Gaiety and patriotic zeal marked the 75th Independence Day celebrations across the Districts of Jammu Division which also witnessed maiden hoisting of National Flag by democratically elected District Development Council Chairpersons amid impressive Parades and mega cultural events at all venues of functions organised at district, sub-division, Tehsil and block levels.The DDC chairpersons listed the achievements of the district administrations and Panchayati Raj Institutions under the flagship welfare and developmental schemes.At Samba: The 75th Independence Day was celebrated in district samba amidst enthusiasm and patriotic zeal. The national function witnessed participation of the general public across all the ages amid strict adherence to Covid SOPs.Chairman District Development Councils, Keshav Dutt Sharma, hoisted the national tri-colour flag at an impressively decorated Rani Suchait Singh stadium.Vice Chairman, DDC Balwan Singh, District Development Commissioner, Anuradha Gupta, DDC members, Senior Superintendent of Police Rajesh Sharma, besides other District Officers and prominent personalities were also present.Paying tributes to freedom fighters, the Chairman District Development Council said that they have contributed through their blood for attainment of Independence from foreign rule. He said the nation of present times is in debt to the sacrifices of our freedom struggle heroes including Mangal Pandaey, Rani Jhansi, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bhagat Singh, father of Nation M.K Gandhi besides others.Listing the achievements of district administration and PRIs, he said Samba has seen an exponential growth in the various sector including PMGSY, PMUY, Ayushman Bharat, SBM(G), 100% achievement in pension schemes, 100% piped water connections to schools and AWCs, 100% covid vaccination of above 45+ while achievements of MGNREGA, IWMP, ICDS, Back to Village programme Sacsham, Mumkin, Youth Clubs, besides other schemes were also highlighted.
Giving details on the upcoming projects in the district, the Chairman District Development Council said that our district is fast developing into a medical hub with advent of AIIMS Vijaypur, proposed Medicity Hospitals, Tourist Hub in Purmandal-Utterbeni circuit, ongoing work on 05 new degree colleges and other major initiatives.The Chairman also showered appreciation on the security forces including Army, CRPF, BSF & JK Police for rendering services throughout the year round the clock.The march past parade was commanded by DyS.P G R Bhardhwaj, Dy. Parade commandant S.I Sohan Singh, parade contingent of Police ITBP, IRP, Home Guards, NCC squads, besides others also took active part.A scintillating cultural programme was presented by GHSS Samba, Boys & Girls, Gurha Salathia, Government Degree College, HSS Jakh and HSS Nud.The officials of Health Department, Rural Development, Police Department, Civil Defense, AYUSH Department Revenue department Transport Department and Youth services and Sports were also felicitated for their extraordinary service amid Covid Pandemic.At Ramban: Chairperson, District Development Council, Ramban, Dr. Shamshad Shan unfurled the national flag at the district level function held in the premises of Government Model Higher Secondary School, which was followed by the national anthem.Chairperson also inspected the parade consisting of JK Police, CRPF, IRP, Home Guards contingents and Military Band. Vice Chairperson DDC Rabia Beigh, Deputy Commissioner, Mussarat Islam, President MC Ramban, Sunita Kumari, DDC and MC Councilors , SSP, ADDC and senior officers of Para Military Forces, prominent citizens and District Officers of various departments attended the function. The Chairperson paid rich tributes to freedom fighters and recalled their sacrifices and contribution in the independence of this great nation.After greeting the people, the DDC Chairperson gave a brief account of the main developmental projects completed in the district during the previous year and sanctioned projects for the current year.
