SRINAGAR, AUGUST 15:(KNS) The Independence Day-2021 celebrations were held across Kashmir valley with great fervour and enthusiasm on Sunday.
Apart from the main function held at SK Cricket Stadium Srinagar, the celebrations were held at all districts and the Tehsil headquarters where for the first time in the history of Kashmir the District Development Council (DDC) Chairman/ Chairperson hoisted the tricolour and addressed the participants.
At Anantnag: The main function was held at GDC Boys, Khanabal where Chairman District Development Council Anantnag, Mohammad Yousuf Gorsi unfurled the national flag and took salute at the parade presented by the contingents from CRPF, J&K Police, IRP, F&ES, NCC and schools.
Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairman said that the nation is paying rich tributes to the leaders, freedom fighters and martyrs who made countless sacrifices for the freedom of the country.
Gorsi on the occasion highlighted the covid mitigation efforts besides achievements made by the district under various priority areas including education, healthcare, languishing, back to village, district capex, agriculture and allied sectors, women and youth empowerment, MGNREGA, JJM, water and electricity supply to Anganwadi Centres and schools, rural development, macadamization and road connectivity, social welfare, Nasha Mukt Bharat, industries, self-employment and creation of durable and sustainable assets.
On the occasion, colourful cultural programmes on patriotic themes were presented by students and artists of the district. Besides, the toppers of Online Singing Competition recited the National Anthem.
At the conclusion, the participants who performed excellent and secured positions in March Past, Cultural items and National Anthem Singing Competitions were awarded trophies and certificates. Officials, organisations, sports and media persons were also felicitated for commendable work in their respective fields.
Among others, DDC, PDSJ, Pr. GMC, DIG SKR, SSP, DDC members, officers from Army, CRPF and other security forces, BDC Chairpersons, President MCA, ADDC, ADCs, ASJ, CEO, ACP, ACR, CMO and other officers, ex-ministers, legislators besides general public were present during the celebrations.
The I-Day celebrations were also held at District Court Complex, GMC, Sub-Divisions, Tehsils, Blocks, Schools, Health Institutions and Panchayats of the district.
At Baramulla: Asserting that the youngsters of Jammu and Kashmir believe in peace and tolerance not in violence, District Development Council (DDC) Baramulla, Chairperson, Safeena Beigh today underlined the need of providing appropriate platforms for our youth so that their empowerment in terms of sustainable opportunities is achieved. She added that youth of the present era believe in democracy and want to adopt all such means and measures that lies within the purview of democratic framework.
The chairperson made these remarks on the occasion of the 75th Independence day celebration where she hoisted the national flag.
The main function in district Baramulla was organized at District Police Lines wherein the DDC Chairperson inspected the parade and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, BSF, Fire and emergency services, Home guards students among other bands.
While applauding the initiatives taken by UT administration towards youth empowerment, Safeena Beigh said that the recently launched “Mission Youth” is a welcome step and more needs to be done in this regard. She urged upon the youth to come forward and avail the benefits that can reach to them by virtue of different welfare schemes and programmes.
“Baramulla is a glaring example of communal harmony where people of different beliefs and faiths co-exist peacefully”, Safeena Beigh added. “For a nation to achieve the heights of progress and prosperity, it is imperative to promote brotherhood and peace among communities and take every stakeholder on board”, the DDC Chairperson remarked.
Expressing gratitude from various quarters and the Prime Minister in particular, for his initiatives with regard to women empowerment, the DDC chairperson said that women can change the socio-economic scenario of the nation if they are heard fairly and the right opportunities are provided to them.
Beigh reiterated that the much required women reservation bill, that is pending in the parliament, needs to be passed so that women get due representation in the legislature.
The DDC Chairperson further added that institutions of democracy have been strengthened at grass roots level which can achieve the vision of transparent and accountable governance besides enhancing the quality of public service delivery.
Enlisting various achievements recorded by the district in different sectors, Beigh said that Baramulla district is one among the leading districts which is treading on the path of development with a good pace. She added that the spread of COVID-19 pandemic has been controlled to a large extent which became possible owing to zeal, dedication and enthusiasm of the functionaries of district administration..
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Bhupinder Kumar, DDC members, Officers of judicial administration, DIG North, Officers of Army and Police, heads of various departments, district and sectoral officers besides a huge gathering of people witnessed their overwhelming participation.
Meanwhile, a variety of cultural Programmes were presented which depicted cultural diversity and heritage of the region.
