The state-level Independence Day function was held at the historic Seri Manch in Mandi which was presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
The chief minister hoisted the national flag and took salute from the contingents of state police, Home Guards, SSB and ITBP. Pranav Chauhan commanded the parade.
While addressing the people, the chief minister announced six per cent dearness allowance (DA) for the state government employees and pensioners from 1 July, 2021. This decision would provide financial benefits of Rs 450 crores to the employees and pensioners.
He also announced enhancement in subsidy being provided to the BPL and APL families on edible oils from existing Rs 10 per litre to Rs 30 per litre to the BPL card holders and from Rs 5 to Rs 10 per litre to the APL card holder for the next four months. This would benefit over 18.71 lakh card holders of the state.
The chief minister also announced Rs 15 crore for Municipal Corporation Mandi to ensure that it carries out its developmental works smoothly.
He said that since last about two years the whole world was fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and the timely and effective steps taken by the prime minister proved life-saving for the citizens of the country. To deal with the adverse economic conditions, the prime minister announced an economic package providing direct financial assistance to the needy people and free vaccine facility to all the citizens.
He said that despite the challenges of Covid-19, the state government has tried to bring the state’s economy back on track by reviving the basic amenities smoothly.
He said that for the prevention of Covid-19, the biggest vaccination drive of the world was launched in the entire country. Himachal Pradesh was among the leading states in this campaign and the steps taken by the state for Covid management have been appreciated by the Government of India.
He said that despite all its best efforts, the state lost over 3500 people due to the pandemic. He also thanked the corona warriors for their selfless services provided by them during the pandemic.
The chief minister paid rich tributes and homage to the freedom fighters, who laid down their lives for the sake of the nation’s pride and glory.
He also extended rich tributes to the martyrs, who made supreme sacrifices for sovereignty of the nation. He said that it was a matter of pride that the country’s first Param Vir Chakra was bestowed on Major Somnath Sharma for his supreme sacrifice and thereafter, Colonel DS Thapa, Captain Vikram Batra and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar also received this highest honour for their unmatchable bravery.
He said that apart from this, the brave soldiers of the state have been honoured with two Ashok Chakras and 1096 gallantry awards for showing exemplary courage and valour. These bravery medals received by the soldiers of the state would continue to inspire the future generations.
The chief minister said that today, under the strong and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has emerged as a strong nation in the world. During last three-and-a-half years, the state government has launched many schemes for the all-round development of the state and welfare of the people.
The CM presented civil services award to national health mission, department of Information technology and Himachal Pradesh state rural livelihood mission and BDO Gohar Nishanat Sharma. The Prerana Satrot Puruskar to Dr. R.K Pruthi and Satpal, Himachal Gaurav Purskar to Subedar Sanjay Kumar, Subedar Major Balwant Singh, Kartar Singh and Rahul Raina. He honored various players of the state excelling in various sports.
He also honoured the sportspersons Ashish Kumar, Priynka Negi, Ritu Negi, Kavita Thakur, Ajay Thakur, Khila Devi, Diksha Thakur, Priynka Thakur, Jyotika Datta, Vikas Thakur and Coach Naresh Kumar. They were also given cash prizes by the Chief Minister.
The chief minister flagged off new fleet of 34 light motor vehicles for police department.
Tableaus of different departments was the main highlight of the event.
A colourful cultural programme was also organised on the occasion.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the Saheed Samarak and paid floral tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of the motherland. He also paid floral tributes to the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi by garlanding his statue.
source : The Tribune