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.