At the conclusion of the function, a prize distribution ceremony was held during which various functionaries were felicitated for showing exemplary and extraordinary services in their respective fields.
At Sopore the Additional Deputy Commissioner Parvez Sajad hoisted the Tricolour at Police Lines Khushal Stadium Sopore and took salute on the march past presented by the contingents of District Police, IRP, CRPF, Home Guard and school children.
At Kupwara: The Chairman, District Development Council (DDC), Kupwara Irfan Sultan Panditpori unfurled the National Flag, took salute and inspected the parade comprising of the contingents of JKP, IRP, CRPF, FPP, JK Home Guards, JKP COVID Awareness Contingent and Police Commandos District Police Lines here.
Vice Chairperson, DDC, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir; Principal, District & Sessions Judge Kupwara, Tasleem Arif; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Imam Din; SSP, Kupwara, Dr. G.V. Sundeep; DDC Members, Senior Civil, Police, CRPF and Army Officers were present on the occasion, besides, PRIs, government employees, school children and public.
Addressing the function, the Chairman DDC congratulated the people on the eve of Independence Day. He said India has emerged as the largest democracy in the world; the benefits of which are percolating down to the common citizens.
Panditpori said that Kupwara district is marching towards a new era of development with special focus under Aspirational District Programme including 14th F.C and Back to Village.
The Chairman on the occasion enlisted the developmental activities being carried out in the district.
Referring to the COVID containment measures, the Chairman expressed his gratitude for the District Administration headed by Deputy Commissioner, Imam Din for achieving the land-sliding progress in eradication of COVID pandemic.
Earlier, on his arrival the Chairman visited the Martyr’s Memorial and laid flowers there.
On the occasion, the National Anthem was sung by the students who were selected at district level in the National Anthem Singing Competition.
Various colourful cultural variety programmes were conducted in which students of different schools and artists participated, which got applause from the people.
At the conclusion of the function, prize distribution was held during which the officers and employees from District administration, Civil and Police were felicitated with Mementos and Certificates of Appreciation by the VIP. Covid Warriors were also awarded on the occasion. Awards were also given to National Anthem Singing Competition winners of Kupwara district.
The proceedings of the event were conducted by Master, G.M. Dar.
At District Court Complex Kupwara, Principal, District & Sessions Judge, Tasleem Arif unfurled the National Flag and took salute. The National Anthem was also sung at the occasion.
At Sub Division Handwara, Chairman Municipal Committee Handwara, Masroor Ahmad Banday hoisted the National Flag at DPL Handwara and took salute on the parade. Cultural programmes were also held on the occasion.
At Langate, President Municipal Committee Langate, M Sadiq Mir hoisted the National Flag and took salute on the parade.
At Sogam sub division, SDM Lolab, Aijaz Ahmad hoisted the tricolour and took salute on the parade. BDC Chairpersons of Sogam and Wavoora blocks unfurled the National Flag at respective Block development offices.
At Karnah sub division, SDM Karnah, Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Rather hoisted the tricolour and took salute on the parade. At Teetwal, situated at Line of Actual Control, the National Flag was hoisted by BDC Chairperson, Nishada Bano.
At Town Hall Kupwara, Chairman, Municipal Council Kupwara, Reyaz Ahmad Mir hoisted the National Flag and took salute.
National Flag was also hoisted in all 385 panchayats, 53 Higher Secondary Schools, 102 High Schools, 700 Middle schools, 889 Primary schools of the district.
At Ganderbal: The District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson Ganderbal, Nuzhat Ishfaq unfurled the National Flag on eve of 75th Independence Day function and took salute at the parade held at Qamariya ground, here.
In her address, the DDC Chairperson congratulated the people of Ganderbal and highlighted various developmental achievements registered by district administration in different sectors in the district besides implementation of welfare schemes as on 75th Independence Day.
The DDC Chairperson said that with the establishment of 3-tier Panchayat Raj system, the dream of “Governance at Door Steps” has become reality and government has proposed Rs 41 crore plan through PRIs, BDCs and DDCs in which 2106 works will be completed through various line departments. Besides, empowerment of Panchayat Raj Institution is on the priority agenda of the Government, she added.
To give flip to the developmental activities in the district, she said that 73 projects are approved under Languishing Projects at the cost of Rs 206.92 crore due to which the developmental scenario of the district will get changed and most of services would be available at the door steps of general public, once these projects get completed.
Besides, work on several other projects under different departments is also in full swing which include bridges, Health centres and Bus Adda which is being constructed at the cost of Rs 12 crore.
