Jammu division celebrates Independence Day with patriotic fervour, gaiety

DDC Chairmen hoist National Flag; enumerate developmental achievements in Districts

JAMMU, AUGUST 15: Festivity and patriotic fervour gripped Jammu Division as the Nation celebrated the 77th Independence Day amid great passion and enthusiasm.    

At Kathua: The main function was held at Sports Stadium, where DDC Chairman Col (Retd) Mahan Singh hoisted the National flag and took salute from mega parade comprising of 45 contingents drawn from District Police, Police Training School, IRP, NCC boys and Girls, Bands and tiny platoons from various Government and Private schools.

Vice Chairman DDC Kathua Raghunandan Singh, BDC Chairpersons, DC Kathua Rakesh Minhas, SSP, Shivdep Singh Jammwal, DDC Members, other functionaries of district administration, PRI members and a good number of people were present. 

In his address, the DDC Chairman recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to secure independence for the country.  He remembered the brave soldiers and policemen who laid down their lives while fighting for the nation and appealed to the citizens to serve the nation with devotion, honesty and truthfulness.

Terming Independence Day as the most significant day in the history of India, the DDC Chairman said ‘on this very day the sun of independence dawned on the horizon of our motherland and India becomes Independent and sovereign state after a prolonged struggle.’

Highlighting the developmental initiatives undertaken in the District, the DDC chairman said Delhi-Katra 6 Lane Expressway, International Sports Stadium at Hiranagar, Shahpur Kandi project, etc. when completed will catapult the development profile of Kathua district.

Accounting for the development scenario of Kathua, the DDC Chairman said the district will have a good addition of a Homeopathic Medical College at Jasrota where classes for 60 seats will commence from the next year. Besides, a good number of 2834 works have been targeted under the current year district plan which will pave the way for holistic development of Kathua”.

A colorful cultural programme and a Mass Drill by student groups of different schools steal the show.

The DDC Chairperson also gave away prizes and trophies to the participating performers, outstanding achievers and competition winners of DIPR J&K.

Earlier, District Information Centre, Kathua in the wee hours played Shahnai Vadan at DC office complex and SSP office.

At Samba: District Samba celebrated the 77th Independence Day with great fervor and patriotic spirit. The event saw enthusiastic participation from people of all ages.

The Chairman District Development Council, Keshav Dutt Sharma, hoisted the national flag at the beautifully decorated Rani Suchait Singh stadium.   Vice Chairman Balwan Singh, District Development Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police Benam Tosh, and other district officers and officials were also present.

Paying homage to freedom fighters, Chairman Keshav Dutt Sharma hailed their sacrifices made to secure India’s freedom.

The achievements of the district administration and PRIs were outlined, showcasing substantial growth in sectors such as PMGSY, PMUY, JJM Ayushman Bharat, and SBM(G). Notable achievements of schemes like MGNREGA, IWMP, ICDS, Back to Village programme, Mumkin, and Youth Clubs were also highlighted.

Hailing them, the Chairman commended the dedicated service of security forces including the Army, CRPF, BSF, and JK Police throughout the year.

The event featured a march past parade led by Dy S.P G R Bhardhwaj and Parade Contingent including Police, ITBP, IRP, Home Guards, NCC squads, and others, showcasing unity and discipline.

At Doda: The 77th Independence Day was celebrated across Doda district amid a strong sense of national pride with the main function held at the Sports Stadium in Doda Town.

 Chief Guest, District Development Council Chairman, Dhananter Singh Kotwal, hoisted the tricolor amidst spirited celebrations followed by a soulful rendition of the national anthem. Later, the DDC chairman inspected the parade comprising contingents of JKP, CRPF, SSB, FPF, IRP 5th Bn, NCC Sr and Jr wings, Home Guards and the students of different schools. 

