Jammu,Augudst 15 2014(CNS):-The 68th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervor and zeal across the Jammu Division.
At Jammu, the Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march past of contingents drawn from J&K Police, Forest Protection Force, SDRF, Fire Emergency Services, NCC and educational institutions at an impressive function at Mini Stadium Parade Ground here this morning.
Minister of State for Revenue, Haj and Auqaf, Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Shantmanu, IGP, Rajesh Kumar, senior officers, prominent citizens, general public and students in a large number were present on the occasion.
Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, the Deputy Chief Minster said that the Nation owe gratitude to these great leaders who sacrificed their lives to secure freedom from foreign rule.
He also paid tribute to the soldiers and security personnel who stand as the guardians to maintain peace and protect the sovereignty of the country. He said that India is known for its unity amidst diversity of religion, region and culture, while exhorting “We have to strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood to take the country on the path of progress”. He said that the state of Jammu and Kashmir has overcome a long period of turmoil and is ushering into a new era of peace and development.
“We all have to strive hard together for maintaining communal harmony and ensure that the benefits of development percolate down to each and every strata of society” he added.
He underlined the importance of sustained peace and amity in the state and called upon all the stakeholders to rise above the issues of caste and religion and focus on inclusive growth of one and all. “As democracy has given us fundamental rights, we also ought to fulfill our duties towards our society and nation” he said.
Highlighting the major developmental projects taken up in Jammu to provide better facilities to the people , he said tourism projects like Artificial Lake, Sidhra Golf Course, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Project, Jammu Airport Expansion project have been initiated to tap the tourism potential of the area.
Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the Health, being a vital sector, has received special focus. “Various major projects like Super Specialty Hospital, 200 bedded maternity Hospital will provide requisite succor to the people” he added. 
Emphasizing the importance of development of rural areas, the Deputy Chief Minster maintained that the state government has laid special focus on improving the road network across the state and provide better amenities to the people.
A similar thrust has been laid on improving the power scenario and increasing the electricity production in the state.
He said that employment has been a major challenge before the state and introduction of various employment schemes like Sher-e-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme, Himayat and Udaan form major initiatives towards youth empowerment.
Deputy Chief Minister said that creation of 659 new administrative units across the state particularly in the remote and backward areas has taken government to the doorsteps of the people.
Deputy Chief Minster said that synergy between all the pillars of democracy is vital and highlighted the important role played by Judiciary and media in maintaining the ethos of democracy and strengthening it.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced an award of Rs. 1 lakh for the participating students and march past contingents.
Earlier students of Government and Private educational institutions presented a scintillating cultural programme depicting rich culture and conveying the message of patriotism and national integration.
Meanwhile similar functions were also held at district and Tehsil headquarters across the region where people including men, women and children participated in large numbers.
AT SAMBA, Minister for Urban Development and Local Urban Bodies Nawang Rigzin Jora hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the March Past by contingents of JKAP, Forest Protection Force, NCC Boys and Girls.
Congratulating the people on the occasion Jora said that the state is moving steadily on the path of development with a special focus on the core sectors like health, education, power, road connectivity and infrastructure enhancement.
He said that state government has strived for effective implementation of the centrally sponsored schemes like MGNREGA, IAY, SSA to ensure that the benefits reach to the targeted masses.
He said that various schemes contemplating the development of rural areas have helped in ensuring that the gap between the urban and rural areas is abridged in an effective manner.
He said peace is imperative for development and exhorted upon the people to strengthen the development initiatives and join hands to take the state on the path of progress.
On the occasion, a scintillating cultural programme was also presented by the students drawn form government ahd private schools .
At REASI the main function was held at Sports stadium Reasi, where Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, unfurled the Tricolor and took Salute at the March Past from the contingents of JKP, IRP, CRPF, NCC and students from various schools.
Mir greeted the general public and paid rich tributes to the great leaders of the freedom movement who sacrificed their lives for the cause of nation.
While highlighting the achievements of state Government, Mir Informed that government has created new administrative units in Reasi, which includes 2 Sub-Divisions, 7 tehsils, 8 blocks,13 niabats and 43 new roads has been sanctioned under PMGSY out of which 17 have been completed.
“Under flagship employments scheme MGNREGA a whopping Rs 3460.62 crore have been spent to create assets in rural areas and provide locally available work to the people”
He said more than one thousand youths of district have been provided jobs through SSRB in different departments during last year.
The Minister said that during period of present Government extraordinary change have been witnessed in the development profile of the state with implementation of core sector projects.
Various educational institutions also presented a scintillating cultural programmes based on national patriotism and national integration on the occasion.
