68th Republic Day Celebrated with enthusiasm in Himachal Pradesh

Dharamshala, January 26, 2017: 68th Republic Day was celebrated with gaiety and fervour beside a rough weather in Himachal Pradesh. Functions were organised at State, District, and Sub-Divisional level to mark the occasion.

Governor Acharya Devvrat unfurled the National Flag and took the salute during a march past at the State-level Republic Day function held on the historic Ridge Maidan, Shimla amidst temperature plummeting down to 3 degrees.

The Governor inspected the parade and took salute from an impressive march past.

The Lady Governor Smt. Darshana Devi, Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh, his wife Smt.Pratibha Singh were also present on the occasion.

Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha Shri Brij Behari Lal Butail presided over the district level Republic Day function at Dharamshala amid heavy downpour.

Speaking on the occasion, he said," Himachal Pradesh had emerged as a role model of development for the hilly States of the country. State Government had fulfilled its all promises during last four years and various milestones of development had been set up during this period."He said that Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha has emerged a pioneer State in effective implementation of e-vidhan system which had made proceedings of Vidhan Sabha paperless.

He said that 40575 youth of the district had been provided skill development allowance worth Rs. 30 crore. He said that Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda was being strengthened and several super speciality facilities provided in the institution. He said that two ropeways worth Rs. 350 crore had been sanctioned which include Dharamshala-Mecleodganj and Chamuda-Himani Chamunda.

Earlier, he paid glowing tributes to martyrs at Shaeed Samarak at Dharamshala.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Shri Kaul Singh Thakur presided over the district level Republic Day function at Seri Manch, Mandi.

In his address Thakur remembered the invaluable contributions of the freedom fighters and soldiers who gave supreme sacrifices for the freedom of the country.

Thakur said that the State Government during its present tenure has opened nine Sub Divisions, 14 Tehsils and 29 Sub Tehsils in the State. He said that 550 posts of doctors, 60 posts of specialists, 600 posts of nurses and 502 posts of para medical staff were filled during this period.

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri G.S. Bali unfurled the National Flag at Senior Secondary School Boys, Hamirpur.

Speaking on the occasion, Bali said ,"Rajeev Gandhi Technical Education Scholarship would be started from this year for meritorious students. He said that 1315 new buses had been added to the fleet of State Transport Corporation and 300 new buses would be added soon. He said that 60 volvo buses and 20 deluxe AC buses were being plied for the comfort of commuters and tourists. He announced starting of Hamirpur-Amritsar via Bhota-Una-Jalandhar.

MPP and Power Minister Shri Sujan Singh Pathania presiding at Bilaspur said that 64 lakh LED bulbs had been distributed to the electric consumers on highly subsidized rates for energy consumption.

Forest Minister Shri Thakur Singh Bharmouri presided over the district level function at Chamba. He said that under second phase of Mid Himalayan Watershed Project 900 new panchayats will be included in the state. He said the project would cost Rs.1580 crore.

He also honoured 9 civilians and 6 police personnel for rendering exceptional services. He also gave away awards to the winners of marathon.

Industries Minister Shri Mukesh Agnihotri presided over the function held at Senior Secondary School ground, Una. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Agnihotri said under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh, the State Government had ensured socio-economic upliftment of the people of the State.

A Skill Development Scheme had been launched to benefit the eligible youth and Skill Development allowance of Rs. 1000 per month was being provided.

Urban Development Minister Shri Sudhir Sharma presided over the District-level function held at Nahan in Sirmour district.
He said that master plan would be prepared for Nahan town soon for preserving its rich cultural heritage. He said that DPR for a Rs. 88 crore sewerage scheme has been prepared for Nahan town and work would be started soon after the DPR was approved.
Social Justice, Empowerment and Sainik Welfare Minister Dr. Col. Dhani Ram Shandil presided over the district level function organized at historic Thodo Ground, Solan.

Ayurveda Minister Shri Karan Singh unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the grand parade at Dhalpur ground, Kullu.

The Republic Day was celebrated with fervour at Kinour' district headquarter Reckong Peo and Lahoul Spirit's ,Keylong where a large number of people reportedly participated in the celebrations despite heavy snow fall.