Dr. Shamshad appreciated the government for implementing Panchyati Raj in letter and spirit across UT of Jammu and Kashmir by establishing Panchayats, Block Development Council and District Development Councils which are ably contributing in the development of UT.She said that DDC has earmarked Rs 10 crore for 318 developmental works and BDCs have earmarked 2.75 crore for 157 different developmental works besides over 33 crore allocated to the Panchayats in the district.She also recalled the contribution of Crona warriors, especially those who have made supreme sacrifice to save the Covid patients. At Kathua: The 75th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, patriotic zeal and national fervour at Kathua. The main function was held at Sports Stadium, where Chairperson, District Development Council( DDC), Mahan Singh hoisted the National flag, inspected the Parade and took salute from the contingents drawn from CRPF, District Police, Police Training School, NCC boys and Girls, Forest Protection Force besides Platoons of Police and Army band.Vice Chairperson, DDC Raghunandan Singh, Chairman, MC Kathua Naresh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Rahul Yadav, SSP R.C Kotwal, senior civil and Police Officers, teachers of various schools and locals were present on the occasion.In his address, the Chairperson DDC evoked the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who laid down their lives during the freedom struggle to usher the Nation into the era of independence.While remembering the sacrifices of the heroes of the Indian freedom struggle, the Chairman, DDC said Independent India is the biggest democracy of the world where brotherhood, communal harmony and tolerance are its key attributes. He said India is marching ahead to become ‘Atamnirbhar’ with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi which is inducing a new spirit of National Integration among the countrymen.
Terming the Swachhta initiative of the Prime Minister as a revolutionary step, Mahan Singh said the clean India initiative is an extension of the vision of father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi who always professes for cleanliness.The Chairman, DDC said Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a new era of development as the three-tier Panchayati Raj System has started functioning which he said will pave the way for unprecedented development in Jammu and Kashmir in coming times.While highlighting the developmental initiatives undertaken in the District, the DDC chairman said Delhi-Katra 6 Lane Expressway, International Sports Stadium, Government Medical College, Shahpur Kandi project, Biotech Park, Seed Processing Unit, Dry Port etc. when completed will give a huge fillip to the development profile of Kathua district. He also mentioned the Mission Youth initiative launched to channelize their energies in the right direction. At Kishtwar: The 75th Independence Day was celebrated across district Kishtwar with great enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit. The functions were held at district, block and Tehsil headquarters.The main function was held in the premises of the New DC office complex with due adherence to COVID19 safety protocols.Chairperson, District Development Council, Pooja Thakur unfurled the Tricolour and took salute at the march past comprising contingents of District police, CRPF, CISF, IRPF, Forest Protection Force, NCC wing (Boys and Girls)GDC Kishtwar and Home Guards. Vice-Chairperson DDC, Saima Parveen Lone; Deputy Commissioner Ashok Sharma; Senior Superintendent of Police Shafkat Hussain Bhat, Brigadier 9 Sector RR, Pranav Mishra, Chairman Block Development Council Kishtwar Suresh Kumar Sharma, Vice-President Municipal Council Kishtwar Sanjeet Kotwal, DDC members, besides senior civil, police, army, CISF, officers prominent persons of the society , social workers and political leaders attended the function.Speaking on the occasion DDC chairperson Kishtwar extended I-Day greetings to the people and highlighted the sacrifices of the frontline leaders and heroes during the freedom struggle. She listed the achievements made in the developmental sector in the district which includes the works taken up under the PMDP, Jal Jiwan Mission, PMAY, Ayushman Bharat sehat in the district . She said that 93,508 Sehat cards have been issued and 456 patients have benefited from this health insurance scheme till date. She further informed that 6140 PMAY (rural) have been taken up and 50% of them have been completed so far.The district has been sanctioned 10 projects costing Rs 113 crore Under PMDP, for the construction of TRC centres at Gulabgarh Paddar, upgradation work at Machail Shrine, Astan Bala, Astan Paien, Gori Shankar Mandir Sarkoot, most of which are nearing completion, she said. She also listed Road, Water schemes and Power Infrastructure projects under execution in the district.
