District Development Commissioner, O.P Bhagat today chaired a meeting of officers to discuss arrangements for the celebration of Independence Day, 2020.The meeting decided that the main function would be held at Sports Stadium, Kathua, where the chief guest would unfurl the National Flag and take salute at the march past comprising the contingents of Police, CRPF, Army, PTS, Army Band and Police Band. The full dress rehearsal will be held on 13th August 2020.The meeting also decided that in view of Covid-19 pandemic, there will be no participation of school and college students in the National day celebrations as a precautionary measure.The celebrations on the day will begin with the playing of Shahnai Vadan and patriotic songs by the Information Department in the wee hours at Deputy Commissioner Office and SSP Office, Kathua.The DDC directed the concerned departments to ensure proper arrangements related to security, sanitation, seating, barricading, water supply, power supply, issuance of invitation cards, transportation and illumination of important buildings etc on Independence Day.It was also decided that district administration would felicitate Covid warriors in recognition of their services at different levels during pandemic in the district.The DDC also exhorted the officers to take special awareness initiative on the theme of ‘Aatamnirbar Bharat’ to educate masses about schemes and programmes of different departments through social media during Independence Day celebrations.He directed officers to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 advisories and SOP’s during Independence Day celebrations.Among others, the meeting was attended by ADC Kathua Atul Gupta, Addl. SP Kathua Ramnish Gupta, and other district and sectoral officers.