69th Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety throughout Himachal Pradesh today. Functions were organised at State, District and Sub-Divisional levels to mark the occasion. Unfurling National Flag, impressive march-past by contingents of Police, Home Guards, NCC, ITBP and cultural programmes were main attractions of the celebrations. People in large number in their traditional attire had started to assemble the venue of functions early morning to witness the celebration.
All major towns of H.P. to be provided Wi-Fi facility
CM announces six percent DA to Employees and pensioners
All the major towns of the State would be provided with smart Wi-Fi facility in this fiscal, said Chief Minister Mr Virbhadra Singh while presiding over State level Independence Day function at Shimla today.
He also announced six percent dearness allowance to the State government employees and pensioners due from 1st January, 2015 thereby putting a burden of Rs. 400 crore to the State exchequer.
While extending his greetings to the people of the State on the occasion, Chief Minister said that the State had progressed rapidly on the path of development since its formation but still we have to tread miles to become the first State in the Country in terms of achieving more milestones in the field of development.
During the last two years and seven months, the Government had ensured welfare of every section of the society and overall equal development of all areas.
Mr Virbhadra Singh said that education had been given highest priority by the government, adding that education was a key to development and educated society leads to strengthening of Nation. To strengthen the educational infrastructure as many as 750 new educational institutions have been opened or upgraded. He said that 22 new colleges had been opened in the State and that too in far-flung and remote areas so as to enable the girl child to have access to higher and quality education at their door-steps. Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) has been opened at Una with an estimated cost of Rs 122 crore. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is also being established in Sirmaur district. An engineering college has be set up at Jeori in Shimla District, he added. He said that laptops or netbooks were being provided to meritorious students of 10th and 12th standard under the Rajiv Gandhi Digital Yojna. Under the scheme, 10 thousand laptops would be provided during the current year, added he.
To make the youth of the State capable for self-employment Rs. 500 Skill Development Scheme was being implemented in the State. Under this scheme eligible candidates are being provided Rs. 1000 per month and physically handicapped are being provided with Rs. 1500 per month as skill development allowance. This year Rs. 100 crore has been allocated for the scheme. This provides the jobless with an opportunity to polish their skills in different trades so that they become of earning their livelihood, said Mr Virbhadra Singh.
Roads are the main mode of transportation in our State. The Government is according highest priority on construction and maintenance of roads. During the two and half years, 1275 new roads and 120 bridges have been constructed. 232 villages have been linked with roads said the Chief Minister.
To provide electricity to every household has always been on priority agenda of our government. The State government was providing subsidized power to the people of the State and recently LED promotion scheme was launched to ensure energy conservation. Under which three LED bulbs would be provided to domestic consumers at half the market price. Rs. 10 per bulb would be recovered from the consumers through their monthly electricity bill.
Mr Virbhadra Singh said that his Government was giving special emphasis on rural development and strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions. Rs. 109 Crore would be released to the panchayats from State budget. Similarly, Rs. 195 Crore would be provided to the panchayats as per recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government was committed for ensuring welfare of workers and employees. The State Government has enhanced daily wages of daily wagers from Rs. 150 to Rs. 180. The Government has introduced Contributed Pension Scheme for MNERGA workers, agriculture and horticulture labourers, shopkeepers and other workers working in unorganized sectors, Anganwari workers and Mid-Day-Meal workers.
Mr Virbhadra Singh said that all the contract employees who had completed five years of regular service on 31st March, 2015 and those daily wagers completing seven years of service on this date would be regularized. All the part time workers completing eight years of regular years on 31st March, 2015 would be made daily wagers.
Besides, the Government has increased the limit of annual income from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 35,000 for availing benefits of various welfare schemes. Our government has taken various initiatives for the welfare of the girl child. The girl child up-till the age of 6 years, would be provided free medical assistance, he said.