AT DODA: The 75th Independence Day was today celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervour and national spirit at Sports Stadium Doda. Chief Guest, District Development Council Chairman, Dhananter Singh Kotwal hoisted the Tricolor and inspected the parade comprising contingents of JKP, CRPF, SSB, FPF, IRP 5th Battalion, NCC Sr & Jr wings, Home Guards and tiny platoons of various schools of the Township.DDC Vice Chairperson, Sangeeta Rani Bhagat; Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Sharma; Principal GMC Doda Dr Dinesh Kumar; Superintendent of Police (SP)Abdul Qayoom; Additional District Development Commissioner, Hanief Malik, DDC Members, President MC Doda and other senior officers of civil and police departments, prominent citizens, social workers, political activists and a number of men, women and children were present on the occasion.In his address, the DDC Chairperson highlighted the importance of Independence Day. He stated that it is the most significant day in the history of India as on this day the sun of freedom dawned on the horizon of our motherland after prolonged struggle by the freedom fighters. The dawn of this Day ended the long night of captivity. He appealed to the people to work in unison for promoting national integration, communal harmony and peace in the district.The DDC Chairperson stressed on brotherhood and harmony among all the communities and said that under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi the country is achieving the greatest milestones in development.He listed the welfare measures rolled out by the Centre Govt for the sustenance of the poor and needy people, which includes PMGKY under which around 6232 BPL families of Doda district are getting free ration, besides the Labour department has credited an amount of Rs 3.42 Crore directly into the accounts of 15887 registered beneficiaries as covid relief, while 47786 families have been provided free gas connections under PM Ujwala Yojana, 482 unemployed youth have been sanctioned loan under PMEGP and 192910 people have been registered under PM-JAY Ayushman Bharat and Golden cards have been given to them and the registration is ongoing at a rapid pace. He also listed road projects, Jal Jevan Mission works, and schemes launched for the promotion of employment among youth like MUMKIN and Tejeswani.At Rajouri: District Development Council Chairperson, Naseem Liyaqat hoisted the National Flag as the Rajouri District celebrated the 75th Independence Day with great fervour and national spirit. The celebrations were also held in all sub-divisions, tehsil headquarters and at Panchayats.The Chief Guest inspected the impressive parade of 22 contingents of JKAP, JK Executive Police, JK police band, CRPF, JK FPF, and SPO and different schools led by DySP Zaheer Abbas.DDC Member Darhal, Iqbal Malik; BDC Chairperson Rajouri, Darbar Chowdhary; DIG Rajouri Poonch, Vivek Gupta; SSP, Sheema Qasba Nabi; ADDC, Pawan Kumar District heads of different departments and the local public witnessed the grand celebrations of the national event.
The DDC Chairman paid rich tributes to Mian Bashir Larvi who was a prominent social activist and a religious leader and stated that his demise has created a void which could never be fulfilled.The DDC Chairman while extending warm I-Day greetings to the Rajouri public highlighted the significance of the day.Listing the developmental achievements , he said that the Government is working hard to provide the public better road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, quality education; road connectivity, electricity and water supply to left out villages besides ensuring social security to aged, physically challenged and widows; and self-employment avenues to unemployed youth in the district.The DDC Chairman informed that several new colleges have been opened and schools have been upgraded and the best possible teaching-learning platform is being made available for the students so that they don't face any inconvenience in their studies."Free books have been distributed among 75000 students and scholarships have also been provided to 46198 Pahari speaking and 36000 ST students", he said."An expenditure of Rs 338 crore has been incurred last year and an amount of Rs 919 Crores has been approved under District Capex Budget this year", the DDC Chairman informed."The Government Medical College is being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 139 crores and the work on academic and administrative block is complete in all respects", the DDC Chairman further informed."To ensure better road connectivity in the district, 675 kms of roads have been established this year at various stages including shingle, fair weather and mettle. Moreover, 174 km of road has also been blacktopped", the DDC Chairman said.The DDC Chairman informed that to boost the agriculture sector and double the farmers' income in the district, as many as 70743 KCC cards have been issued to the farmers and an amount of Rs 483 crores stands disbursed.At Udhampur: Independence Day was celebrated in Udhampur district with patriotic spirit and great enthusiasm at District, Tehsil, Block and Niabat headquarters.The main function was held in the premises of PG Degree College (Boys), where the District Development Council Chairperson, Lal Chand was the chief guest, who hoisted the National Flag.Deputy Commissioner, Indu Kanwal Chib, DIG Udhampur Reasi Range, Mohammad Suleman Choudhary, Senior Superintendent of Police, Sargun Shukla, Additional District Development Commissioner, Udhampur Kanta Devi and senior officers of District Administration, Police, Air Force, CRPF, ITBP, BSF and Army besides elected representatives and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
While extending heartiest greetings to all the prominent citizens, officers & the people in general on the auspicious day, the DDC Chairperson recalled sacrifices made by the national leaders to gain freedom from colonial rule after a prolonged struggle. He said post Independence the country has come a long way and is fast progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Udhampur District is also reaping fruits of development as a number of major development projects like Devika Project, National Highway (NH-44, NH-244) project, Yoga International Convention Centre Mantalai, Medical College and Degree Colleges at Udhampur, projects under Jal Jeevan Mission have been launched. He added that these projects will lead the district to new heights of development. Later, at home was organized by the District Administration Udhampur where a cultural programme was organized by Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with the Information Department and District Administration. Renowned Artists presented cultural performances which were mesmerized by the audiences on the occasion.At REASI: Enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit marked the Independence Day celebration in Reasi district. The main function was held here at General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium with 2500 participants and amid strict observance of Covid Safety protocols.District Development Council, Chairperson Saraf Singh Nag unfurled the Tricolour and inspected the parade comprising contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, IRP, Home Guard-19, NCC Cadets Boys and Girls and District Police Band led by Dy. SP Mumtaz Ali Bhatti.