The function concluded with distribution of prizes among Covid Warriors and students who got I, II and III positions in National Anthem Singing Competition at district level.
The event was witnessed by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Krittika Jyotsna, DDC Vice-chairperson Ganderbal, Bilal Ahmad, District and Sessions Judge, SSP Ganderbal, President Municipal Council Ganderbal, ADDC, ADC, DDCs, BDC Chairpersons, Municipal Councilors besides various other officers and officials from Police and District Administration.
The Independence Day was celebrated at District Court Complex Ganderbal where Principal District & Sessions Judge Ganderbal, Shazia Tabasum unfurled the National Flag followed by playing of the National Anthem.
Meanwhile, flag hoisting ceremony was also held at Sub-Division Kangan, Panchayats, Blocks and Schools of the district.
At Budgam: On the eve of Independence Day, the main function was held at Sports Stadium Ground Budgam where District Development Council (DDC) Chairman, Nazir Ahmad Khan unfurled the tricolour, took salute on the march past presented by the contingents from JKP, JKAP, CRPF, Home guards, NCC Cadets besides Contingent of education institutions also took part in the march past.
The function was also attended by President Municipal Council Budgam Mehraj-u-din Dar, DDC & BDC Members, Deputy Commissioner Budgam Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza, SSP Budgam Tahir Saleem, other senior civil, police and military officers besides other concerned.
Addressing the gathering assembled, the DDC Chairman extended heart full greetings to the people and offered tributes to those brave men and brave hearts of the nation who sacrificed their precious lives in order to secure freedom.
Khan in his address lauded the relentless efforts and proactive and timely initiatives taken by District administration and equally supported by all other concerned agencies and departments particularly Health department Budgam to control spread of Covid-19.
He said that the Oxygen plants are coming up at three places in the district including at Beerwah, Charar I sharief and Magam to deal with any danger and risk associated with the contemplated 3rd wave of Covid-19 Pandemic.
Khan hailed the efforts and initiatives made by district Administration in ensuring that the district Capex Budget that has been fixed at Rs 791 Cr for the Financial year of 2021-2022 will be spent on equal parameters and an equitable share is set for each priority sector touching all schemes and projects.
He said that, it is also a good indication that spending now onwards has been put under decentralized planning where in each panchayat, Block developmental council and DDC council will design and draft the plan of works to be executed.
The Chairman informed the gathering that works on 4641 new developmental projects have been taken up and are under execution during this financial year; 225 cases were sanctioned under the State Marriage assistance scheme.
He also outlined that 48 Languishing Projects in the District have been completed which will definitely benefit General public of Budgam.
Later on, impressive, cultural shows were presented and displayed enthusiastically appreciated by the audience.
During the award distribution ceremony, many officers, employees, Covid warriors were felicitated with awards, mementos and appreciation certificates for their dedication and meritorious work.
The Chairman also inaugurated the various flagships schemes/ programmes and achievements particularly of MGNREGA at Budgam, library reading room at District Headquarter and New building PHC at Pethmakhama Magam.
Similar functions were also held at all sub divisions, Tehsil, block level, all 296 panchayats and 921 educational institutions where designated authorities unfurled the tricolor, inspected the march past.
Principal District and Sessions Judge Budgam, Ashraf Malik also unfurled the tricolor at District Court Complex Budgam. The program was attended by officers from the judiciary besides advocates.
Besides 1131 beneficiaries were felicitated by DDC Chairman, DC Budgam, DDC & BDC members with sanction letters, certificates and also some machinery, equipment was also distributed among the beneficiaries at a function held at Sheikh-ul-Alam Hall and in other areas of district at panchayat/block/District level.
At Pulwama: A grand function was today organized at DPL Pulwama where Chairperson District Development Council (DDC) Pulwama, Syed Abdul Bari unfurled the National Flag and took salute at parade comprising contingents from Police, JKP Women’s Wing, Commando Plateau, CRPF, JKAP, IRP, Fire & Emergency, Home Guard, Forest Protection Force, DYS&S Contingent and NCC Cadets.
In his address, DDC Chairman extended his warmest greetings on Independence Day to the people of the district and recalled the great struggle, sacrifices of martyrs who have laid down their lives for upholding the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
The Chairman on the occasion highlighted various developmental works and achievements of the district particularly in Agriculture, Horticulture, Industry, R&B and other sectors.
