Patriotic fervor, gaiety mark 74th Republic Day Celebration in Jammu Division

Jammu : Patriotic fervor and Nationalistic spirit marked the celebration of 74th Republic Day across Jammu Division. The District Development Council (DDC) Chairpersons hoisted the National Flag at district level functions amid a huge presence of enthusiastic citizens. Impressive Parade by School Children, contingents of Police, Army, NCC and Other Belt Force squads and scintillating cultural presentations by the students and local cultural groups enthralled the audience and added to the festivity mood.

At Kathua: The 74th Republic Day Celebrations was held with patriotic fervour, pomp and gaiety in several places of Kathua district. The main function was held at Sports Stadium where DDC Chairman, Col. Mahan Singh (Retd) unfurled the tricolor and took salute at the March past.

Contingents drawn from Police, PTS, CRPF, Home Guard, Scouts and Guide, NRLM, Boys and Girls wings of NCC battalions besides band squads of Army, Police and schools presented an impressive Parade .

The maiden participation of JKSRLM Women Self Help Group (SHG) members in the Parade was the cynosure of all eyes. While congratulating people, Col Mahan Singh said the day has great significance as on this day India became a Democratic republic by adopting the Constitution.

He said India is marching shoulder to shoulder with fast developing economies of the world. “The diverse and United India signifies the true ethos and strength of our constitution”, he added.
Highlighting the developmental initiatives taken in the District, the DDC Chairman said with the coming up of Government Medical College Kathua, Bio Tech Park and the upcoming mega projects viz Shahpur Kandi Multipurpose & Ujh Barrage Multipurpose Projects the development pace in Kathua has gained great momentum.

He said projects like National Seed Plant, Water Sports Centre at Basohli, Bamboo Craft Centres, and Agriculture Potato farm besides two new national highways will catapult the development profile of the district.

Referring to the good governance initiatives, the DDC chairman said the services through online mode has greatly eased the life of people for these being highly time and cost effective.
The DDC Chairman said the District Kathua has got a record allocation of Rs 2048 cr Capex budget which is being expended on development through active participation of PRIs as per the popular aspirations of the public.

Col Mahan Singh appealed to people to play their role and contribute to the development by availing the benefits of several tailor made schemes offered by different departments and other agencies of the government.

A colorful cultural programme showcasing India’s Rich Cultural heritage was presented by students of participating institutions. DDC also presented trophies, certificates to the best performers in the field of Health and participating parade contingents and cultural performances.

Among others DC Kathua Rahul Pandey, DDC Vice Chairman, Raghunandan Singh, SSP Kathua Shivdeep Singh Jammwal, BDC Chairpersons, DDC members, ULB members, District Officers, prominent civil society members citizens and a large number of people and students were present on the occasion.

Republic Day celebrations were also held at the Sub-division, Tehsil and Block Headquarters of the district.
AT RAJOURI: The 74th Republic Day was celebrated across the Rajouri district with great fervor and national spirit. The celebrations were held at district headquarters, all additional districts, subdivisions and tehsil headquarters and at panchayats.

The main function was organized at District Police Lines Ground Rajouri where the chief guest, District Development Council Chairman, Naseem Liyaqat unfurled the National Flag and took the salute.

The contingents of JKAP, JK Executive Police, JK police band, CRPF, JK FPF, and SPO, NCC senior Boys and girls, NCC JUO Boys and contingents of different schools, EMRs and NRLM also participated in March past, while DySP, Zaheer Abbas commanded the parade.

Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal; DIG Rajouri Poonch, Haseeb Mughal, Senior Officer from CRPF and district administration; and thousands of people thronged the venue to witness the grand celebrations of the national event.

Besides, BDC Rajouri, Darbar Chowdhary; President Bar Association, Adv Qamar Hussain Chowdhury, Ward councillors and other senior citizens and political and social activists also attended the programme.

