Minister for Health and Medical Education, ARI and Trainings ,Choudhary Lal Singh today hoisted the National Flag here at Government Degree College Boys, Udhampur and took salute at an impressive march past by 36 contingents drawn from CRPF, Police, Forest Protection Force, NCC, Educational Institutions besides Police Band from SKPA.MoS Finance and IT, Pawan Kumar Gupta, MLA Chenani Dinanath Bhagat, MLA Ramnagar R S Pathania, Director SKPA , Rajesh Kumar, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Surinder Gupta, SSP Suleman choudhary, ADDC Arvind Sharma, ADC A S Rana, prominent citizens, students, locals, besides officers of Civil ,Army, Paramilitary forces and Police administration were present on the occasion.
Complimenting the people on the 69th Independence Day, Choudhary Lal Singh recalled the great leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Bhagat Singh, Subash Chander Bose, who made supreme sacrifices for securing Independence for the nation.The Minister said that after gaining independence, India emerged as a peace loving democratic country and at the same time made remarkable strides in agriculture, Science & Technology, Industry , education, health, human resources, roads and buildings and other sectors. He said the visionary policies of post Independence leaders has enabled India to achieve the status of a world’s growing economic power.Asserting that the state is fully geared to fight evil designs of mischievous elements, he said that India wants to maintain friendly relations with all neighbouring countries including Pakistan. He appealed all political organizations to rise above party interests and strengthen the integrity of the state.
The Minister sought the support of masses to achieve the targets for overall development in the district as well as the state. He said coalition Government with its visionary approach would lead the state towards a new era of development.Describing tourism sector as one of the vital area for state's economic growth, he said that in view of the ever increasing rush of pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Shri Amarnath Shrine and Shri Budha Amarnath ji Shrine, a number of tourist circuits have been created in the State. He also added that work on the Mantalai International Yoga centre and ropeway from Patnitop to Mantalai will also be taken up. He also reiterated the Government's commitment to work for the emancipation of SC, ST and other backward classes, besides handicapped and under-privileged sections of the State.
He also appreciated the efforts of DDC Udhampur and security forces in handling recent militant attack at Narsoo efficiently, timely and effectively. He also appreciated the role of DDC for the equitable development of the area.He also announced that BSC Nursing College will be shortly opened in the district and one critical care ambulance will be provided besides CHC Chenani will be developed on modern lines.Earlier students of Government and Private educational institutions presented a scintillating cultural programme depicting rich culture and conveying the message of patriotism and national integration.Later, the Minister distributed mementos among the best adjudged schools for presenting cultural programme and march past contingents.