tunes of patriotic songs played by J&K Armed Police Pipe Band, Girls Combined Flute Band and students of Shiksha Niketan Jeevan Nagar and Sainik School, Nagrota, filled the atmosphere with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm.
RAJOURI: The main function in this border district was held at District Police Line where Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali unfurled the National Flag and took salute from the march past.
Among others present on the occasion were Vice Chairman Pahari Advisory Board Kuldeep Raj Gupta, legislators Qammer Hussain, Vibodh Gupta, Mirza Abdul Rasheed, besides senior civil and police officers.
Addressing the people, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali paid rich tributes to leaders of freedom struggle and sought the cooperation of people for realizing their cherished dream of a developed and poverty free India.
Highlighting the achievements registered by Indian nation over last 70 years of independence, he said “the cardinal principles of secularism and socialism enshrined in our constitution has assured equitable development of people irrespective of caste , colour and community”, adding “we are proud to be the citizens of largest and vibrant democracy where fully flourished democratic instructions guarantee a dignified life to every citizen of the country”.
He said peace is imperative for a nation to progress but in a democracy the citizens too have right to raise their voice. Referring to the unrest in valley, the Minister said that dialogue and reconciliation is the only way to settle the issues. He called upon the youth not to become tools in the hands of vested interest and jeopardize their safety, future and well being. He appealed the parents to keep close watch on their wards and help them to take right decisions.
SAMBA: Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour across the the district. At the main function Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the march past.
The programme was also attended by Vice Chairman OBC Advisory Board Rashpaul Verma, MLA Samba Devinder Kumar Manyal, DC Sheetal Nanda, SSP Joginder Singh and district heads of various departments.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister highlighted various schemes and initiatives taken by the State Government for socio-economic development of the people. He said that the utmost priority is being given to construction of roads, water and power supply schemes and upgrade core infrastructure.
He appreciated the online service delivery model being adopted in Samba district like Online Applications for PRC and Driving License. He stressed that Aadhaar based beneficiary identification system has greatly helped in streamlining the Government schemes. He also referred to steps taken for expanding and upgrading the healthcare and educational facilities.
KATHUA: The main function was held at District Sports Stadium where Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Ch. Lal Singh hoisted the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past.
On the occasion, Ch. Lal Singh recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to secure independence for the country. He paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chander Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chander Shekhar Azad, Rajguru, Sukhdev and scores of other unsung heroes of Indian freedom struggle.
He appealed the people to cooperate with the Government to take the country to new heights of progress, adding Union and State Governments have initiated several social security schemes for inclusive development of all sections of the country.
Earlier, the I-Day celebrations began with the playing of Shahnai Vadan by the District Information Centre.
MLA Kathua, Rajiv Singh Jasrotia, District Development Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, SSP Neeva Jain, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Bharat Bhushan, District Officers and a large number of people attended the celebration function.
DODA: District administration celebrated the 70th Independence Day by organizing a grand function at Sports Stadium. Minster for Cooperatives and Ladakh Affairs Chering Dorjay hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the March past.
Legislators Shakti Raj Parihar, Dilip Parihar, ex- MLA Doda Abdul Majid Wani, Deputy Commissioner Bhupinder Kumar, SSP Zahid Manhas besides other district officers and prominent citizens attended the function.
In his address, the Minister greeted the people on this national festival and paid homage and rich tributes to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country.
Recalling the importance of this day, he said that it is the duty of every citizen to preserve and protect the unity and integrity of the nation. “Besides we all should strive to maintain peace, communal harmony and brotherhood as it is imperative for the development of the country”, he added.
REASI: Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Ajay Nanda unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past.
DDC Reasi Ravinder Kumar, ADDC Bhawani Singh Rakwal, SSP Sujit Kumar, ACR, DYSSO, CEO, CPO, senior officers from Civil and Police Administration, prominent citizens, general public and students in large number were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Nanda paid homage to the great leaders and freedom fighters. He also paid tributes to security personnel who laid down their lives for protecting sovereignty and integrity of the country. He also highlighted the major developmental projects taken up in Reasi to provide better facilities to the people.
Students of various educational institutions presented a scintillating cultural programme depicting rich culture and heritage of the region. Later, prizes were distributed among the winners of cultural programmes and march-past.