Vice Chairperson DDC, Sangeeta Rani Bhagat, Deputy Commissioner, Vishesh Mahajan, SSP Abdul Qayoom, and other functionaries from civil and police departments, besides a huge gathering of enthusiastic audience were also present at the venue which was decked up  with beautiful triclours and  banners. The huge presence of citizens at the function displaying unconditional sense of patriotism, love and respect for the motherland presented a rare spectacle.

In his address, the DDC Chairperson reflected upon the significance of Independence Day as a tribute to the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters. He highlighted the pivotal role this day plays in India’s history, marking the nation’s emergence as an independent and sovereign entity. 

Acknowledging the strides taken by the UT government, the Chairman pointed to notable accomplishments, such as the operationalization of the prestigious Government Medical College Doda and the completion of the multipurpose indoor sports hall to engage youth in sports activities. He also underscored the imminent completion of projects like the Polytechnic College Doda and Government Degree College at Kastigarh.

Speaking about employment opportunities, the Chairman applauded the UT government’s initiatives under the titles “BEROZGAR SE SWAROZGAR” and “ATMA NIRBHAR BHARAT,” aiming to empower unemployed youth through self-employment schemes. He highlighted that nearly 17,453 youth had gained employment from around 7,657 sponsored cases during the financial year 2022-2023.

Dhananter Singh Kotwal lauded the recent Youthon-2023 under the title “ADBHUD DODA KA UBARTA YUVA” event, designed to support youth startups in fields such as tourism, credits facilities, and skill development. He also mentioned the successful implementation of social security schemes, covering citizens under initiatives like Atal Pension Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.

Underlining the district’s commitment to “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,” the Chairman announced that all 237 Panchayats in  the district have achieved the ODF PLUS model status, a testament of the successful sanitation campaign. Furthermore, he highlighted the “Meri Mati Mera Desh” campaign, which involved diverse activities like tree planting, Tiranga Rallies, honouring families of Martyrs, recitation of the national anthem, and the installation of 400 Shila Phalakam to honour martyrs (Real Heroes).

Concluding his address, Sh. Dhananter Singh Kotwal stressed the district administration’s dedication to inclusive development under the motto ‘SAB KA SAATH, SAB KA VIKAS, AND SAB KA VISHWAS.’ He lauded initiatives such as online classes for rural students, Ap ka Tehsildar Apkey Gaon Mai, DC Online, Prabhari Officer for Schools, and establishment of a “DODA hub” to foster innovation and create opportunities for the youth.

A colourful cultural program presented by School Children and local artists left the audience spell bound. Displaying government schemes and activities of various departments through tableaus proved highly informative and useful for the people present. 

At Udhampur: The 77th Independence Day main function was held in the premises of Government PG College, Boys Udhampur. District Development Council Chairman, Lal Chand was the chief guest, who hoisted the National flag at 9: AM and took salute from an impressive parade of 31 contingents drawn from J&K Police, SKPA, ITBP, Volunteers Home Guards, NCC and other Civil troops besides Police Band, took part in this national function.

DDC Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas Pathania, Deputy Commissioner, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, DIG Udhampur -Reasi Range, Mohammad Suleman Choudhary; Senior Superintendent of Police, Dr Vinod Kumar; President Municipal Council, Dr  Jogeshwar Gupta; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Joginder Singh Jasrotia, BDCs, DDCs, Senior officers of District Administration, Police, Air Force, CRPF, ITBP, BSF and Army besides  prominent citizens were present.

Extending his heartiest greetings to everyone on the eve of our nation’s Independence Day, the DDC chairman highlighted the great significance of the day as the reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of our forefathers who bravely fought against colonial rule to give us the precious treasure of freedom.

“Today, we stand together as proud citizens of India, celebrating not only our nation’s past achievements but also its ongoing journey towards progress and development” he added.

He added that under the visionary leadership of our  Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory is embracing the path of development and prosperity. We are guided by the principle of “one nation, one vision, and one identity,” and this ethos resonates deeply within the heart of every citizen of our great land.