Mr Virbhadra Singh said that to ease traffic congestion in Shimla town multipurpose parkings were being constructed at Sanjauli, Chotta Shimla, Vikas Nagar and Lift. Besides to facilitate the tourists Rs 10.50 crore Rope-way project was being constructed from Tuti Kandi Bus Stand to Rani Jhansi Park. The Chief Minister revealed that the Government of India had approved a sum of Rs.170 crore for those areas which were left out to be connected with sewerage system in Shimla.
The Chief Minister honoured Rajinder Singh IAS for commendable services in census operation, 2011 while he was Deputy Commissioner, Hamirpur. Rajinder Singh was conferred upon with Silver medal by Government of India which was today presented to him by the Chief Minister. Presently he is Director, Industries.
Nandita Gupta, IAS was also honoured with silver medal for her commendable efforts in census operation 2011. At present she is Secretary, Science Environment and Technology.
Ram Kumar Gautam, HAS was honoured with silver medal for his contribution in census operation in 2011. At present he is Executive Director, HRTC.
The Chief Minister also flagged off eight ambulances under National Ambulance Services especially to those areas which remains covered with snow during winters. The number of National Ambulance fleet has increased to 196.
Earlier, Mr Virbhadra Singh unfurled the Tricolour and took salute from an impressive march past presented by the contingents of Police, Home-guards, NCC cadets (boys and girls), Bharat Scouts and Guides, NSS volunteers.
The State level celebration was marked by a colourful cultural presentation presented by cultural troupes from various parts of the State. Apart from this aerobatics display by students of Bishop Cotton School and women Police.
ASP Kangra, Ms. Shalini Agnihotri, commanded the parade.
Present on the occasion were Chief Parliament Secretaries, Mr Nand Lal, Mr Mansa Ram and Mr Rohit Thakur, State Youth Congress President, Mr Vikramaditya Singh, Local MLA, Mr Suresh Bhardwaj, Deputy Mayor, Mr Tikendar Panwar, Chairman, Wakf Board, Mr Khwaja Khaillullah, Vice-Chairman, HIMUDA, Mr Yashwant Chazta, Chief Secretary, Mr P. Mitra, Additional Chief Secretaries, Mr V.C. Pharka, Mr P.C. Dhiman and Dr. Mrkant Baldi, DGP, Mr Sanjay Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, HPU, Mr ADN Vajpayee, Advocate General, Mr Shrawan Dogra, Director, Information and Public Relations Dr. M.P. Sood, Deputy Commissioner, Mr Dinesh Malhotra, SP, Mr DW. Negi, other senior civil and police officers amongst others.
Mr Butail said that State Government had implemented various schemes for the welfare of common masses including Skill Development Allowance, MNREGA, housing schemes besides health and foodgrains schemes. He said that 22356 beneficiaries were getting social security pension in Kullu district and more than 2000 developmental works worth Rs. 11.30 crore had been completed under MNREGA in the district.
He also gave away prizes to various persons who excelled in their respective fields.
MLA Mr Karan Singh, Chairman, Wool Federation Mr Raghubir Singh Thakur, former Minister Mr Satya Prakash Thakur, Chairman, Zila Parishad Mr Hari Chand Sharma, prominent people and senior officers were present on the occasion.
Mr G.S. Bali, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister presided over the district level function at Mandi. He announced 25 percent concession in fare to the women travelers in HRTC buses which would be applicable from 17th August besides setting up special women squad for the protection of women. He also announced for posting ‘Mahila Mitra Avam Sahayak Parivahan Nirikshak’ in every bus stand. He said that special buses for women would be plied in various towns of the State and announced launching of ‘Mahila Chalak Kaushal Vikas Yojna’ under which interested woman could get free training in Driving Training Schools of Transport Corporation for two hours daily.