Braving chilly winter morning, school Children, local artists presented a scintillating cultural show after an impressive Parade by the contingents. The DDC Chairman extended warm greetings to the Rajouri public and highlighted the significance of the day.

Referring to ongoing activities in the district, he said like other districts of UT, Rajouri is also marching on the path of Development. He listed numerous projects taken up to upgrade road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, quality education; Power and water supply, besides provision for providing social security to aged, physically challenged and widows and providing self-employment avenues to unemployed youth in the district.

The DDC Chairman said that with a Government Medical College, the prestigious BGSB University and several Degree colleges, Rajouri has become an educational hub and the local youth were proving their mettle by cracking prestigious All India and state level examinations.

“The GMC building is nearing completion, under BADP, the District has received Rs 24 crores, while against the release of Rs 385 crore, Rs 275 crore has been incurred on different nature of works, free books have been distributed among 75000 students and scholarships have been provided to 46198 Pahari speaking students and 42000 ST/SC students”, he said.

He further informed that 22384 houses under PMAY-G have been completed till date and an amount of Rs 291 crore has been released into the accounts of beneficiaries adding that Double lanning of Abdullah Bridge has been completed, while work on BGSBU road has also been started.

He also mentioned about commissioning of Indoor Stadium at Koteranka completed at an estimated cost of Rs 04 crore, construction of road from GMC Rajouri to BGSBU at an estimated cost of Rs 09 crore, launch of work on 592 KM roads and blacktopping of 235 km, extension of 79335 KCC loans with disbursement of Rs 554 crore and benefit of PM KISAN Saman Nidhi Scheme to 90385 farmers, sanctioning of 293 schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission at an estimated cost of Rs 1942 crore, benefits under SMAS to 577 families and establishment of cradle baby reception centre, old age home and drug de-addiction centre.

The DDC Chairman informed that as many as 4400 Self Help Groups have been constituted in the district under NRLM which comprises 35000 women. ”For the empowerment of women, the LG administration under Mission Youth has launched the Tejaswini scheme which provides interest free loans up to Rs 5.00 lacs, he added.

He also informed that a number of cases have been approved under Tejaswini and MUMKIN scheme under Mission Youth. The DDC Chairman said that the Rajouri district is known all over the UT and country for its rich cultural heritage and communal harmony among people of different faiths.

He also added, “No divisive force should ever be allowed to disrupt this peaceful atmosphere”. The DDC Chairperson also paid tributes to the persons who lost their lives in cowardice militant attack at Dhangri and assured their families that the administration is with them in these hours of grief and best possible assistance would be provided to them on a priority.

The Republic Day celebrations event was well coordinated and managed by the stage secretaries Dr Alam Dar and Sumit Bhargav.

At Poonch: The 74th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit at Sports Stadium Poonch. Chairperson District Development Council Poonch, Tazeem Akhter hoisted the National Flag and took salute on the March Past consisting of contingents of Educational Institutions, NRLM, CRPF, JKP, JKAP, Home Guard, JKPQRT Commando, NCC Cadets, Police Band. DySP DAR, Mohd. Shafiq was the parade commander.

Addressing the mammoth gathering, the DDC Chairperson highlighted the importance of the Day and the guarantees provided to citizens by the Constitution of independent India .

Highlighting progress achieved on the development front in the district, she mentioned projects completed to augment road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, quality education; electricity and water supply besides provision of social security to aged, physically challenged and widows creation of self-employment avenues for unemployed youth in the district.

Listing the achievements, she said the district got Rs 924.26 Cr under CAPEX, while Jobs were provided to 51824 card holders in RDD department, 109 Amrit Sarovars were completed and 19422 and 131 houses were completed under PMAY (G) and PMAY (U) schemes respectively.

She further added that 774 rallies were taken out under Amrit Mahotsav, 250 works were inaugurated under B2V4, as many as 84023 latrines were constricted, 45099 Soaking Pits were constructed under SBM , 380 hand pumps were constructed by the Ground Water Department and 128 water supply schemes have been sanctioned to provided tap connection to 19438 households under JJM.

