The 68th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at Youth Services and Sports Stadium, Arazi Samba today, where the Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga unfurled the National Flag and took salute at march past contingents comprising of JK police, Home guard, NCC and students of various schools.MLA Samba Dr Devinder Manyal, Deputy Commissioner, Sheetal Nanda, SSP Joginder Singh, ADDC Vivek Sharma, ADC Tilak Raj Sharma, Addl SP Raja Adil Hamid, officers of police and civil administration and citizens were also present on the occasion.Addressing the gathering, the Minister extended warm greetings to the people and urged them to work for peace and development of the state. He said that 96 kms of road has been blacktopped in the district during financial year 2016-17.Referring to the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme being implemented in the district, the Minister informed that 130 girls have been provided financial assistance under State Marriage Assistance scheme and 150 girls have been provided trainings under ‘Hunar’ programme.Career counseling programmes have been held for 1776 girls and self defense training provided to 3473 girls in the district. He appreciated the civil and police administration of Samba for working with zeal. He reiterated Govt’s resolve to work for betterment of poor and downtrodden.Despite rain and cold weather, the school children presented colorful cultural programmes on the occasion which were appreciated by the audience. On the occasion prizes were announced for meritorious students and outstanding sportspersons.The Republic Day function was also organized in the sub-divisions Ghagwal and Vijaypur where the SDMs unfurled the national flag whereas in the tehsils this function was also organised with great enthusiasm in which Tehsildars hoisted the Tricolor.