Mr Bali said that State Government was promoting technical education in the State and seven new Industrial Training Institutes at Dodra Kwar, Syari, Bharari, Nagrota Bagwan, Bhadresa and Kotli and Padhar were being opened.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Sohan Lal Thakur, Chairperson Nagar Parishad Smt. Sushila Sonkhala, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Speaking in district level Independence Day function at Nahan in Sirmaur district, Mr Sujan Singh Pathania, MPP and Power Minister said that a sum of Rs. 450 crores were being spent to boost the agriculture sector in the state during current financial year.
Mr Pathania said that State Government has launched Rs. 111 crore Dr. YS Parmar Kissan Swarojgar Yojna to make the rural youths self-reliant. He said that under the scheme 85 percent subsidy were being provided to farmers for setting up Poly Houses and micro irrigation facilities. Besides, State Government had also launched Rs. 154 crore Rajiv Gandhi micro irrigation project, under this scheme farmers would be provided Rs. 113 crore subsidies on micro irrigation facilities, he added.
He said that in order to provide uninterrupted power supply to the people of the district, State Government had spent more than Rs. 61 crore for strengthening of electricity infrastructure. Besides, Rs. 17 crore spent under Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyut Yojna in Sirmaur district.
Earlier, Agriculture Minister paid floral tributes to martyrs at Saheed Smark.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Vinay Kumar, MLAs Mr Kirnesh Jang and Dr. Rajiv Bindal, Chairman Employment Generation & Resource Moblization, Mr Harshvardhan Chauhan, Chairman Himfed Kanwar Ajay Bahadur Singh, President DCC Ajay Solanki were also present on the occasion.
Presiding over the function at Hamirpur, Forest Minister Mr Thakur Singh Bharmouri said that State Government was committed for the preservation of ecology and expansion of forest wealth through effective implementation of various afforestation programmes. He said that State has made major strides in development and emerged as an ideal hill State in the country.
He said the State Government has fixed the target of bringing 8712.45 hectares of additional area under forests by spending Rs. 45 crores under various schemes during current financial year. Plantation had been carried out on 29745 hectare of land during past two and half years.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr I.D Lakhanpal, Vice Chairman Disaster Management Authority Mr Rajinder Rana, Vice Chairman KCCB Mr Kuldeep Pathania, Ex CPS Smt. Anita Verma, Ex MLA Mr Manjeet Singh Dogra, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were present in function.
Mr Mukesh Agnihotri, Industries Minister presided over the independence day function at Dharamshala in Kangra district. He said that State Government was ensuring balanced and uniform development of the State and every section of the society. He said that three new industrial areas were being developed in the State which included Kandori in Kangra district, Dabhota in Solan and Pandoga in Una district which would go a long way providing employment opportunities to the youth of the State. He said that Rs. 107 crore would be spent on developing Kandori as industrial area.
He said that Dharamshala had been selected in the list of Smart Cities which would be helpful in providing standard facilities for the tourists as well as local people. He said that State Government had approved construction of Rs. 200 crore Aadi-Himani Chamunda ropeway and Rs. 130 crore Dharamshala-Macleodganj ropeway which would boost tourism activities in the district. He said that the State Government had also started Rajiv Gandhi Engineering College at Nagrota Bagwan and a provision of Rs. 90 crore had been made for it.
He also honoured various persons for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
Prime Minister of Tibetan Government-in-exile Mr Lobsang Sangyal Rimponche, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr Neeraj Bharati and Mr Jagjivan Pal, MLA Mr Sanjay Rattan, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Minister paid floral tributes at Shaheed Smarak at Dharamshala.
Speaking on the district level Independence Day function at Una, Mr Sudhir Sharma, Urban Development Minister said that Himachal Pradesh had made tremendous progress after coming into existence and today it became the role model of development for other hilly States. He said that the credit for this goes to Congress Governments who ruled the State for most of the period.
Mr Sudhir Sharma said that channelization of Swan river had proved boon to the residents of the district and Rs. 922 crore was being spent on channelization of Swan river and its 73 tributaries. He said that IIIT had been provided for Una district on which Rs.122 crore was being spent on creation of infrastructure and other facilities.