In his address, the DDC Chairman congratulated the people of the district on the Independence Day and recalled the sacrifices of the freedom fighters.The DDC gave a brief outline of various schemes going on in the district and said that this year District Capex plan with Rs 1125 crore budget has been finalized which also amalgamates the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) ensuring larger participation.Speaking on initiatives taken in the district for farmers’ welfare, the DDC said around Rs 48.07 crore have been disbursed among the farmers under PM Kissan Saman Nidhi and Rs 84.94 crore under KCC.He further listed the achievements of the RDD sector and said10000 beneficiaries have been benefitted under PMAY and 25000 more have been recommended to the central government for assistance.Regarding social welfare schemes , the DDC said around 34303 persons are being benefitted, while 200 unemployed Youth have been provided loans for setting up their own business and 70 unemployed were benefitted under MUMKIN.At the end DC Charandeep Singh and SSP Shalindra Singh presented a memento to the chief guest.A colourful programme ended with recitation of the National Anthem and chanting of patriotic slogans.Similar celebrations were also held at Sub district, Sub division, Blocks and Tehsil level where Block Development Chairpersons hoisted the Tricolour.AT POONCH: The 75th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit at Sports Stadium Poonch wherein the Chief Guest, where District Development Council Chairperson Tazeem Akhter hoisted the Tricolour and inspected the Parade comprising contingents of JKP, CRPF, JKAP, NCC , Home Guards and Police Band party.Vice Chairperson DDC, Ashfaq Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner, Inder Jeet, Cmdr 93 Infantry Brigade, Puneet Doval, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Ashok Kumar Shavan; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vinod Kumar; DDC member Lasana Ruksana Kouser; DDC member Loran, Riaz Bashir Naz; ADDC, Abdul Sattar besides other senior officers of civil, police, Judiciary, Ex Legislators, prominent citizens, social workers, political activists and a number of men, women and children were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest congratulated the people of Poonch on the 75th Independence Day.She stated that it is the most significant day in the history of India and stressed on the people of Poonch to work jointly for promoting national integration, communal harmony and peace in the district.While highlighting the developmental activities undertaken in the district, the DDC Chairperson informed that under the District sector a plan of Rs 600.12 cr has been sanctioned which includes a central share of Rs 435.54 cr and 50 percent of the amount has already been released to carry out the developmental activities.The DDC Chairperson further added that 162 out of total 178 villages have been connected with road in the District, while under NABARD , Rs 63.37 cr would be spent on the construction, improvement and black topping of the roads by the R&B and under PMGSY 108 habitations have been connected with roads which have benefitted 2.81 Lakh souls. She also listed the tourism projects started to promote the lucrative tourism sector in the district. “In the current financial year Jabi Toti, Sari Magiana & Noorpur tourist spots will be developed for which Rs 2 cr are available with the Department” she added.The district will witness completion of 49 gravity and 79 lift schemes costing Rs 273 cr, for which the tendering of work is under process. She also informed about different projects sanctioned, started in Health care, Education and other sectors. Under district health sector PM Dialysis scheme, a 5-bedded ward has been constructed in district hospital Poonch, while Under Ayushmann Bharat scheme 2.025 lakh health cards have been issued, she informed further.A scintillating cultural programme based on the theme of national integrity and folk dance and music was presented by the students of degree College/Schools and other Cultural groups.The programme culminated with the distribution of prizes among the participants. The COVID-19 warriors, meritorious students and winners of National Anthem Singing Competition-2021 were also felicitated. Later, the DDC chairperson launched the Plantation Drive sponsored by the Social Forestry Department.