Shimla: 66th Independence Day function was celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Himachal Pradesh today. Functions were organised at State, District and Sub-Divisional levels to mark the occasion. Impressive march-past by contingents of Police, Home Guards, NCC, ITBP and cultural programmes were main attractions of the celebrations. People in large number in their traditional attire had started to assemble the venue of functions to witness the celebration.

At Kullu

State-level function was organised in Kullu where Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal unfurled the national flag and took salute at an impressive march-past presented by contingents of Police, NCC, Home Guards at Dhalpur Maidan, Kullu. Shri Yogesh Raulta, DSP commanded the parade.

Felicitating the people on the occasion, Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal reiterated his Government’s resolve to accelerate pace of development in the State and make Himachal Pradesh a prosperous and self-sufficient State in the country. He also paid rich tributes to those who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of freedom and gave a clarion call to all for maintaining the hard earned freedom as well as unity and integrity of the country.

Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh which came into being after eight months of attaining independence had started its journey from the scratch but today it had emerged an ideal of development not only for hill areas but also for other States for which all the people of the Pradesh deserved appreciation.

Seven percent D.A. to Employees and Pensioners

Chief Minister announced release of 7 percent Dearness Allowance to the State Employees and Pensioners in the State due from January, 2012. This will put an additional burden of Rs. 350 crore on State exchequer. He announced hike in daily wages of the daily wagers from Rs. 130 to Rs. 150 from September 1, 2012 which would provide the additional annual benefit of Rs. 7,320 to each daily wager. He announced increase in the daily allowance of Home Guard volunteers from Rs. 200 to Rs. 225 to be effective from September 1, 2012. He said that one more Home Guard Battalion would be raised to generate employment to 600 youth.

Chief Minister announced that all constables completing 20 years of services will be designated as Honorary Head Constable; Firemen as Honorary Chief Fireman; Jail Warden as Honorary Chief Warden. He announced enhancement in Social Security Pension from Rs. 400 to Rs. 450 per month to be effective from 1st September, 2012, which would benefit about 3 lakh beneficiaries and put additional burden of Rs. 65 crore on the State Exchequer. He further said that all eligible persons would also be sanctioned social security pension so that no eligible person remains left out. He announced that pensioners would be charged the same rates for stay in Government Rest Houses as are being charged from the employees. He sanctioned Rs. 8 crore for clearance pending medical bills of pensioners. He announced a cash award of Rs. 31,000 to the students belonging to Himachal Pradesh admitted to IIT/IIM. He announced an annual scholarship of Rs. 15,000 to 2,000girls ranking at top 2,000 positions in plus two examination of the Board examination in the State.

He announced increase in the financial assistance from Rs. 11,000 to Rs. 21,000under Mukhya Mantri Kanyadaan Yojna for the marriage of girls of BPL families who had lost their father. He announced enhancement in financial grant under Mother Teresa Ashaya Matri Sambal Yojna from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000. He also announced exemption in registration to small traders with annual turn over upto Rs. 8 lakh. Earlier this limit was Rs. 6 lakh. This will benefit thousands of small traders in the State. He announced 100 percent enhancement in the daily allowance of panchayati raj and urban local bodies office bearers for attending various meetings. He said that this was also a step towards strengthening Panchayati Raj and Urbal Local Bodies institutions in the State.

Reiterating his Government resolve for improving the economy of the farmers, he announced extension of Pandit Deen Dayal Kisaan Baaagwan Samridhi Yojna for four years beyond March 31, 2013 and announced Rs.190 crore more would be spent to benefit the farmers.

Chief Minister also announced providing of 50 percent subsidy on Wheat Seed and fodder to the farmers affected due to drought conditions this year. He also announced enhancement of subsidy from 55 percent to 80 percent under Horticulture Technology Mission to benefit horticulturists of the State. He announced public holiday to state employees on Parshuram Jayanti. He announced opening an University and Medical College in district Kullu in private sector.

Chief Minister announced remission of sentence to prisoners on the occasion. Those undergoing life imprisonment and had been given sentence of more than 10 years would get remission of three months, those who had got sentence of more than five years and upto 10 years would get remission of two months; those who had got sentence of more than three years and upto five years would get remission of 45 days and those who had got sentence of more than one year and upto three years would get 30 days remission and prisoners who got sentence of more than 3 months and upto one year would get remission of 15 days.

