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.