She also added that 422 services are being provided online for the convenience of the public. She also congratulated 11 local candidates for qualifying the J&K Combined Competitive Exam.
She also thanked the PM for sanctioning the 8.5 KM long tunnel between Ratta Chamb and Lal Ghulam on Mughal Road. She also added that ongoing construction work of 4 Laning of Poonch-Jammu highway will reduce travel time by 4 hours.

She appealed to the people of Poonch to work together for promoting national integration, communal harmony and peace in the district. On the occasion, cultural groups presented scintillating and colorful programmes depicting the rich heritage of the country which enthralled a gleefully cheering audience..

The program was graced by Vice Chairperson District Development Council, Ashfaq Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner, Inder Jeet, Senior Superintendent of Police, Rohit Baskotra, DDC Members, Bar Association members, ex- legislators, prominent and senior citizens, others senior officers from police and civil administration.

Similar functions were organized with the same spirit & gaiety in all three sub-division, Blocks and 229 Panchayats. Flags were hoisted at all government offices and other prominent places in the whole district.

At Reasi: District Development Council Chairman, Reasi Saraf Singh Nag hoisted the National Flag at General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium Reasi and took salute an impressive march past comprising contingents of CRPF, IRP, JKP, JK Home Guard, College NCC cadets Boys/Girls, NCC cadets of Girls and Boys of Higher Secondary Schools, BHSS, GHSS, HSS Gurukul, HS Gran, HS Kambal Danga, TSN Reasi, Lawrence Public School, HS Gair Mari, KPS, BVM, Galaxy Academy, Self Help Group and Army Band took part in the March past .

Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairperson recounted the rapid growth of India over 74 years of freedom. He also listed achievements recorded in Reasi district on the development front.

While extending warm greetings to the public of Reasi on Republic Day, he highlighted the significance of the day. Regarding the development of the district, he said that the Government is working hard to provide better road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, quality education; road connectivity, electricity and water supply to left out villages besides ensuring social security to aged, physically challenged, widows and self-employment avenues to unemployed youth.

He appealed to the people of Reasi to work together for promoting National integration, communal harmony and peace in the district. He also listed numerous developmental projects and works undertaken in different sectors of the district and informed about various measures taken by the UT Govt and district administration for the overall development of the district.

On the occasion, District Administration also presented mementos and certificates of commendation to District Officers, who exhibited exemplary work ethics and professionalism.

On this occasion, Vice Chairperson DDC Sajra Qadir, DC Reasi Babila Rakwal, SSP Reasi Amit Gupta, ADDC, ADC, CPO, POICDs besides all District/Sectoral Officers along with their staff were present.

At Samba: The 74th Republic Day was celebrated with much fanfare and zeal at Rani Suchet Singh Sports Stadium in Samba. The Tri-colour was unfurled by the District Development Council Chairman, Keshav Dutt Sharma. Padma Shri 2023 awardee Mohan Singh, a prolific Dogri writer was felicitated on the occasion.

Earlier, the DDC Chairman inspected the parade and saluted the March past squads led by DySP (HQ) G R Bhardhawaj. The parade contingents included Army, BSF, ITBP, Home Guards, N.C.C, Govt Girls and Boys higher secondary school samba and others.

Army Band and Troop squad performed before the chief guest and a huge gathering in the sports stadium, samba. The District Development Council Chairman said that as India is celebrating 74th Republic Day, the Nation has historically seen a rapid growth post Independence.

He said the celebration owe to the Great Indian freedom leaders led by Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi Highlighting achievements on the development front in the district Samba, the DDC Chairman said the district has witnessed massive expansion of road network on National Highway including expansion of existing 4-lane, completion of ring road in Samba district, fast passing of Expressway construction work, completion of Samba flyover, operationalzation of AIIMS at Vijaypur, 100 percent achievements under govt. of India schemes like PMAY, SBM, Ayushman, PMKISAN.