He said the District Pulwama leads in the saffron, Almond, milk and poultry production in Kashmir valley and has potential to make the district economically vibrant and self-sufficient.
While praising the developmental trajectory, Bari said that during the current financial year, the district capex budget of Rs. 407.82 cr. has been approved in respect of Pulwama and the plan was prepared through public/ PRI’s participation and is a community need based plan.
Besides, an amount of Rs. 57.02 cr. were exclusively earmarked for PRI’s, BDC’s and DDC’s for equitable development of the district, he added.
Highlighting the containment measures against Pandemic, Chairman DDC said that the District Administration with the support of Government has established one COVID Care Centre in each panchayat. Besides this, the District Administration has taken a big step by taking in hand the execution of a separate 200 bedded COVID Hospital at Prichoo Pulwama and is expected to be inaugurated/commissioned within this month.
On the occasion, the Information Department, DYS&S and RDD presented various Cultural items like songs, skits, chakri and Ladishah and Martial Art.
Meanwhile, officers, officials, organizations and individuals were awarded for achieving excellence in public services, Academics, Sports, Arts, Literature and Social Services.
Similar function was held at Awantipora where concerned Chairman Municipal Committee Awantipora, Bilal Ahmad unfurled the national flag, inspected the parade and took salute at the march past.
The national flag was also unfurled at District Court Complex, sub divisions of Pulwama including Tral, Awantipora and Pampore and at various Govt Schools and Colleges.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Baseerul Haq Chaudhry, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Mohd Altaf Khan, SP Pulwama Ashish Mishra, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Chief Medical Officer, All District Civil, Police officers, DDC Members, BDC Members, PRI members, and large no of people were present on the occasion.
At Shopian: The District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson, Shopian, Bilqees Jan hoisted the Tricolour, took salute and inspected the parade presented by contingents of CRPF, JK Police, Fire & Emergency, Home Guard and IRP today on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations held at District Police Lines here.
The DDC Vice-Chairman, DDC & BDC Members, District
Development Commissioner, Shopian, Sachin Kimar Vaishya,
SSP, Shopian, Amrit Paul Singh, ADC, Shopian, Mushtaq Ahmed Simnani, Senior Officers from Civil, and Police were present on the occasion.
In her address, the DDC Chairperson paid tributes to those brave soldiers of the nation who laid their lives in line of duty. She recalled great personalities for their contribution to the country's freedom.
She highlighted the developmental achievements of the district and said that despite the Pandemic, the District Administration in collaboration with DDCs, has completed two NTPHCs at Turkawangam and Gatipora at a cost of Rs.430 lacs adding that 8 NTPHCs with financial implications of Rs.1350 lacs are under execution which is targeted for completion during current financial year.
The Chairperson said that the cost of the Polytechnic College Shopian is targeted for completion during the current financial year, JNV Aglar (new construction) is near to completion.
The Trenz Sheikhpora Bridge, which connects Shopian and Pulwama districts is under construction and is targeted to be completed by September next year, she said, adding that Girls Hostel at Zainapora has been completed during this month.
An amount of Rs.450 lacs has been released this year for upgrading the power infrastructure in the district, she also said.
Under PRI/DDC/BDC, approximately 1800 projects with a financial cost of Rs.4174.82 lacs will be completed by the end of this financial year, 411 developmental works under Back to Village, Three programme with a financial cost of Rs.960.40 lacs has been done, the required machinery has been upgraded to various medical institutions, the Chairperson said.
She said that DDC members in collaboration with District Administration have played a key role in the development of their concerned blocks. She lauded the role of District Administration in socio-economic empowerment of the district.
The DDC also highlighted the achievements registered by the district administration under various flagship schemes/programmes such as MGNREGA, PMGSY, Ladli Beti, Swach Bharat, PM-Kissan, PMAY and the initiatives undertaken in R&B, PHE and power sector.
Later, an impressive cultural programme was presented by the Department of Information and Education . The function concluded with a prize distribution ceremony where various employees were awarded for their meritorious work.
Similar functions were also held at Sub-Divisional and Block Levels.
At Kulgam: The main Independence Day function was held at District Police Lines Kulgam where Chairperson District Development Council, M Afzal Parrey, hoisted the National flag and took salute at the March past presented by the contingents of CRPF, JKP, JKP ladies police group, Home guard, fresh recruits, NCC cadets, Rehber Khel squad.
On the occasion, multiple Cultural programs and musical sessions were held which enthralled the audience.