He said that like other parts of J&K, Udhampur District is also reaping fruits of development as a number of major development projects/schemes are at the verge of completion like Devika Project, National Highway (NH-44, NH-244) project,Digital Land Management Programme,Yoga International Convention Centre Mantalai, Medical College and Degree Colleges at Udhampur, Jal Jeevan Mission, Swacch Bharat Mission etc  are bound to change the developmental profile of the District” he added.      

He reiterated that the completion of these projects / schemes will ensure the overall development of the District and will also change the perspective of the people towards life and prosperity.  He listed achievements under Agriculture and allied Sectors, including success of Lemon grass cultivation as a viable alternative and a profitable venture which prompted the farmers to increase area of 70 Ha under Area Expansion Programme in Panchayat Tikri, Dhanoo, Majalta, Mand East & West, Seen Thakran during the current year.

He said that to achieve the goal of Har Ghar Nal Se Jal 159 schemes have been taken up under  Jal Jeevan Mission  out of which work on 156 schemes is in full swing.  The total households in the District under JJM are 99928 out of which more than 52000 FHTCs have been installed, he added.

 He further listed achievements in Education sector with establishment of 98 Kindergartens at a cost of Rs. 196.00 lacs in last fiscal and more 112 having been approved at a cost of Rs. 224.00 lacs for 112 schools for Pre-primary classes, PMGSY sector with 239 schemes sanctioned for PMGSY Division Udhampur, Ramnagar and Reasi between phase-1 to phase –III and completion of 200.

Chairperson DDC said that in the Rural Development Department, Under MGNREGA, 22433 households (28413 workers) were given employment during FY 2022-23 and during the current financial year 3862 households (4748 workers) were given employment by ending July 2023. 7.19 lakhs person days generated out of which 1.53 lakhs are women person days and during current financial 0.65 lakhs persondays generated out of which 0.15 lakhs are women persondays.

Under PMAYG, 3655 Households completed under PMAYG and Rs. 3591.62 lakhs disbursed to PMAYG beneficiaries during the FY 2022-23.

Chairperson DDC added that under Social Welfare Department, 100% saturation of pension under both the schemes NSAP/ ISSS. 104 Divyang Camps were held where 53 motorized tricycles during 2022-23 and 37 motorized tricycles during 2023-24 and prosthetic aids were distributed to the needy person.

Under Health Sector, Chairperson DDC said that during the year 2023-24, 412364 Nos. of beneficiaries registered under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme, 303715 Nos. of patients treated under OPD, 217 Nos. of Major Surgeries were conducted in Govt. Health Institutions.

A Scintillating cultural program reflecting patriotism and rich culture was also presented by the students of educational institutions which enthralled the audience.

At Ramnagar, the Independence Day function was held in the premises of Government Model Higher Secondary School, wherein MC President, Banti Devi unfurled  the Tricolour.

At Rajouri: The 77th Independence Day was observed across the Rajouri district with great fervour and national spirit. The celebrations were held at district headquarters, all additional districts, sub-divisions, and tehsil headquarters, as well as at panchayats.

The main function took place at DPL grounds  Rajouri, where the chief guest, Chairman of the District Development Council, Advocate Ch. Naseem Liaqat, unfurled  the National Flag, inspected the Parade and took the salute in the presence of Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal and SSP, Amritpal Singh.

  The parade was commanded by DySP Parupkar Singh. Thousands of people thronged the venue to witness the grand celebrations of the national event.

 R. N. Wattal (Pr. District & Sessions Judge, Rajouri) and Mehmood Ahmed Choudhary (Additional District & Sessions Judge, Rajouri) also attended the event as special guests. Also in attendance were President MC Rajouri, Mohammad Arief; DDC Member Rajouri, Sain Abdul Rashid; BDC Chairperson Rajouri, Darbar Chowdhary; Councillors of MC Rajouri other civil society members; ex-legislators, Ministers and members of both panchayats and urban local bodies and functionaries of District Administration attended the function .

Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairman  extended warm greetings to the people of Rajouri, highlighting the significance of the day as a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters for India’s independence from British rule.