He also distributed prizes to the outstanding players and other persons who excelled in their respective fields.
Ex Deputy Speaker, Vidhan Sabha Mr Ram Dass Malangar, President, District Congress Mr Virender Dharmani, other prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Presiding over the district level function at Chamba, Excise and Taxation Minister Mr Prakash Chaudhary remembered the great sacrifices of those who fought for independence and lost their lives for independent Nation.
Underscoring the overall development in Himachal, Mr Chaudhary said during the regime of present Government, about 1300 km. new roads had been constructed thereby connecting 232 villages with road facility. As many as 120 bridges were also completed during the period, he added.
Talking about pace of development in Chamba district, the Minister said apart from completion of various development schemes, 5490 eligible applicants were benefited under Skilled Development Allowance programme.
MLA Mr BK Chauhan, District Congress Committee President Mr Surender Bhardwaj, former MLA Mr Gandharav Singh, Chairman District Marketing Committee Mr Neeraj Nayyar, prominent persons and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister presided over the function at Bilaspur. He said that people of the State were grateful and will ever remain indebted to those freedom fighters and soldiers who had shown us the light of freedom by sacrificing their own-self for the sake of the Nation. He said that the State Government was committed for the welfare of ex-servicemen, freedom fighters and their families. He said that State Government had enhanced the honorarium of freedom fighters from Rs. 7500 to Rs. 10,000.
He said that State Government had increased the social security pension for old, widows and handicapped from Rs. 450 to Rs. 600 per month. Those above the age of 80 years would be provided monthly pension of Rs.1100, he added. He said that 25010 eligible beneficiaries were getting social security pension in the district on which Rs. 21.48 crore were being spent.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Rajesh Dharmani, Chairman, State Planning Development and 20 Point Programme Implementation Committee Mr Ram Lal Thakur, MLA Mr Bambar Thakur, Ex MLAs Mr Babu Ram Gautam, Mr Tilak Raj and Dr. Biru Ram Kishore, prominent persons and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Presiding over the district level function at Solan, Mr Anil Sharma, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister said that State Government was implementing various innovative schemes for betterment of rural areas in the State. He said that State Government would implement
Solid and Waste Management in 477 panchayats. He said that 10,000 houses were being constructed by spending Rs. 75 crore under Indira and Rajiv Awas Yojna during this financial year to provide housing facilities to houseless families.
He said that Rs. 109 crore were being spent for strengthening of panchayats besides Rs. 195 crore would be released to panchayats as recommended by 14th Finance Commission. He said that Solan district had emerged as a centre of vegetable production and 9430 hectare area had been brought under vegetable production.
Ex MLA Major Krishna Mohini, Chairperson Zila Parishad Ms. Sheela Kumari, President, Nagar Parishad Mr Kulrakesh Pant, General Secretary, State Congress Committee Mr Vinod Sultanpuri, President, District Congress Committee Mr Rahul Thakur, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Mr Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha presided over the district level function at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district. He said that tremendous progress had been witnessed during last two and half years in Kinnaur district. He said that 26 kms motor roads, five kms. jeepable roads and three bridges had been constructed by the present State Government in the district. He said that State Government had metalled Choling link road via Urni-Tapri by spending Rs. 5.47 crore.
Chairperson Zila Parishad Smt. Priyanka Negi, President District Congress Mr Umesh Negi, President, Kinnaur Mahila Congress Ms. Saroj Negi, prominent persons and senior officers were present on the occasion.
Acting Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul-Spiti Mr Surjeet Singh Rathore unfurled the National flag on the occasion of district level independence day function at Keylong.
MLA Mr Ravi Thakur, other prominent persons and senior officers were present on the occasion.
All major towns of H.P. to be provided Wi-Fi facility
CM announces six percent DA to Employees and pensioners
All the major towns of the State would be provided with smart Wi-Fi facility in this fiscal, said Chief Minister Mr Virbhadra Singh while presiding over State level Independence Day function at Shimla today.
