The 75th Independence Day was today celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervour and national spirit here at M.A Stadium with due adherence to Covid Safety protocols.Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar was the Chief Guest on the occasion.The Advisor unfurled the national flag and inspected the parade and took the salute from the contingents of BSF, CRPF, JKAP, Forest Protection Force and IRP.In his address, the Advisor extended Independence Day greetings to the people of Jammu Kashmir Union Territory and recalled the sacrifices made by the Freedom Fighters during the prolonged freedom struggle. “This Day symbolizes unity in diversity of our great Nation. It reminds us of the countless sacrifices made by freedom fighters for the dignity and freedom of our motherland” he said.The Advisor also highlighted the post-independence challenges the country faced and said ‘we can’t forget the brave soldiers who sacrificed their life to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the country. “This day also offers us an opportunity to pay them tributes and recall their contribution in building this great nation” he added.The Advisor also listed the flagship schemes and numerous developmental projects completed and undertaken in the UT by the government to create a strong infrastructure base. He said the administration is trying its best to lead Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory on the glorious path of development and prosperity.
Asserting that the government is focusing on development of a holistic infrastructure base, he said that under PMGSY-1 3467 Km and under PMGSY-II 18910 Km road has been approved and 3167 KM completed connecting 119 villages. Road infrastructure is a basic requirement for socio-economic development and it is being given foremost priority, he added.The Advisor also appreciated the services rendered by the officers and officials of different departments including Medical, PWD, Information, Revenue, Police, JMC, Education and Rural Development during the COVID-19 pandemic. He informed that 100% coverage has been achieved in 45+age category where as 37% of the population has been vaccinated in the 18-44 age group.“The UT Administration left no stone unturned to save the precious lives of the people. I appeal to all the remaining eligible persons to take the vaccine and supplement the efforts of the government to end this pandemic,” he said.Listing individual beneficiary oriented schemes launched by the government, he said under PMJAY-SEHAT, the universal health insurance scheme providing Rs 5 Lakh cover, more than 49 lakh beneficiaries have been registered of which 45.48 lakh have been issued golden cards.He also said that 10 lakh farmers have been provided loans under Kissan Credit Card scheme and Rs 600 crore have been transferred directly to the beneficiaries under Kissan Samman Nidhi Yojna as a hand holding to the farmers. Reiterating the government’s resolve to make Jammu an independent tourist destination, he said the inauguration of Ambitious Ropeway project and identification of new potential spots has added new dimensions to tourist attraction of Jammu. “Many more initiatives have been taken to attract investment in J&K,” he added.
The school children presented a scintillating cultural programme on the theme of patriotism, folk dance and music which was highly applauded by the audience.Featuring rich cultural heritage of Jammu, a pre-recorded video on the Balidaan Stambh, Bahu Fort, Amar Palace and Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex was also presented by the Information Department. The band of BSF and JKP performed on the patriotic songs. BSF was awarded with the first price in March Past category where as CRPF and SSB got 2nd and 3rd position in the same category.GHSS Canal Road was adjudged first price in cultural item whereas GHSS Mubarakh Mandi was presented second and GHSS Shastri Nagar was given third price.Joint Director Information Namrita Dogra, Joint Director Hospitality and Protocol, Ansuya Jamwal along with other officers from various departments were also felicitated on the occasion by the Chief Guest for rendering continuous and untiring services during Covid-19 pandemic.The folk dance item Kud which was presented by Academy of Art, Culture and Languages was also applauded by each and every one presented on the venue. The winners of Divisional level National Anthem singing competition 2021 were also felicitated on the occasion.Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma; Mayor JMC Chander Mohan Gupta; Divisional Commissioner Raghav Langer; Deputy Commissioner Jammu Anshul Garg, besides HODs and senior officers of the different departments were also present on the occasion.