At Katra, CEO SMVDSB Dr M K Bhandari hoisted the Tricolour, similar functions were held at Mahore, Pouni and Arnas.
AT POONCH- Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture, Youth Services and Sports, Mr. Raman Bhalla hoisted the National Flag at Sports Stadium, Poonch and took salute at an impressive march past presented by the JKP, JKAP, NCC, Band of 93- Infantry, QRT Commando and students and children of various educational institutions of the district.
Senior Officers besides public in large number were present on the occasion.
Complimenting the people on the 68th Independence Day, the Minister recalled the great freedom leaders Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Bhagat Singh, Subash Chander Bose and highlighted the supreme sacrifices made by them for securing Independence for the nation.
Bhalla said that after gaining independence, India emerged as a peace loving democratic country and at the same time made remarkable strides in agriculture, science & Technology, Industry education, health, human resource, roads, and buildings. He said the visionary policies of post Independence leaders has enabled India to achieve the status of a world’s growing economic power.
The Minister also listed the achievements made in Jammu and Kashmir despite twenty years of militancy and violence.
The Minister sought the support of masses to achieve the targets for overall development in the state. He said that the present Government with its visionary approach has led the state towards a new progressive period and opened up new vistas of development.
Mr. Bhalla called upon all the citizens of nation to unite for thwarting the nefarious designs of elements inimical to peace and tranquility.
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 Poonch in upholding the values of pluralism and religious tolerance.
Maintaining that development of Jammu and Kashmir State, particularly the inaccessible and hilly areas is the priority of the coalition regime, he said massive road connectivity of far-flung villages will accelerate the socio-economic development of these areas. New avenues of employment for uneducated youth and farming community have also been created for their socio-economic emancipation, he said.
Bhalla described the creation of new administrative units as a historic achievement of the government and hoped that the operationalisation of these units will further empower the common masses and mitigate their problems.
Describing tourism sector as the most potential area for state's economic growth, he said that in view of the ever increasing rush of pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Shri Amarnath Shrine and Shri Budha Amarnath ji Shrine, he congratulated the people of Poonch for successful conduct of Shri Budha Amarnath Yatra.
He reiterated the government's commitment of working for the emancipation of SC, ST and other backward classes, besides handicapped and under-privileged populace of the state.
On the occasion, the students of various schools presented a colourful cultural programme which was highly appreciated by the jam-packed audience.
Bhalla distributed prizes among the best adjudged schools for presenting cultural programme and march past contingents.
AT Kathua- Minister of State with Independent charge of Fisheries, Cooperatives Printing and Stationary, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma hoisted the National flag and took salute of parade comprising of contingents drawn from CRPF, District Police, Police Training School, N.C.C Boys and Girls, Forest Protection Force and students drawn various Government and private schools.
Dr Manohar Lal Sharma greeted the people on the eve of Independence Day and said that the day has immense significance as the Indai worn the independence after hard struggles and sacrifices of thousands of valuable lives. He recalled the contributions of Mahantma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Subash Chander Bose, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev in the freedom struggle.
He appealed the people not to fall prey to the nefarious designs of anti-national elements who always aim to disturb the peace and tranquility of the state and country.
The minister also lauded the contributions of Army, Jammu Kashmir Police and Para Military forces for protecting the borders and maintaining law and order in the state. He said the valuable contributions of the soldiers will be remembered who always stood tall in the hour of need in extreme conditions.
Dr Sharma appealed the people to remain united and maintain the age old traditions of brotherhood.
The Minister threw light on the initiatives of the government during the last five and half years. He said Kathua district has got many new administrative units including a Sub Division, 6 tehsils, 20 Niabats, 11 CD blocks and new patwar halqas to provide easy and accessible governance to the common people who otherwise have to walk long distance to get their work done.
The Minister said the constitution of Sri Mata Bala Sundri Ji and Sri Mata Sukrala Mata Ji Shrine Boards are a historic step which will help in long way to route the tourist and develop towards Billawar Tehsil.
He appreciated district administration especially officers and officials of all government departments for utilizing 99% of the allocated district plan funds. He disclosed that government is shortly opening 7500 fair price sale outlets in the state, adding that 160 such outlets shall be opened in district Kathua.
Students of various schools presented colourful cultural programme.
District Officers, Prominent citizens and students in large number were present on the occasion.
Similar functions were also held at Hiranagar, Basholi, Bani, and Billawar.
At Kishtwar: Republic day was celebrated across Kishtwar district with patriotic fervor and gaiety today .The main function was organised at historic Chowgan ground in which Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Mir Saifullah hoisted the tricolor and took salute at the March Past.