He said samba district is fast emerging as premier upcoming medical health destination in the UT and expansion of development contours are unprecedented. He also praised the security forces and saluted the supreme sacrifices made by Indian Army, BSF, CRPF, JKP and other para military forces.

The special invitee for the Republic Day programme were Padma Shri Awardee Mohan Singh Salathia, Martyrs family, Ex Serviceman, Gallantry awardees, DDC members, PRI members, ULB members and other prominent citizens.

The main attraction of the Republic Day Function was the tableau presentation of the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, Jal Shakti dept, Revenue, Industries & employment dept. which was well received by the gathering present in the stadium.

The Cultural presentation by the school children depicted the rich Dogra culture, tradition and ethos. The prominent cultural events included Dogri folk dance kiklian and fumaniya, besides patriotic songs.

Later, mementos and certificates of commendation were presented to a host of employees, NGOs, Media Persons, besides District Officers who exhibited exemplary work ethics and professionalism.

Chief Guest along with vice Chairman Balwan Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Anuradha Gupta and Senior Superintendent of Police Benam Tosh presented awards to District officers, Police Officers, Medical officers, SHGs, Mission Shakti, officials, athletes and participants.

At Kishtwar: Amid snowy and bone chilling weather conditions, the 74th Republic Day 2023 was celebrated across the District Kishtwar with great enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit.
At Block level the National flag was unfurled by the BDC chairpersons, while flags were also unfurled at District Court Complex, Police lines, sub Divisional headquarters, tehsil and block headquarters, in all the Govt offices, colleges and Educational institutions.

At district headquarters, the main function was held in the premises of the DC office complex where Chairperson, District Development Council, Pooja Thakur as the Chief guest unfurled the tricolor, inspected the parade and took salute of March past contingents drawn from Police, IRP, CRPF, CISF, Forest Protection Force, Home Guard, NCC battalion of GDC Kishtwar and children of various schools.

This year the contingent of women SHGs of NRLM was first introduced in the March Past contingents. Vice Chairperson District Development Council Kishtwar Saima Shabir Lone, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav, Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar Khalil Ahmed Poswal, CO 17 RR Ameya Chiplunkar, Additional District Development Commissioner Kishtwar Sham Lal, Vice President Municipal Council Kishtwar Sajjad Ahmed Najjar, Chairman Block Development Council Kishtwar Suresh Kumar, DDC members, Municipal Councillors, officers of district administration, Police, Army, CISF, CRPF, prominent persons, media persons among a large number of locals were present on the occasion.

A scintillating Cultural show was presented by the students with due observance of all SOPs. The District Administration gave away mementos and certificates of commendation to several officers for exhibiting exemplary work, ethics and professionalism, besides meritorious students were also conferred with awards.

One of the main attractions of this year’s programme was the local food and Products stalls put up by JKLRM SHG members. Speaking on the occasion, the Chairperson DDC congratulated the people of Kishtwar on the auspicious day of National importance and aspired all to uphold constitutional values and ethics in letter and spirit. she said that the day has great significance as on this day India became a Secular, Sovereign, Socialistic and Democratic republic which enshrine the values of equality, fraternity and universal brotherhood for every citizen of the India irrespective of any discrimination

The DDC chairperson also listed the achievements under the flagship schemes, good governance initiatives taken by District Administration, particularly in the educational sector in the far flung areas of Dachhan, Marwah, Warwan, Bounjwah, Paddar and Chatroo Blocks.