UDHAMPUR: The people of Udhampur celebrated the 70th Independence Day with patriotic fervor by attending the celebration functions in large numbers. Minister of State for Education, Technical Education, Culture, Tourism, Horticulture, Floriculture and Parks Priya Sethi unfurled the National Flag and took salute from march past at the main function held at Government Degree College.
Addressing a huge gathering, the Minister recalled sacrifices made by the army and security forces to protect the country from enemies. She made a special mention of Captain Tushar Mahajan who was martyred while fighting militants in Pampore of South Kashmir and commemorated all the brave hearts who laid down their lives while fighting for the nation.
Reiterating the resolve of Government to expand the reach of education to every corner of the State, she said that under SSA, 388 school buildings are being constructed out of which 47 buildings have been completed while under RMSA the work on 23 schools is in progress .
The Minister further said that there was a huge scope for Horticulture in the district and added that 142 awareness camps and 50 mobile demonstration camps have been organized by the department in order to encourage farmers of the district for developing orchids.
Later, the chief guest gave away trophies, certificates of merit to the students who excelled in academics, march past and cultural items.
MLA Chenani Dinanath Bhagat, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Surinder Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Niraj Kumar, SSP Suleiman Choudhary, Additional District Development Commissioner Arvind Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner Angrez Singh Rana, ASP M.L.Kainth, Joint Director Planning Rakesh Jamwal, District Officers, prominent citizens, students and people in large number were present on the occasion.
KISHTWAR: The Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at Kishtwar, where Minister of State for Transport Sunil Sharma unfurled the National Flag and inspected the guard of honor at Chowgan ground.
MLC Firdoos Tak, Ex-MLC Kishtwar Asgar Peer, Deputy Commissioner G N Balwan, DIG Doda Kishtwar Ramban Range Nisar khan, SSP Sandeep Wazir, district officers, prominent citizens, general public and school children attended the programme.
Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, the Minister said that nation owes gratitude to the great leaders who sacrificed their lives to secure freedom for the country.
Asserting that India is known for unity in diversity, the Minister said this characteristic gives the country a unique strength. He called upon every citizen to strive hard to maintain peace, communal harmony and brotherhood in the society.
Referring to the scarcity of water in the district, the minister said that twin projects of Naigad multipurpose scheme and canal cluster project at Galigarh costing Rs 233 crore and Rs 17.86 crore respectively will solve this long drawn problem. He said the upcoming projects would not only provide drinking water but also upgrade irrigation facilities in the district.
The Minister further informed that the famous tourist spot of Sinthan will soon get national highway connectivity with the Kashmir valley as the Government has sanctioned Rs 100 crore for this project. “The Government has also given nod to the construction of Kishtwar-Marmat tunnel which will provide an alternate connectivity to the Chenab region”, he added.
He also mentioned the road project from Dangdurru- Navapachi to be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 127 crore-the foundation of which was recently laid down by the Minister and is targeted to be completed within 2 years.
POONCH: Minister for Health & Medical Education Bali Bhagat unfurled the National Flag at Sports Stadium. He took salute at an impressive march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, J&K Armed Police, NCC, Band of 93 infantry Brigade, QRT Commandos and students various educational institution of the district.
Deputy Chairman Legislative Council Jahangir Hussain Mir, MLA Haveli Shah Mohammad Tantray, Member Legislative Council Shahnaz Ganai, former legislature Ch Bashir Ahmed Naaz, Deputy Commissioner Poonch M H Malik, SSP, J H Johar besides religious leaders and prominent citizens attended the function.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister called upon the people to maintain communal harmony and cooperate in the implementation of development policies of the Government. He said the Government is committed to provide accountable and transparent administration to the people and develop Jammu and Kashmir into a model state through a sustainable development process.
The Minister also highlighted the Government initiatives taken to catapult the developmental scenario in all the regions of the state.
RAMBAN: The Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic zeal and fervour where Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Chaudhary unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past.
MLA Ramban, Neelam Langeh, District Development Commissioner Mohammad Aijaz, senior civil and police functionaries and large number of people attended the function.
The main function was organised at District Police Line Ground where large number of people including officers and officials from civil, police and Army participated.
The Minister applauded the local people for maintaining brotherhood, mutual trust and harmony in the district in all testing times. He also highlighted the achievements of the Government and listed the projects taken up under different sectors.
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