He also announced six percent dearness allowance to the State government employees and pensioners due from 1st January, 2015 thereby putting a burden of Rs. 400 crore to the State exchequer.
While extending his greetings to the people of the State on the occasion, Chief Minister said that the State had progressed rapidly on the path of development since its formation but still we have to tread miles to become the first State in the Country in terms of achieving more milestones in the field of development.
During the last two years and seven months, the Government had ensured welfare of every section of the society and overall equal development of all areas.
Mr Virbhadra Singh said that education had been given highest priority by the government, adding that education was a key to development and educated society leads to strengthening of Nation. To strengthen the educational infrastructure as many as 750 new educational institutions have been opened or upgraded. He said that 22 new colleges had been opened in the State and that too in far-flung and remote areas so as to enable the girl child to have access to higher and quality education at their door-steps. Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) has been opened at Una with an estimated cost of Rs 122 crore. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is also being established in Sirmaur district. An engineering college has be set up at Jeori in Shimla District, he added. He said that laptops or netbooks were being provided to meritorious students of 10th and 12th standard under the Rajiv Gandhi Digital Yojna. Under the scheme, 10 thousand laptops would be provided during the current year, added he.
To make the youth of the State capable for self-employment Rs. 500 Skill Development Scheme was being implemented in the State. Under this scheme eligible candidates are being provided Rs. 1000 per month and physically handicapped are being provided with Rs. 1500 per month as skill development allowance. This year Rs. 100 crore has been allocated for the scheme. This provides the jobless with an opportunity to polish their skills in different trades so that they become of earning their livelihood, said Mr Virbhadra Singh.
Roads are the main mode of transportation in our State. The Government is according highest priority on construction and maintenance of roads. During the two and half years, 1275 new roads and 120 bridges have been constructed. 232 villages have been linked with roads said the Chief Minister.
To provide electricity to every household has always been on priority agenda of our government. The State government was providing subsidized power to the people of the State and recently LED promotion scheme was launched to ensure energy conservation. Under which three LED bulbs would be provided to domestic consumers at half the market price. Rs. 10 per bulb would be recovered from the consumers through their monthly electricity bill.
Mr Virbhadra Singh said that his Government was giving special emphasis on rural development and strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions. Rs. 109 Crore would be released to the panchayats from State budget. Similarly, Rs. 195 Crore would be provided to the panchayats as per recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government was committed for ensuring welfare of workers and employees. The State Government has enhanced daily wages of daily wagers from Rs. 150 to Rs. 180. The Government has introduced Contributed Pension Scheme for MNERGA workers, agriculture and horticulture labourers, shopkeepers and other workers working in unorganized sectors, Anganwari workers and Mid-Day-Meal workers.
Mr Virbhadra Singh said that all the contract employees who had completed five years of regular service on 31st March, 2015 and those daily wagers completing seven years of service on this date would be regularized. All the part time workers completing eight years of regular years on 31st March, 2015 would be made daily wagers.
Besides, the Government has increased the limit of annual income from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 35,000 for availing benefits of various welfare schemes. Our government has taken various initiatives for the welfare of the girl child. The girl child up-till the age of 6 years, would be provided free medical assistance, he said.
Mr Virbhadra Singh said that to ease traffic congestion in Shimla town multipurpose parkings were being constructed at Sanjauli, Chotta Shimla, Vikas Nagar and Lift. Besides to facilitate the tourists Rs 10.50 crore Rope-way project was being constructed from Tuti Kandi Bus Stand to Rani Jhansi Park. The Chief Minister revealed that the Government of India had approved a sum of Rs.170 crore for those areas which were left out to be connected with sewerage system in Shimla.
