Like other parts of the country, the Independence Day was also celebrated at Kishtwar with traditional fervour and gaiety. An impressive function was organized by the district administration at Kishtwar wherein Minister for Social Welfare, Forest, Ecology and Environment, Bali Bhagat was chief guest and Minister of State for Public Works (R&B) and Revenue, Sunil Kumar Sharma was guest of honour.Bhagat, who is also chairman of the District Development Board of Kishtwar district hoisted the national flag and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of JKP, Forest Protection Force, CRPF, CISF, JKAP, Home Guard, NCC and students of various schools.
Felicitating the people on the auspicious occasion, Bali Bhagat recalled the contribution of great freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Sakhdev, Rajguru, Jawarhar lal Nehru, Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subash Chander Bose and highlighted the supreme sacrifices of numerous national heroes for securing independence for the nation. He paid rich tributes to all those who sacrificed their lives for attaining the freedom. He also remembered the soldiers who martyred while guarding the sovereignty of the country from time to time. He exhorted upon the countrymen, especially the younger generation to work for the unity and integrity of the country and preserve the hard won independence by our forefathers. He also called for strengthening the bonds of mutual brotherhood and communal harmony to make the country more progressive and prosperous.
Referring to the agenda of the coalition Government, Mr. Bhagat said that the present regime was formed in view of the massive mandate given by the people of the Kashmir and Jammu regions thus fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the State. The PDP-BJP government headed by Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has visionary approach for ensuring the overall development of the entire state. He said the State will touch new heights of development and prosperity under the present regime.Describing unemployment as greatest challenge before the Government, Mr. Bhagat said that 10,000 unemployed youths of the state will be provided employment through fast-track recruitment in next four months. The recruitment will be made through PSC and SSRB in a transparent manner as the Government has strengthened both the institutions by appointing the chairman and members.
He maintained that second phase of Baghliar Power Project will be completed by 2015 itself which will provide additional 450 MW power supply to the state and augment the present power scenario. He also announced to establish a Forest Training Institute at Trisar Kishtwar an Environmental Park at Hargadi Kishtwar and a branch of Forest Research Institute will be established at Barnoi Kishtwar. He said the Government was also contemplating to set up a rope way project from Kishtwar to Kalam Sutar, Minister added.
In social welfare department the amount under family benefit scheme has been enhanced from Rs 20,000 to 40,000 besides the formalities for various pension and social security schemes have been simplified for the benefit of the common masses, Minister further added.Bhagat called upon the inhabitants of Kishtwar to unite for thwarting the nefarious designs of elements inimical to peace and tranquillity. He said like other parts of India, Jammu and Kashmir has also a unique and diverse socio-religious fabric, adding that each one of us should contribute towards preserving the exemplary feature of unity in diversity for which India is known worldwide. He particularly appreciated the role of the people of Kishtwar in upholding the values of pluralism and religious tolerance.A splendid colorful Cultural programme was also presented by the school children on the occasion depicting the diverse and unique cultural heritage of the Jammu and Kashmir State and India which kept the audience spell bound.Later prizes were distributed among the cultural groups and march past contingents by the Chief Guest.Similar programmes were also organized at all the sub divisions and Tehsil Headquarters of the District.