KATHUA: The 67th Republic Day was celebrated with zeal and fervor at Kathua. The main function was held at Sports Stadium, Kathua.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Ramesh Kumar hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the parade comprising contingents drawn from Police, CRPF, Forest Protection Force, Police training School, Kathua, NCC and platoons from various Government/ Private schools besides Pipers.
While congratulating the people on 67th Republic Day Function, DC Kathua Ramesh Kumar said that it is a matter of pride and honor to celebrate this day. He said the day has immense importance as on very this day Mahatma Gandhi started Swaraj movement which has further ignited the freedom struggle during the British rule. He also remembered Mahatma Gandhi, Subash Chander Bose, Bhagat Singh, Ashfaaq Ullah Khan during his address, paid tribute to the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for attaining freedom.
He said with the opening of Basohli Cable Stay Bridge the connectivity with Punjab and Himachal state will be improved and tourism potential of the area will be further explored. He said with the completion of Keerian Gandyal Bridge under interstate connectivity will also improve connectivity.
Referring to the developmental schemes undertaken in the district, DC informed that 62 schemes under PMGSY are going on in the district. He said the district has vigoursly worked on the schemes for women empowerment under which Laadli Beti scheme was seriously taken up to improve the sex ratio in the district.
Under Rural Development Department around 2800 works were taken up out of which 900 works were completed whereas about 1900 works are in execution under which lanes and drains, water conservation, panchayat ghar and renovation of traditional ponds will be completed.
While throwing light on works taken up, DC said that MGNREGA, smart class rooms, employment avenues, tourism etc are key sectors where the district has laid stress to foster the development pace.
Among others MLA Kathua Rajeev Jasrotia, SSP Kathua Neeva, Additional District Development Commissioner, Kathua, Dr Manmohan Singh, SSP Kathua Neeva Jain, DC Exicese, Rajesh Kumar, DC Sales Tax, Puneet Sharma, District Officers, Prominent citizens and large number of people and students were present on the occasion.
Impressive cultural items depicting patriotic themes were also presented by students of various institutions.
Deputy Commissioner also presented Trophies; certificates to the best performers were also presented on the occasion.