HONOURS
Sh Virbhadra Singh honoured Sh Kuldeep Singh father of Paras Rathour, a 12 year student of Saint Edwards School Shimla who died in an accident for deciding to donate the body organs of his son for transplantation to needy.The Chief Minister honoured Rajinder Singh IAS for commendable services in census operation, 2011 while he was Deputy Commissioner, Hamirpur. Rajinder Singh was conferred upon with Silver medal by Government of India which was today presented to him by the Chief Minister. Presently he is Director, Industries.
Nandita Gupta, IAS was also honoured with silver medal for her commendable efforts in census operation 2011. At present she is Secretary, Science Environment and Technology.
Ram Kumar Gautam, HAS was honoured with silver medal for his contribution in census operation in 2011. At present he is Executive Director, HRTC.
The Chief Minister also flagged off eight ambulances under National Ambulance Services especially to those areas which remains covered with snow during winters. The number of National Ambulance fleet has increased to 196.
Earlier, Mr Virbhadra Singh unfurled the Tricolour and took salute from an impressive march past presented by the contingents of Police, Home-guards, NCC cadets (boys and girls), Bharat Scouts and Guides, NSS volunteers.
The State level celebration was marked by a colourful cultural presentation presented by cultural troupes from various parts of the State. Apart from this aerobatics display by students of Bishop Cotton School and women Police.
ASP Kangra, Ms. Shalini Agnihotri, commanded the parade.
Present on the occasion were Chief Parliament Secretaries, Mr Nand Lal, Mr Mansa Ram and Mr Rohit Thakur, State Youth Congress President, Mr Vikramaditya Singh, Local MLA, Mr Suresh Bhardwaj, Deputy Mayor, Mr Tikendar Panwar, Chairman, Wakf Board, Mr Khwaja Khaillullah, Vice-Chairman, HIMUDA, Mr Yashwant Chazta, Chief Secretary, Mr P. Mitra, Additional Chief Secretaries, Mr V.C. Pharka, Mr P.C. Dhiman and Dr. Mrkant Baldi, DGP, Mr Sanjay Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, HPU, Mr ADN Vajpayee, Advocate General, Mr Shrawan Dogra, Director, Information and Public Relations Dr. M.P. Sood, Deputy Commissioner, Mr Dinesh Malhotra, SP, Mr DW. Negi, other senior civil and police officers amongst others.
Kullu :
Mr B.B.L. Butail, Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha presided over district-level function at Kullu. He said that State Government was committed to provide transparent and accountable administration to the people. He said that State Government was implementing Public Services Guarantee Act to provide services in a time bound manner and all essential services of various departments had been brought under its ambit.Mr Butail said that State Government had implemented various schemes for the welfare of common masses including Skill Development Allowance, MNREGA, housing schemes besides health and foodgrains schemes. He said that 22356 beneficiaries were getting social security pension in Kullu district and more than 2000 developmental works worth Rs. 11.30 crore had been completed under MNREGA in the district.
He also gave away prizes to various persons who excelled in their respective fields.
MLA Mr Karan Singh, Chairman, Wool Federation Mr Raghubir Singh Thakur, former Minister Mr Satya Prakash Thakur, Chairman, Zila Parishad Mr Hari Chand Sharma, prominent people and senior officers were present on the occasion.
Mandi :
Mr G.S. Bali, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister presided over the district level function at Mandi. He announced 25 percent concession in fare to the women travelers in HRTC buses which would be applicable from 17th August besides setting up special women squad for the protection of women. He also announced for posting ‘Mahila Mitra Avam Sahayak Parivahan Nirikshak’ in every bus stand. He said that special buses for women would be plied in various towns of the State and announced launching of ‘Mahila Chalak Kaushal Vikas Yojna’ under which interested woman could get free training in Driving Training Schools of Transport Corporation for two hours daily.