V.C DDC Kulgam, DDC members, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, SSP, BDC, President Municipal Council, Commandant CRPF 18th battalion, CO 9RR besides officers from civil and police administration and a large number of people participated in the programme.
During his address, the DDC Chairperson congratulated the people on Independence eve and highlighted the importance and historical background of the day.
The Chairperson during his speech also highlighted measures and efforts of the administration employed to deal and combat Covid-19 pandemic. He complimented the administration for establishing Covid care centers in all panchayats.
While highlighting the developmental scenario of the district, Parrey said that the district is progressing in all sectors. He added that out of 94 languishing projects 33 project stands completed at a cost of Rs. 37.66 crore.
Under PMEGP 380 beneficiaries were provided financial assistance of Rs. 3.46 crore to establish self-employment generation units, he said, adding that Rs. 73 crore have been disbursed under PM-KISAN among registered farmers of the district.
With implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission in the district all households will be connected with tap water, said the Chairperson.
He also highlighted achievements recorded in Agriculture, Horticulture, RDD, R&B, Health, Social Welfare, YS&S, PHE and other Departments.
Later, prize distribution ceremony was organized in which covid warriors, officers, officials, academicians, sports persons, progressive farmers were felicitated.
Mehfooz Illahi the Mount Everest scaler, Tanveer Ahmad Khan who secured 2nd rank in IES exam were also felicitated.
National Anthem competition winners were also awarded with certificates.
Meanwhile, the National-Flag was also hoisted by Deputy Commissioner Kulgam at mini-secretariat here, whileas Principal and Sessions Judge Kulgam, Tahir Khurshid Raina unfurled the National Flag at District Court Complex Kulgam.
The Independence Day celebrations were held across the district during which the National Flag was hoisted in Schools, Panchayats, Blocks, Tehsils, Police Stations, Municipalities and all other institutions.
At Bandipora: In connection with the celebration of 75th Independence-Day, functions were held across Bandipora district on Sunday with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour.
The main function was held at SK Stadium Bandipora where Chairman District Development Council (DDC) Bandipora, Abdul Gani Bhat unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of JK Police, Third Battalion CRPF, JKAP, IRP 21 battalion , JK Home Guards, JKSPOs, JKP Band and School. Children and J&K NCC cadets.
Vice Chairperson DDC Bandipora Kounser Shafeeq, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmad, Senior Superintendent of Police Mohammad Zahid and other senior civil, police and military officers were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the DDC Chairman highlighted the importance of the Day and also paid rich tributes to the COVID warriors who worked tirelessly to fight the pandemic. He also presented a detailed report on the developmental front.
While highlighting the achievements of the district last year, Bhat said despite the testing times, the district administration continued developmental works in the district while following all guidelines and SOPs. He said the major success during the last year has been the completion of District Hospital Bandipora, NTPHC Nowgam, and Installation of Oxygen Plant at DH Bandipora, Gujjar Bakerwal Hostel, Polytechnic College, New Dak Bunglow, and Lecture Block at GDC Bandipora etc.
Bhat while thanking the Lieutenant Governor’s Administration for approving new works for the district, said Rs 529 Cr budget has been approved for the current financial year for ongoing 3316 works under different schemes in rural areas. He said 1.50 Sq Kilometers of Wular lake has been dredged so far and work is in progress.
Bhat said the past few months have been tough for the people across the world as they were fighting COVID19 pandemic. He lauded the efforts of the Health workers and other departments who worked round the clock to fight the pandemic.
Later several covid warriors of the district and officers of other departments were presented appreciation certificates for their appreciable service during the year.
Earlier, the National Flag was also hoisted at Mini Secretariat Bandipora. SDM Gurez, SDM Sumbal, DDC members, BDC Chairmen, Sarpanchs, Chairman urban local bodies also hoisted tricolor at respective places and took salute on the march past.
Principal District and sessions judge Mohammad Ibrahim hoisted flag at Court complex while Municipal Chairman Khursheed Ahmad hoisted flag at Gulshan Chowk
Independence Day celebrations and flag hoisting ceremony was also held in 520 schools of the district including 50 High Schools and 26 higher secondary schools wherein students participated with enthusiasm and presented multilingual cultural programmes.
BDC Chairmen hoisted the flags at 12 respective block headquarters while Sarpanchs hoisted flags at their respective 151 Panchayats where a large number of people and youth clubs participated.
Similar functions were also held at Sub-District Level at Sumbal and Gurez besides at Municipal Council and Committee offices and Tehsil Headquarters.(KNS)