Highlighting the developmental scenario of the district, the chairperson said against 58042 works allotted under District Capex Budget, 41493 were started, 32210 completed, under PMDP the work on 5 mega Iconic projects is in full swing, 99 habitations have been connected under PMGSY, 26 habitations will be connected by 2024, out of required length of 1293 KM as many as 1029 KM road length has been completed till date which amounts to 80 percent of required road length connectivity in the district, Rs 79 crore loan have been sanction to youth under Self Employment Schemes, 29860 works including 75 Amrit Sarovars under MGNREGA besides 2266 works under 14th FC, 363 works under B2V3, 159 houses constructed under Awas Plus & 5045 houses under PMAY (G), 27570 student beneficiaries covered under MDM in 784 Schools, 54283 land passbooks handed over to legal land owners, 38645 kanal encroached state land retrieved, 155320 beneficiaries registration under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY scheme, 3210 Soil Health Cards issued to farmers under Bhumi Poshan Abhiyan of agriculture Department besides strengthening FPOs.

She further said that the District Administration Kishtwar has conducted more than 50 Block Diwas Camps across District Kishtwar this year wherein 5900 people participated and 600 number of public grievances have been redressed satisfactorily in a bid to reach out the people at their doorstep.

She also mentioned free Winter Tuition Camps under DMFT and special Camps for Out of School Children under project Talaash.

At Ramban : Chairperson, District Development Council, Ramban, Dr. Shamshad Shan unfurled Tricolour followed by the National Anthem at District Police Lines, Ramban as the 74th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and traditional zeal.

Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Mussarat Islam, President, MC, Ramban, Sunita Sumberia, Senior Superintendent of Police, Mohita Sharma, DDC, Councillors, senior Civil, Police and Army officers, PRIs, prominent citizens, besides a large number of students and people from various educational institutions attended the function.

After inspecting the Parade comprising 20 contingents including JKP, IRP, CRPF, Home Guards, NRLM and local school students, the Chairperson took the salute from the parading contingents.

Greeting the enthusiastic audience, the Chairperson gave a brief account of the main developmental activities registered in the district during the current year. She congratulated the District Administration for securing National Silver award for e-Governance and implementing various developmental Projects and Flagship schemes.

Dr. Shamshad Shan prominently appreciated the public of Ramban for maintaining peace, communal harmony and brotherhood in the district in every situation. Giving a brief account of developmental activities being carried out and achievements made under various sectors in the district, the Chairperson listed major augmentation in power sector by installing an additional 20 MVA transformer in Ramban, meeting a long pending demand of the people by re-launching Bailey Suspension Bridge (BSB), at an expenditure of Rs 4 crore over River Chenab at Maitra.

Meanwhile, the local artists of the Information Department, and students of various local educational institutions presented a colourful cultural programme based on patriotic, national songs and other theme programmes which enthralled the audience.
Later, the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries distributed prizes among the participants. Some officers, officials, students, artists, and social workers were also awarded for their outstanding performance in their respective fields.
R-day was also celebrated with patriotic fervour in Gool, Banihal and Ramsoo Sub divisions, besides at tehsil headquarters and other institutions of district Ramban.
At Doda: People of Doda celebrated 74th Republic Day 2023 with great enthusiasm, fervour and national spirit at Sports Stadium. The Chief Guest, Chairman District Development Council (DDC), Dhananter Singh Kotwal unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the march past comprising contingents drawn from JKP, CRPF, SSB, JKAP, JKP, FPF, NCC Jr, NCC Senior, Home Guard and scores of students from GDC Doda and government/private schools.

Vice Chairperson DDC, Sangeeta Rani Bhagat, Deputy Commissioner Doda Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda Abdul Qayoom, President MC Doda Ved Prakash Gupta, BDC Chairpersons, DDC members, officers from civil and police administration, Army, CRPF, IRP, BSF, elected members of MC Doda, PRIs, prominent citizens, social workers, political activists and a large number of men, women and children were present on the occasion.

The DDC Chairman, in his address, highlighted the importance of the Republic Day, paid tributes to the freedom struggle heroes and listed the values enshrined in the Constitution for the welfare of the citizens.

He said “Today is the day to reaffirm our commitment to unity in diversity, fraternity, and equality among our citizens.” The Chairman listed prestigious projects and schemes being implemented to upgrade the socio-economic status of the people.