Mr Bali said that State Government was promoting technical education in the State and seven new Industrial Training Institutes at Dodra Kwar, Syari, Bharari, Nagrota Bagwan, Bhadresa and Kotli and Padhar were being opened.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Sohan Lal Thakur, Chairperson Nagar Parishad Smt. Sushila Sonkhala, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Nahan :
Speaking in district level Independence Day function at Nahan in Sirmaur district, Mr Sujan Singh Pathania, MPP and Power Minister said that a sum of Rs. 450 crores were being spent to boost the agriculture sector in the state during current financial year.
Mr Pathania said that State Government has launched Rs. 111 crore Dr. YS Parmar Kissan Swarojgar Yojna to make the rural youths self-reliant. He said that under the scheme 85 percent subsidy were being provided to farmers for setting up Poly Houses and micro irrigation facilities. Besides, State Government had also launched Rs. 154 crore Rajiv Gandhi micro irrigation project, under this scheme farmers would be provided Rs. 113 crore subsidies on micro irrigation facilities, he added.
He said that in order to provide uninterrupted power supply to the people of the district, State Government had spent more than Rs. 61 crore for strengthening of electricity infrastructure. Besides, Rs. 17 crore spent under Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyut Yojna in Sirmaur district.
Earlier, Agriculture Minister paid floral tributes to martyrs at Saheed Smark.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Vinay Kumar, MLAs Mr Kirnesh Jang and Dr. Rajiv Bindal, Chairman Employment Generation & Resource Moblization, Mr Harshvardhan Chauhan, Chairman Himfed Kanwar Ajay Bahadur Singh, President DCC Ajay Solanki were also present on the occasion.
Hamirpur :
Presiding over the function at Hamirpur, Forest Minister Mr Thakur Singh Bharmouri said that State Government was committed for the preservation of ecology and expansion of forest wealth through effective implementation of various afforestation programmes. He said that State has made major strides in development and emerged as an ideal hill State in the country.
He said the State Government has fixed the target of bringing 8712.45 hectares of additional area under forests by spending Rs. 45 crores under various schemes during current financial year. Plantation had been carried out on 29745 hectare of land during past two and half years.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr I.D Lakhanpal, Vice Chairman Disaster Management Authority Mr Rajinder Rana, Vice Chairman KCCB Mr Kuldeep Pathania, Ex CPS Smt. Anita Verma, Ex MLA Mr Manjeet Singh Dogra, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were present in function.
Dharamshala :
Mr Mukesh Agnihotri, Industries Minister presided over the independence day function at Dharamshala in Kangra district. He said that State Government was ensuring balanced and uniform development of the State and every section of the society. He said that three new industrial areas were being developed in the State which included Kandori in Kangra district, Dabhota in Solan and Pandoga in Una district which would go a long way providing employment opportunities to the youth of the State. He said that Rs. 107 crore would be spent on developing Kandori as industrial area.
He said that Dharamshala had been selected in the list of Smart Cities which would be helpful in providing standard facilities for the tourists as well as local people. He said that State Government had approved construction of Rs. 200 crore Aadi-Himani Chamunda ropeway and Rs. 130 crore Dharamshala-Macleodganj ropeway which would boost tourism activities in the district. He said that the State Government had also started Rajiv Gandhi Engineering College at Nagrota Bagwan and a provision of Rs. 90 crore had been made for it.
He also honoured various persons for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
Prime Minister of Tibetan Government-in-exile Mr Lobsang Sangyal Rimponche, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries Mr Neeraj Bharati and Mr Jagjivan Pal, MLA Mr Sanjay Rattan, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Minister paid floral tributes at Shaheed Smarak at Dharamshala.
Una :
Speaking on the district level Independence Day function at Una, Mr Sudhir Sharma, Urban Development Minister said that Himachal Pradesh had made tremendous progress after coming into existence and today it became the role model of development for other hilly States. He said that the credit for this goes to Congress Governments who ruled the State for most of the period.
Mr Sudhir Sharma said that channelization of Swan river had proved boon to the residents of the district and Rs. 922 crore was being spent on channelization of Swan river and its 73 tributaries. He said that IIIT had been provided for Una district on which Rs.122 crore was being spent on creation of infrastructure and other facilities.