Advocate Ch. Naseem Liaqat stated, “As we stand on the cusp of another year of independence, it is indeed a momentous occasion to reflect upon the journey that our great nation has undertaken. Today, we can proudly declare that our country is not only at par with other nations but also ranks among the distinguished four military forces of the world. This achievement is a testament to the tireless efforts and indomitable spirit of our citizens who have consistently upheld the ideals of bravery, unity, and progress.”

Amidst the larger picture of national achievement, he drew attention to the remarkable accomplishments of the District Rajouri.  He said this border district of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory has exhibited extraordinary resilience and determination in overcoming challenges and striving for excellence.

“In the realm of housing, our district has excelled in executing the Awas Plus and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana schemes, resulting in the completion of an impressive 27,000 houses.  Moreover, our commitment to infrastructure development is evident through the blacktopping of 170 kilometers of roads and the successful completion of 33 schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY),” Advocate Ch. Naseem Liaqat continued that 95000 cases have also been approved under PM KISAN

He emphasized, “Our agricultural sector has received a significant boost with the sanctioning of 87,000 Kisan Credit Card cases, fostering the growth of our farming community. Additionally, our focus on education has borne fruit, with 73,000 students benefiting from free books distribution. 106 Amrit Sarovars have been thoughtfully constructed.

Advocate Ch. Naseem Liaqat elaborated the achievements in infrastructural development citing the sanctioning of 293 projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). He said that 70,000 pensioners are getting pension under Social security schemes and also mentioned about the establishment of a Drug Deaddiction Centre, Additional Treatment Facility to address pressing societal concerns. He further said that a number of beneficiaries have been benefitted under SMAS scheme, while  5500 Self Help Groups have been constituted in the district and of these 2,100 have been linked with banks, underscoring our commitment to economic progress at the grassroots level. 

“As the District Development Council, we are resolute in our mission to ensure that every citizen’s basic necessities are not just met but delivered right to their doorsteps. The spirit of patriotism that thrives within the people of Rajouri district is truly inspiring and drives us to reach new heights of progress and development,” he concluded.

Later, the DDC Chairman felicitated the winners of parade and cultural program Councillors and students with outstanding academic and sports achievements.

At Reasi:  The 77th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm across Reasi district and the main function was held at General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium Reasi where District Development Council Chairperson, Reasi Saraf Singh Nag unfurled the National Flag, inspected the Parade  and took salute at the march past comprising the contingents of CRPF, IRP, J&K Police, Jammu Kashmir Home Guard,  National Cadet Corps, School Students, and JKP Pipe band.

Remembering the contribution of freedom fighters, DDC Chairperson said  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. 

The DDC Chairperson also listed the flagship schemes and numerous developmental projects completed and undertaken in the Reasi district by the government to create a strong infrastructure base. He said the administration is trying its best to lead Reasi district on the glorious path of development and prosperity.

Underscoring the importance of recently taken initiatives viz Amrit Sarovar, ramping up roads, school, medical healthcare, tourism infrastructure etc, the DDC Chairman lauded the efforts of district administration who is toiling hard and working in close coordination with DDC’s, BDC’s and PRI’s to realize the objective of sustainable and all round development.

He also hailed launch of several campaigns including ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ ‘Maati Ko Naman Veeron Ka Vandan’ ‘Panch Pran Pledge’ under the aegis of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ were celebrated to commemorate 77th years of Independence. 

The students of various government and private educational institutions presented a scintillating cultural programme on the theme of patriotism, which was highly applauded by the audience.

The ceremony concluded with presentation of prizes and mementoes to the best adjudged march-past and cultural events and felicitation of meritorious students, officers and officials of different departments with outstanding performance.

Vice Chairperson DDC, Sajra Qadir, District Development Commissioner, Babila Rakwal, SSP, Amit Gupta. ADC Abdul Star and other district officers were also present on the occasion.