No. 851/ 2012-PUB -3-

HIMACHAL GAURAV AWARD

Chief Minister conferred ‘Himachal Gaurav’ Award upon Olympian Silver Medal Winner Shooter Subedar Vijay Kumar besides presenting a draft of cash prize of rupees one crore for winning Silver Medal in the recently concluded Olympics in London. He also presented papers of one 200 square meter HIMUDA plot at Mandhala, Baddi to Subedar Vijay Kumar as free of cost in recognition of his outstanding laurels earned to the State.

Chief Minister also conferred ‘Tagore Samman’ upon veteran folk singer Smt. Gambhari Devi of district Bilaspur for her outstanding contribution to preserve and promote Himachali folk art.

Special Prizes were given to Special Children and their coach for their selection to participate in Special Olympics being organised in Korea in 2013.

SCHEMES LAUNCHED

Chief Minister launched Gymnasium Scheme in all the Gram Panchayats and Nagar Panchayats in the State by presenting gymnasium equipments to five local gram panchayats in the district. Each Panchayat and Nagar Panchayat will be provided gymnasium in the State.

He distributed the jute bags to ration card holders to mark the scheme to give essential commodities to every ration card holder in the bag to facilitate them. He launched Net Book(computer) distribution scheme to 4,000 meritorious students who had passed matriculation examination of HP Board of School Education (Government and Private Schools) by distributing Net Books among 10 meritorious students of district Kullu.

Chief Minister launched Atal Adarsh Gram PuruskarYojna-2012 by presenting draft of Rs. 20 lakh to the Best Panchayat Pahalu, district Hamirpur, for ranking at the top in the State; Rs. 10 lakh to Gram Panchayat Kuthehar, district Kangra for ranking a number one in Kangra Division; Rs. 10 lakh to Gram Panchayat Hatkot, district Solan, in Shimla Division; Rs. 5lakh to Gram Panchayat Chwai, district Kullu for ranking at first position in the district; Rs. 2 lakh each to Gram Panchayats Jagat Sukh, Larji, Poshna and Jarad Bhutti Colony in different blocks in district Kullu.

Chief Minister gave a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh, memento and citation to gram panchayats ranking at first position at the State level for the year 2011 and 2012 under Mahrishi Valmiki Sampooran Swachhta Puruskar Yojna of Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan and was bagged by gram panchayat Lana Palar of district Sirmour for the year 2011 and gram panchayat Dalchehra of district Hamirpur for ranking at the top during year 2012. He presented drafts of Rs. 5 lakh to the panchayats ranking at the top at Division level; Rs. 3 lakh for panchayats ranking at number one at district level and Rs. 1.00 lakh for the panchayats ranking first at block level. He presented a draft of Rs. 10,000 to nine gram panchayats of district Kullu registered under Health Insurance Scheme for BPL families, where State had achieved 100 percent target by registering all BPL families in 137 gram panchayats selected for the scheme. He also honoured Best Ambulance Staff under Atal Swasthya Sewa Yojna for their exemplary service to the people.

Chief Minister said that Rs. 35 crore would be spent under Backward Area Sub Plan Plan this year to accelerate the pace of development in backward areas. He said that priority of his Government was road, education and health besides self-employment, self-sufficiency and self-respect and added that all policies and programmes initiated in the State during last four and a half years had been considerate to achieve the objective. He said that endeavours of his Government had remained that every section of the society benefited from these policies and programmes and common-man benefited first. He said that his Government had tried to abridge the gap between Government and people and people in the State today considered it their own Government.

Prof. Dhumal said that Rs. 353 crore Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan Baagwan Samridhi Yojna had been started under which people were being provided 80 percent subsidy for construction of polyhouses and minor irrigation. He said that BPL beneficiaries were being given 90 percent subsidy for construction of bamboo polyhouses. He said that 12500 polyhouses had been constructed since this scheme was launched by the present Government and 9000 hectare area had been brought under minor irrigation. He said that Rs. 321 crore Crop Diversification Scheme had been started with the assistance of JICA to promote organic farming, diversification of traditional crops and also water conservation. This scheme would also bring sea change in the economy of farmers in the State.