He also distributed prizes to the outstanding players and other persons who excelled in their respective fields.
Ex Deputy Speaker, Vidhan Sabha Mr Ram Dass Malangar, President, District Congress Mr Virender Dharmani, other prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Chamba :
Presiding over the district level function at Chamba, Excise and Taxation Minister Mr Prakash Chaudhary remembered the great sacrifices of those who fought for independence and lost their lives for independent Nation.
Underscoring the overall development in Himachal, Mr Chaudhary said during the regime of present Government, about 1300 km. new roads had been constructed thereby connecting 232 villages with road facility. As many as 120 bridges were also completed during the period, he added.
Talking about pace of development in Chamba district, the Minister said apart from completion of various development schemes, 5490 eligible applicants were benefited under Skilled Development Allowance programme.
MLA Mr BK Chauhan, District Congress Committee President Mr Surender Bhardwaj, former MLA Mr Gandharav Singh, Chairman District Marketing Committee Mr Neeraj Nayyar, prominent persons and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Bilaspur :
Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister presided over the function at Bilaspur. He said that people of the State were grateful and will ever remain indebted to those freedom fighters and soldiers who had shown us the light of freedom by sacrificing their own-self for the sake of the Nation. He said that the State Government was committed for the welfare of ex-servicemen, freedom fighters and their families. He said that State Government had enhanced the honorarium of freedom fighters from Rs. 7500 to Rs. 10,000.
He said that State Government had increased the social security pension for old, widows and handicapped from Rs. 450 to Rs. 600 per month. Those above the age of 80 years would be provided monthly pension of Rs.1100, he added. He said that 25010 eligible beneficiaries were getting social security pension in the district on which Rs. 21.48 crore were being spent.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Rajesh Dharmani, Chairman, State Planning Development and 20 Point Programme Implementation Committee Mr Ram Lal Thakur, MLA Mr Bambar Thakur, Ex MLAs Mr Babu Ram Gautam, Mr Tilak Raj and Dr. Biru Ram Kishore, prominent persons and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Solan:
Presiding over the district level function at Solan, Mr Anil Sharma, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister said that State Government was implementing various innovative schemes for betterment of rural areas in the State. He said that State Government would implement
Solid and Waste Management in 477 panchayats. He said that 10,000 houses were being constructed by spending Rs. 75 crore under Indira and Rajiv Awas Yojna during this financial year to provide housing facilities to houseless families.
He said that Rs. 109 crore were being spent for strengthening of panchayats besides Rs. 195 crore would be released to panchayats as recommended by 14th Finance Commission. He said that Solan district had emerged as a centre of vegetable production and 9430 hectare area had been brought under vegetable production.
Ex MLA Major Krishna Mohini, Chairperson Zila Parishad Ms. Sheela Kumari, President, Nagar Parishad Mr Kulrakesh Pant, General Secretary, State Congress Committee Mr Vinod Sultanpuri, President, District Congress Committee Mr Rahul Thakur, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Reckong Peo :
Mr Jagat Singh Negi, Deputy Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha presided over the district level function at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district. He said that tremendous progress had been witnessed during last two and half years in Kinnaur district. He said that 26 kms motor roads, five kms. jeepable roads and three bridges had been constructed by the present State Government in the district. He said that State Government had metalled Choling link road via Urni-Tapri by spending Rs. 5.47 crore.
Chairperson Zila Parishad Smt. Priyanka Negi, President District Congress Mr Umesh Negi, President, Kinnaur Mahila Congress Ms. Saroj Negi, prominent persons and senior officers were present on the occasion.
Keylong
Acting Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul-Spiti Mr Surjeet Singh Rathore unfurled the National flag on the occasion of district level independence day function at Keylong.
MLA Mr Ravi Thakur, other prominent persons and senior officers were present on the occasion.
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