At Kishtwar: The 77th Independence Day 2023 was celebrated across the District Kishtwar with great enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit.

At Block level the National flag was unfurled by the concerned BDC Chairpersons, besides flags were unfurled at District Court Complex, Police Line,  Sub Divisional headquarters, Tehsil and Block headquarters,in all the Govt offices,c olleges and Educational institutions.

The main function was held on the historical Chowgan Grounds where the Vice-Chairperson, District Development Council,  Saima Parveen Lone, accompanied by SSP, Khalil Ahmed Poswal, hoisted the tricolor, inspected the parade and took salute at the March Past comprising contingents drawn from Police, IRP, CRPF, CISF, Forest Protection Force, Home guards, SPO Group, NCC battalion of GDC Kishtwar, Anganwari Workers and School children. The parade was commanded by Dy. SP Vishal Sharma.

Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav,  and senior civil and police functionaries and officers of security Forces and Army, besides a large number of people attended the function .

In her address, the DDC Vice Chairperson paid tributes to the freedom fighters, greeted the people and listed the Achievements in the district.

Drawing attention to the essential contribution of women in the freedom movement and national service, she highlighted India’s stature as the world’s largest democracy.

She proudly emphasized India’s developmental strides in various sectors, citing achievements in space research, satellite technology, banking, information technology, healthcare, education, and sports, with notable examples such as Chandrayaan.

Listing achievements made in the district at different fronts, the Vice Chairperson mentioned completion of works worth Rs 108.32 crore under PMDP in the last  fiscal , and said among the ongoing projects, CHC Marwah, Multipurpose Stadium Kishtwar, SC Hostel GDC Kishtwar, and Allopathic Dispensary Inderwal, are expected to be completed by September 2023.

Further, she detailed progress under the District Capex 2023-24, with 286 works already completed and others underway. The Vice Chairperson also referred to the execution of 134 water supply scheme projects under JJM, including 15 projects under the District Capex Budget and 3 under the State Sector. Among these, 89 projects are actively progressing, with a substantial fund allocation of Rs 360 crore rupees.

“In the domain of road connectivity, 80% of the targeted 1029 Kms have been macadamized this fiscal year, while the Ayushman Bharat scheme has seen impressive registration” she noted and added that innovative collaborations of District Administration with platforms like Akash technologies and BYJUs for NEET coaching are path-breaking steps to benefit underprivileged students. She further lauded the re-enrollment of 1366 students in mainstream education through Project Talaash earning the district a nomination for the National Level SKOCH awards. She also mentioned achievements under MGNREGA, PMAY (G), Back to Village, Swach Bharat Mission Grameen, PM AWAS (Urban), and Social Welfare programs

The Vice Chairperson Saima Parveen expressed her appreciation for initiatives taken by the Deputy Commissioner to boost tourism, by hosting festivals and sports events.  She celebrated local athletes’ achievements on the national and international stage, showcasing Kishtwar’s prowess in sports.

In her concluding remarks, DDC Vice Chairperson Saima Parveen called upon the citizens of Kishtwar to uphold the values of unity, peace, and development, and to proudly commemorate Independence Day by embodying the spirit of the occasion. A scintillating Cultural program was also presented by the students of various government and private schools with patriotic Spirit.

Later, the chief guest in presence of DC &  SSP  gave away mementos and certificates of commendation to several officers for exhibiting exemplary work, awards and Laptops to meritorious students and the personalities with achievements in sports and social work field, besides best performers in parade cultural performances.

The main attraction of this year’s programme was the Man Map of India with tricolours presented by Al Hilal Education Institute under the supervision of Sports Teachers Javid Kripak and Patriotic performances by Sugam Sangeet Institute of Music  Kishtwar.

At Ramban: Chairperson, District Development Council,  Dr. Shamshad Shan hoisted the National Flag  at District Police Lines, Chandroge,  where the main function of the 77th Independence Day celebration under theme ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ was held with patriotic fervour and traditional zeal.

