Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that India is known as the largest democratic country in the world and credit of it goes to the contributions of Babasaheb Ambedkar, who is the architect of the Constitution. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar is not just a name but also a source of inspiration and a great man who dedicated his entire life for the country, he said.The Chief Minister was addressing a public meeting at Mini Secretariat Palampur after unveiling the statues of Babasaheb Ambedkar and Captain Vikram Batra in Palampur today.Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stone for development projects worth Rs. 40 crore in Palampur Vidhan Sabha Area in district Kangra. He inaugurated augmentation work of Drinking Water Scheme Dhad under Jal Jeevan Mission completed with an expenditure of Rs. 2.04 crore and Flow Irrigation Scheme Gharuhal Kuhal completed at cost of Rs. 2.27 crore.
Jai Ram Thakur also laid foundation stone of Drinking Water Scheme for Badsar, Diyala and Jia Khas to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.12 crore under Jal Jeevan Mission, augmentation work of drinking water scheme Chachiyan, Garh and Balehar under Jal Jeevan Mission to be completed at a cost of Rs 4.84 crore and augmentation work of drinking water scheme Ghuggar, Aima under Jal Jeevan Mission to be completed at a cost of 4.75 crore.He laid foundation stone of augmentation work of drinking water scheme Bandla, Lohna under Jal Jeevan Mission to cost Rs. 2.68 crore, augmentation work of lift drinking water scheme Hanglo, Darati and Lahla under Jal Jeevan Mission to cost Rs. 2.85 crore, augmentation work of drinking water scheme Kusmal, Bagora and Balla to cost Rs. 1.76 crore, augmentation work of lift drinking water scheme Sidhpur Sarkari and Brindavan under Jal Jeevan Mission to cost Rs. 2.05 crore and augmentation work of lift drinking water scheme Gadiada, Asanpat and Brahamthedu under Jal Jeevan Mission to cost Rs. 2.79 crore.
Jai Ram Thakur also laid foundation stones of one-time repair of Flow Irrigation Scheme Baruhal Kuhal to be constructed at a cost of Rs.9.34 crore and augmentation work of drinking water scheme Chandpur, Langha, Kulani to be constructed at a cost of Rs.1.94 crore.The Chief Minister said that the State Government has been working with priority towards the honour of martyrs and heroes of the country. He said that Captain Vikram Batra has sacrificed his life for the country. He said that a country and society which remembers the sacrifices of such brave sons always moves ahead on the path of development. He said that the Allahabad Center of Service Selection Board, where NDA examinations are held, that block is named after Vikram Batra, the brave son of Devbhoomi and this is a real tribute to the son of motherland. It is also a source of inspiration for every youth aspiring to join the army. He said that the government is also working for the reconstruction of Shaheed Saurav Kalia Park in Palampur.The Chief Minister announced the opening of a new Block Development Office in Palampur and sub-tehsil at Chachiyan.
He also announced Health Sub-Center at Tanda in Palampur, Sub-Division of Jal Shakti Department at Banuri, Commerce and Science classes at Government Senior Secondary School Kandi and commencing science classes at Government Senior Secondary School Jia. He announced upgradation of Veterinary Dispensary at Khayah Patt to Veterinary Hospital.Speaking on the occasion Rajya Sabha MP Indu Goswami said that the teachings of Dr. Ambedkar are relevant even today. He said that the places associated with Dr. Ambedkar were also being developed as Panchtirth.Wool Federation Chairman Trilok Kapoor thanked Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur for accelerating development in Palampur. He said that several projects have been implemented in the field of health, education and drinking water in Palampur in the last four and a half years.On this occasion Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Swabhiman and State President of Social Justice Forum, Dr. H.R. Noor also expressed his views.Earlier Mandal President Abhimanyu Bhatt welcomed the chief guest.Former MLA's Praveen Sharma and Dulo Ram, Deputy Commissioner Kangra Dr. Nipun Jindal, Superintendent of Police Khushal Sharma, G.S. Batra and other prominent persons were also present on this occasion.