All the district officers, besides senior Army officers, govt employees, school children and other prominent citizens attended the function.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister paid glowing tributes to the freedom fighters and recalled the sacrifices made by them to liberate the country from foreign rule.
Highlighting the achievements of the present government, he said that that during all these years the state of Jammu Kashmir has made immense progress in all the sectors.
He called upon the people to maintain peace and contribute in strengthening communal harmony.
The Minister appreciated the natural beauty of Kishtwar and said with its water resources, it has huge potential for power development. He also referred to the saffron cultivation in the district and said that the state govt is committed to the development of the Kishtwar.
He said all the new administrative units including seven new tehsils, three sub divisions, nineteen niabats and five new CD blocks have been made functional in the District to take the governance to the doorsteps of the people in remote areas of the district.
He also listed achievements made in the core sector adding that the University Campus, Polytechnic College and construction of more building blocks at District Hospital have provide great relief to the people.
He also mentioned the power projects taken up in the districts and said that the initiatives have provided employment to a large number of people He called for a united and peaceful society and called upon people to contribute towards evolution of a harmonious society.
A colourful cultural programme was presented by school children, which enthralled the audience. The minister also distributed prizes among the parade contingents and school children.
At Udhampur: the 68th Independence Day function was celebrated with patriotic spirit and enthusiasm across the District.
The main function was held in the premises of Govt. PG College(Boys), Udhampur where the Minister for Planning & Development and Labour & Employment, Mr. Ajay Sadhotra hoisted the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past of 44 contingents of JK Police, Forest Protection Force, NCC and students drawn from various educational institutions. Besides, a scintillating cultural programme was also presented by different educational institutions, on the occasion depicting patriotism, traditional rich culture and message about social evils.
MLA, Udhampur, Mr. Balwant Singh Mankotia, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Mrs. Yasha Mudgal , Director SKPA, Mr. Danesh Rana, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, Mr. Gareeb Dass, , SSP Udhampur, Mr. Suleman Chowdary V , Joint Director Planning Mr. Rakesh Jamwal, ACR, Mr. N S Jamwal, Principals GDC & GCW, Udhampur, CEO, DYSSO, senior civil, police, Army and CRPF officers, prominent citizens and people in large number were present on the occasion.
Complimenting the people on the auspicious day, the Minister recalled the services of frontline leaders including Mahatama Gandhi and sacrifices made by numerous freedom struggle heroes in attaining freedom. The Minister said that it is now prime duty and responsibility of every citizen especially the youth to keep this hard won freedom intact and flourish day by day by maintaining unity in diversity and following the footsteps of the freedom struggle leaders in letter and spirit.
The Minister said that India which is the biggest democratic country in the world, has progressed by leaps and bounds in all sphere of life. “Our Nation figures now as advanced country in the field of Science and Technology and recognized as technologically advanced Nation” he said.
Mr. Sadhotra said that the government is committed for equitable development of the State and create ample employment avenues for unemployed and ensure socio-economic transformation of weaker sections of the society irrespective of caste, colour or creed.
The Minister said that like other districts of the State, district Udhampur has also achieved milestones in different sectors. He said that in district plan, Udhampur district had got approximately 100 crores.
Listing the steps taken to meet the public aspirations, he said that the present Coalition Govt had increased the age of State Govt employees and college professors from 58 tears to 60 years and 62 years respectively.
Regarding employment generation, he said that Govt had implemented SKEWPY scheme for reducing unemployment, implemented 6th pay Commission for the employees, constituted new administrative units for providing services to the people of far flung areas at their doorsteps
Mr. Sadhotra lauded the efforts of Indian Army in supplementing the efforts of civil administration by providing infrastructural facilities and launching different welfare programmes under Operation Sadhbhawana.
The Minister called upon the people not to pay heed to the nefarious designs of those who mislead people by false slogans to meet their personal interests. He asked the people to extend their whole hearted cooperation to the Government for maintaining peace and prosperity in the State.
The chief guest also distributed trophies, certificates of merit among the students who excelled in academics, march past and culture etc.
Similar functions were also held at Chenani BASANTGARH, Majalta and Ramnagar .
Senior Tehsil Officers of different departments, prominent citizens, teachers, students and people were present attended these functions.
At Ramban, The 68th Independence day was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm.
Minister of state for Animal & Sheep Husbandry (Independent Charge), PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Horticulture, Agriculture & Floriculture – Mr Nazir Ahmed Gurezi hoisted the National Flag and took salute on the march past.
The Minister, while addressing the public, highlighted the achievements of the present coalition government. He congratulated the people and recalled the sacrifices made by the freedom leaders to secure independence for the nation.