DDC Chairperson inspected the parade consisting of JK Police, IRP, FPF, Home Guards and students of various education institutions. 

Deputy Commissioner, Mussarat Islam, President MC Ramban, Sunita Kumari, DDC Councillors, BDC Chairpersons, SSP, Mohita Sharma,  ADC Harbans Lal Sharma, senior officers, armed forces, prominent citizens and senior officers of various departments attended the function.

Paying tributes to freedom fighters for their sacrifices and contribution in India’s independence struggle, the Chairperson appreciated  the government and private organizations  for organizing a series of events under ongoing ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ a nation-wide campaign to remember contributions of freedom fighters and our soldiers.

After greeting the people, the DDC Chairperson gave a brief account of the mega developmental projects completed in the district during the previous year and sanctioned projects for the current year.   The Chairperson also listed the achievements made by the different departments under different schemes.  .

She said that various schemes of JJM, PMGSY, PWD, RDD, Education and Health etc. sectors have been launched in the district.

On the occasion, a colourful cultural programme based on  patriotism was also presented by the students of various schools which enthralled the audience.

Later, the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries felicitated the participants of cultural programmes and march-past besides various officers and officials for their outstanding  performances in their respective fields.

The BDC Chairpersons also hoisted Tricolor in their respective block headquarters. I-day was also celebrated with patriotic fervour in Gool, Banihal and Ramsoo Sub-divisions besides tehsil headquarters of the district.

AT POONCH: The 77th Independence Day was   celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit at Sports Stadium Poonch where the Chief Guest, Chairperson District Development Council, Tazeem Akhter hoisted the tricolor and took salute.

 Guard of honour was presented by JK Police which was followed by March Past comprising contingents of JKP, CRPF, JKAP, NCC , J&K Home Guards, J&K Police QRT Commando, J&K Police Band and various Government and Private Schools.

 Vice Chairperson DDC, Ashfaq Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner, Yasin M. Choudhary; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) , DDC Members, ADDC, ADC, besides other officers from Civil, Police, Judiciary, Ex Legislators, prominent citizens, social workers, political activists and a large number of men, women and children were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest extended Independence Day greetings to the people of Poonch and highlighted the sacrifices of freedom fighters in achieving Independence. She stated that it is the most significant day in the history of India.  She also highlighted the success of “Meri Mati Mera Desh” Campaign under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Stating that the Nation is growing fast and is now the fourth largest superPower in the world, she said that developmental activities in the district are going at full pace like the other parts of the country.

She counted numerous ongoing and proposed developmental projects in the district like Tunnel on Mughal Road, Two laning of Mandi-Buffliaz road, Construction of University Campus at Dingla, Construction of G&B Hostel at Surankote, Construction of DDC Buildings, Widening of Chandak-Mandi Road, Construction of bridge on Mandi River and other works.

She added that as many as 128 schemes have been approved under JJM and more than 450 Handspumps are to be installed  to provide drinking water to the people.

She added that CT Scans, Kidney Dialysis and Laproscopic surgeries are now available in District Hospital Poonch which provides lot of relief to the poors.

She also lauded the RDD departments for receiving awards for best performing district in PMAY G scheme and JK Police for maintaining law and order and curbing drug menace in the district.

A scintillating cultural program based on the theme of nationalism and integrity was presented by the students of degree College/Schools and other Cultural groups of the district.

 The programme culminated with the presentation of prizes among the participants. Trophies and momentos were presented to the winners of March past parade and cultural activities.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Yasin M. Choudhary hoisted the flag at DC Office Poonch.

Independence Day was celebrated across all the Government Offices, Degree Colleges, Govt ITIs & Polytechnic Colleges, Schools and also at Block and Panchayat Level where concerned BDC Chairpersons/Sarpanches hoisted the National Flag.

As a part of the ceremony ‘Amrit Concert’ was also organized at Sports Stadium Poonch which attracted a huge gathering.

During the programme various local artists and renowned Singers and groups of District Poonch enthralled the audience with the colorful performances.