Minister for Cooperatives and Ladakh Affairs, Chering Dorjay unfurled the national flag and took salute at the march past by the contingents of IRP, J&K Police, NCC and various educational institutions here today to mark the 69th Republic day celebration .The Minister, while extending greetings to the people on the occasion, recalled the contribution of eminent scholars and writers in framing Indian constitution.While highlighting the initiatives of the government to improve the economic profile of the district, he elaborated the scope and benefits of ongoing railway project, road expansion under PMGSY and upgrading of of Domail-Katra-Reasi-Bhambla road to the level of National Highway.The Minister presented a brief account of the main development activities in the district besides throwing light on ongoing projects. He said government has initiated various welfare schemes for uplift of women, old age, Children and other under privileged people like Housing for all scheme under Pardhan Mantri Awas Yojana, financial assistance schemes for youth and entrepreneurs etc. He said that several roads have been constructed under PMGSY and work on others is in progress. In power sector, 11 un-electrified villages have been electrified in the district under Deendayal Uppadyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, he added.
Referring to Cooperatives sector, the Minister said that the present dispensation has launched a number of innovative measures to revive and revitalize marketing societies and sale outlets of Cooperative Department besides rejuvenating its other units in the State. The focus is being laid on increasing public awareness and motivating more and more people to join cooperative sector at grassroots level to take cooperative movement to new highs. He said that cooperative sector has huge potential and collective efforts are being initiated to revive the movement towards new dimensions.On the occasion, the students presented a colourful cultural programme featuring folk dance, music, awareness skits and patriotic songs.
The Minister distributed prizes among the participants of parade and cultural programme and felicitated meritorious students and officials for their distinguished services in their respective fields.Others present were Minister of State for Finance and Planning Ajay Nanda, DDC Prasanna Ramaswamy G, ADDC Ramesh Chander, SSP Tahir Bhat and many other officers and officials from civil administration, Army, Police and para military forces.Meanwhile, the national day was also celebrated with great patriotic fervor and enthusiasm at the headquarters of Katra, Pouni, Arnas, Dharmari, Mahore, Chassanan and educational institutions of far flung areas with SDMs and Tehsildars hoisting the national flag.