Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur unfurled the National Flag and took salute from marching contingents of Police , ITBP, Home Guards and SSB cadets at 74th Independence Day state level function organized at Dhalpur ground Kullu.
Addressing on this occasion Chief Minister paid rich tributes to the martyrs and freedom fighters who made sacrifices to attain freedom of the country and defending borders of India and made special mention of freedom fighters of the state and Dr Y S Pramar, first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
He said, “Our state called Dev Bhumi is also known as Vir Bhumi and the first Paramvir Chakra of India was conferred upon Major Somnath Sharma, the heroic soldier of the state and subsequently Captain Vikram Batra and Havaldar Sanjay Kumar from the state also were conferred this honour.”
CM said, “The state government is committed for the welfare of freedom fighters, soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families and giving Rs 15,000 to freedom fighters and wives of deceased freedom fighters and Rs. 10,000 to their unmarried daughters, besides paying Rs 51,000 for the marriage of daughters of freedom fighters and Rs. 21,000 for the marriage of their grand-daughters. And wards of freedom fighters are being given two percent reservation in government and other jobs.”
Chief Minister said, “The whole world is acknowledging the strength and potential of our country and atma nirbhar abhiyan started during COVID -19 pandemic has shown decision making capacity of India and today our country is safe in the hands of Prime Minister Narender Modi.”
He said, “The Rohtang tunnel, named as Atal tunnel, was about to be completed and would be dedicated to people by the Prime Minister by the end of September this year.”
Chief Minister said, “The state has made unprecedented development in education, tourism and every other sector and has become open defecation free and would soon launch Vistadome buses to attract tourists in Kullu valley.”
“It has also launched Him care scheme to provide health care benefits, giving Rs 2000 per month for treatment of serious diseases, given free gas connection to over 2.78 lakh women and supporting unemployed youth through swavlamban yojna, besides giving incentives to farmers and have launched several schemes to benefit every section of society”, he added .
Thakur thanked the Corona warriors for their valuable contribution and people of the State for their cooperation and contribution in COVID fund.
Chief Minister awarded Civil Services Awards to Ashutosh Garg, Director Information & Technology for launching Mukhyamantri Sewa Sankalp Helpline-1100 for fast redressal of public grievances and to Lalit Jain for his outstanding work while working as DC Sirmour for conservation of environment.
He presented Himachal Gaurav Puraskar-2020 to noted writer and photographer Birbal Sharma, noted singer Balkrishan Sharma, noted eye surgeon Doctor Mangat Ram Dogra and folk singer Narender Thakur.
He presented Prerna Strot Puraskar to Sandeep Kumar of Bharwain area of Una district and Sushma Verma, a women international cricket player from Shimla district.
Several dignitaries were present on this occasion.