Listing mega projects, he informed that GMC and its allied infrastructure is nearing completion, while work is in progress on High Altitude Medicinal plant in Bhaderwah, Govt. Polytechnic College, Govt. Degree College Kastigarh and Multipurpose Indoor Hall Doda has been completed and shall soon be dedicated to the public.

He further listed the achievements under self-employment schemes launched under the vision of Prime Minister of India, like “Berozgar se swarozgar” and “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” and said the Government of UT has taken this mission of employment generation to new heights.

“Alone in 2022-23, 3317 cases under various self-employment schemes have been sponsored, out of which 1726 sanctioned and 2703 youth have been provided the employment in the district, till date” he said and added under Social Security Schemes, like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojna. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojna, Atal Pension Yojna, more than 90,999 eligible citizens have already taken the long term benefit & various other schemes in this category have been saturated in the District like, Widow Pension Scheme, Old-age Pension Scheme & Pension for Physically Challenged persons etc.

One of its unique kind of initiatives of the Government is Ayushman Bharat/Sehat Scheme under which 100% families are covered and 88% Golden Cards have already been issued among the citizens of the District.

The focus area of CAPEX Budget 2022-23 is rural infrastructure, enhancement and augmentation of power distribution capacity, health, education and water related activities.

He said 28956 works are targeted for completion out of which 14934 works have been completed so far. Under JJM, work on 106 water supply schemes throughout the district is in progress, which shall ensure the supply of safe drinking water to every household in the district.

Besides, NHIDCL is working day and night to complete the work and dedicate the public to a new alternate national highway, reducing the distance and saving our precious time. The distribution of 99.80% land pass books in the District has taken this district to a unique position in the UT.

To weed out the corruption and for speedy public delivery, the Government has completely shifted every public service of all departments to online mode so that the citizens shall get their due services at their door-steps.

For redressing of on spot genuine grievances of the public, the Block Diwas and Thana Diwas programmes are being held weekly in the District in which on spot public grievances of the area are getting redressed which also include on spot distribution of benefits under various Government schemes to the citizens.

He welcomed the decision of UT administration to award district Doda for effective public service delivery and appreciated the district administration for rendering exemplary services to the public.

He appreciated the efforts of Doda Administration regarding re-starting of 22 held up road projects in the District and various other initiatives with focus on youth, Skills, Self-Employment, Good Governance along with “Nasha Mukht” “Rozgar Yukt” and “Adbhut Doda; Online Classes through ICT; e-Library; GIS Based Attendance System for Government employees; APP Ke Gaon main App Ka Tehsildar; DC Online; School Prabhari Officer Scheme, etc.

The Chairman expressed pleasure over the enthusiasm of the people of Doda with the whole city illuminated with tricolor lights on this auspicious day. He congratulated all those youngsters who have qualified for JKAS from Doda district.

He further stressed the people of Doda to work together, for promoting national integration, communal harmony and peace in the district. The Main attractions of Republic Day celebrations were Display of Tableaus, performance by the JK Academy of Art Culture and Languages, besides other eye-catching performances of school students.

Later, DDC Chairman, Vice Chairperson, Deputy Commissioner Doda, SSP Doda, distributed trophies among students for outstanding performances in cultural items and parades etc.

Similar functions were held in Bhaderwah, where Municipal Committee Bhaderwah, President Dr Shahid Rehman Mughal, unfurled the National Flag. Besides the Republic Day celebrations were also reported from Subdivision headquarters of Assar, Thathri, Gandoh, tehsil headquarters, other District offices and educational institutions.

At Udhampur: The 74th Republic Day was celebrated with great patriotic fervor in district Udhampur here today. The main function was held in the premises of Government PG College, Boys Udhampur whereat District Development Council Chairperson, Udhampur Lal Chand- the chief guest hoisted the National flag at 9:55 Am and took salute at an impressive march past of 28 contingents drawn from District Police, CRPF, Volunteers Home Guards, NCC and other civil troupes besides Police Band, took part in this national function.