Mr Gurezi said that the present coalition govt. under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah, is working hard towards making the state self reliant in all aspects by way of strengthening its economy.
Power generations and trade and commerce, Development, better civic amenities for all , expansion of Education and health sectors, Rural Development and road connectivity have received focused attention of the state government, he added.
He appealed people to maintain peace and harmony in the for overall prosperity and development of the state.
The address of the chief guest was followed by a colorful march past by J&K Police, CRPF, JKAP, JKFPF, NCC Cadets and students of various Schools. A galaxy of cultural programmes by School Children added to the beauty of this memorable event. More than a dozen of schools participated in these cultural programmes.
Later prize distribution ceremony was organized in which the chief guest along with DDC Ramban R A Inqlabi presented prizes to meritorious services, performances of different departments in making the event a success and best performances in the march past and cultural programmes presented on the occasion.
MLA Ramban Ashok Kumar besides all district officers were also present on the occasion.
Functions of similar kind were also held at all Tehsil HQs of the district where respective Tehsildars unfurled the national flag and took salute on the march past.
At Doda: The Independence Day celebration function witnessed much enthusiasm and national spirit here at Doda. Minister for PWD (R&B) and Mechanical Engineering Mr. Abdul Majid Wani unfurled the tricolor and took salute of the March past by the contingents of CRPF, JKAP, JKP, FPF, NCC and School children.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Wani highlighted the achievements made by the coalition Government for overall upliftment of the socio-economic condition of the people of the state. He revealed that the road connectivity in the Doda District has been improved from below 10% to about 50% with the construction of a massive roads network.
The Minister also announced that more road projects have been sanctioned by the Government and the construction work will be started very soon which will further improve the road connectivity in the satte.
He also congratulated people of the District on this eve and appreciated the tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood maintained by them.
He recalled the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters to liberate the country from the British rule and called upon the people to follow the footprints of these leaders to make this country a prosperous nation.
Later a colorful cultural program was presented by the school children, cultural academy and Information Department Doda which kept the audience spell bound.
MLC Khalid Najib Sohrawardy, District Development Commissioner Doda Mr. Shyam Vinod Meena, SSP Doda Mr. M.S Chouhan, CO 10 RR Doda Col. Sunil Mishra, ADC Doda Mr. Imam Din, ACR Doda Mr. S.C Dogra among others also attended the function.
The Independence day celebration functions were also held at Bhaderwah where SDM Mr. Bhupinder Kumar hoisted the tricolor and took salute at the march past .
A colorful cultural program was also presented on the occasion. MLC Mr. Naresh Kumar Gupta, CEO BDA Bhaderwah Mr. A.S Rana and others were present at the function.
AT RAJOURI: The Independence Day was celebrated with national spirit and enthusiasm across this border district despite inclement weather.
The main function was held at district police line Rajouri where Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma unfurled the national tri-colour and took salute at the March comprising contingents of CRPF, JKAP, JKP, Auxiliary police, J&K Forest Protection Force, NCC and school children of various educational institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister recalled the sacrifices made by the patriots and freedom fighters to liberate the country from foreign rule. He also paid tributes to the army , security force and police personnel who laid their lives to protect the borders and frustrate the designs of the elements inimical to peace.
He called upon the people to imbibe in them national spirit and contribute towards the development, peace and prosperity of the nation as it would be the true tributes to the freedom leaders.” India has emerged as a great nation and is reckoned as a great economic power. To maintain its pace of progress every individual have to contribute his bit to achieve the set goals”, he added Stressing that sustained peace was imperative for development of the nation the Minister asked the people to maintain communal harmony and cooperate with the government in maintaining law and order and implementation of the polices .
“ We have to see that the benefits of the government polices reach to every section of the society and to every part of the country and the state” he said adding that for this everyone, including govt functionaries, public representatives and people at large had to understand his responsibility .
Listing the achievements of the state government, the Minister said it was keen to meet the aspirations of the people and improve their living conditions.
The programme commenced with a scintillating cultural programme presented by the students of different schools.
The function was attended by District Development Commissioner, Rajouri, DIG, SSP Rajouri, ADC, ADDC and other senior civil and police officers and prominent citizens.Similar functions were also organized at tehsils and block headquarters of district Rajouri.
Independence Day functions were also organsied by government agencies, Police, Banks and other Public Sector undertakings.
District Jail Jammu celebrated the I-day where Superintendent of Jail, Harish Kotwal hoisted the National Flag.Senior authorities of Jail besides CRPF Officers and Jawans were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Superintendent of Jail highlighted the importance of the day.
A captivating cultural programme was also organized by jail staff and inmates.
Sweets and Bara Khana was arranged on the occasion.