DDC Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas Pathania, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur Krittika Jyotsna, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, Mohammad Suleman Choudhary, SSP, Dr Vinod Kumar, President MC Udhampur, Dr. Jogeswar Gupta, BDCs, DDCs, ADDC Ghan Shyam Singh and other senior officers from Civil Administration ,Police, Army, BSF, CRPF, AIR Force besides Councillors, and prominent citizens of the district were attended the function.

While congratulating the mammoth gathering, the DDC Chairperson said that this day is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India which came into effect on 26 January 1950.

The chief guest extended his Republic Day felicitations to the people of Udhampur on the eve of 74th Republic Day. He said that this day reminds us of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the dignity and freedom of our motherland.

He added that the present Government under the able guidance of Lieutenant Governor is trying its best to lead Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory on the glorious path of development and prosperity with the ideology of one nation, one vision and one identity.

He reiterated that the administration is making earnest efforts to provide basic facilities such as electricity, water, health, employment, roads etc to all the people of our Union Territory which will enable them to live in a dignified manner. In this era of Development, Udhampur District is also not only reaping the fruits of development like any other districts, but has become a fore runner in many developmental parameters of the country.

He said that a number of major development projects which are at the verge of completion are Devika project,National highway (NH-44,NH-244) project, Digital Land Management Programme,Yoga International Convention Centre Mantalai, Medical College and Degree Colleges at Udhampur, Jal Jeevan Mission, Udhampur, Solid Waste Management Project at Mand Udhampur.

He said that many major projects are completed and dedicated to the public. The completion of these projects will not only ensure the overall development of the District but will also change the perspective of the people towards life and prosperity.

He said that UT Administration as well as District Administration has taken up several initiatives for the benefit of the general public and effective delivery of services.

He the previous three B2V Programmes, the J&K Govt conducted Back to village program i.e. B2V4 this year as well wherein the progress so far achieved and the gaps/bottlenecks in providing the basic infrastructure on the ground and basic requirements of the people to assess.

In this regard, Panchayat-wise, sector wise demands are consolidated at district level and steps are being taken up to fulfil these demands on priority. Similarly, the My Town My Pride two (MTMP-2) was also conducted this year and the visiting officers met with the general public and took stock of the developmental activities going on in the District.

He congratulates the District Administration and team of sectoral officers on their performance during current F.Y. 2022-23. He informed that Udhampur District so far is ranked one in the UT in terms of expenditure against availability i.e. 93.37% and accordingly have completed 4644 Nos. of works so far.

He said that all the departments have put in their best efforts so far and I expect them to keep on performing with the same zeal and dedication. Under Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Nal Se Jal) he said that under this scheme all households in Udhampur district will get water connection i.e ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ under Jal Jeevan Mission.

Under the PMGSY sector, In District Udhampur Government of India has sanctioned 477 Nos. of schemes under PMGSY-I, II & III for Udhampur District pertaining to PMGSY Division Udhampur, Ramnagar and Reasi.

Various Scintillating cultural programmes reflecting patriotism and rich culture and theme based Skits were also presented by the students and Artists which were highly enthralled the audience.

At Ramnagar, the Republic Day main function was held in the premises of Government Model Higher Secondary School, Ramnagar, wherein MC President Ramnagar, Banti Devi unfurled Tricolour in presence of SDM, Ramnagar Shishir Gupta.

Similarly, the Republic Day function was also organized at Tehsil, Sub Divisional, Niabat level in District Udhampur with great pomp and show, today. Later, an impressive at home function was organized by District Administration Udhampur here at Banquet Hall Udhampur wherein Chairperson DDC, Udhampur Lal Chand, Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas Pathania, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur Krittika Jyotsna, SSP Dr Vinod Kumar, BDCs, DDCs, Councillor and District officers.

A cultural programme was organized by Information Department wherein artists of Information department presented cultural performances which were mesmerized by the audiences on the occasion. The DC greets people on the auspicious occasion of Republic Day.