Prof. Dhumal said that Rs. 85 crore Apple Replantation Scheme had been started in the State to replace old apple plants with new and quality one. He said that 45,000 root stocks would be imparted for this out of which 10,000 had already been imported. He said that to ensure remunerative prices to apple growers, the support prices of apple and mango had been enhanced by 75 paise per kg.

Chief Minister said that various schemes launched by the State Government in last four and half years had benefited the all in the State irrespective of their income. These include Atal School Uniform Yojna under which two uniforms were being given to students of government schools from 1st to 10th class annually. Besides they were being given Rs. 100 each time for stitching the uniform. Under Atal Swasthya Scheme, free ambulance was being provided to all in case of serious illness and other emergencies. He said that under Matri Sewa Yojna’ facility of free delivery had been allowed in government hospitals to all expectant mothers. They were also being provided free medicines during hospitalization besides free transportation facility to go home after discharge from hospitals. Not only this, mother and child were also being given free medicines for one year. He said that 38 medicines were being provided free to all BPL families in OPDs in government hospitals in the State.

Prof. Dhumal said that 16.31 lakh ration card holders were being provided three pulses, two edible oil and salt on subsidized rates every month. He said that every ration card holder had been benefited by Rs. 6324 and BPL ration card holder of Rs.10680 annually. He further added that every APL family has got benefit of Rs. 31,500 and BPL family Rs. 54000 in last four and a half years. He said that his Government was committed to provide transparent and responsive governance to the people in the State and had taken various effective steps in this direction. He said that formulation of HP Public Services Guarantee Act was a step in this direction besides H.P. Special Courts (Attachment and Confiscation of Property) Bill 2011 had been passed which was awaiting approval. He said that provision to confiscate property amassed through corrupt means had been made and Special Courts would be set up for trial the cases speedily.

Shri Ramesh Dhawala, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Shri Khimi Ram, Forest Minister, Shri Gobind Thakur and Shri Kishori Lal Sagar, MLAs, former MLAs, Shri S. Roy, Chief Secretary, Shri I.D. Bhandari, Director General of Police, Shri Ajay Bhandari, Secretary, GAD, senior officers of the State Government, freedom fighters and prominent persons were present on the occasion among others.

At Shimla

Presiding over district level Independence day function at Shimla, Shri Tulsi Ram, Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march-past presented by contingents of Police, Home Guards, NCC etc.

He paid rich tributes to martyrs of freedom struggle who laid down their lives for the cause of the nation. He said that Himachal Pradesh had achieved 67 awards for its best achievements in various developmental sectors.

Shri Tulsi Ram also elaborated various schemes like Pandit Deen Dayal Kisan Bagwan Samridhi Yojna, Doodh Ganga Yojna, Apple Rejuvenation Scheme, Atal School Uniform Scheme etc. which were launched by the present Government.

He also distributed prizes to the panchayats who have excelled in implementation of various schemes launched by Government. He also distributed net-books to the meritorious students.

Smt. Vidya Stokes, Leader of Opposition in H.P. Vidhan Sabha, Shri Khushi Ram Balnatah, Shri Suresh Bhardwaj, MLAs, Shri Ganesh Dutt, Vice-Chairman, HIMUDA, Shri Sanjay Chauhan, Mayor and Shri Shri Tikender Panwar, Deputy Mayor, Shimla Municipal Corporation, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were present on the occasion.

At Bilaspur

Shri Gulab Singh Thakur, Public Works Minister unfurled the National Flag at Bilaspur in a district level independence Day function. He took salute from an impressive march-past presented by contingents of Police, Home-Gurads, NCC etc.

Speaking on the occasion, Public Works Minister said that Rs. 88.09 crore Medium Irrigation Scheme had been started in Changer area of Bilaspur district under which 2350 hectare of land had been brought under irrigation facilities. He said that Rs. 65 crore Koldam Drinking Water Scheme had been sanctioned for the district which would benefit the people of three assembly constituencies of the district. He said that Rs. 37 crore had been spent on it till now.

Shri Thakur also presented district-level award of Rs. five lakh to Gram Panchayat Mehari Khatla for winning first prize under Atal Adarsh Gram Puruskar Yojna.

Shri Rikhi Ram Kaundal, Deputy Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha, Shri Randhir Sharma, MLA, Ms. Rajani Sharma, Chairman, Nagar Parishad, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were present on the occasion among.

At Una

Shri I.D.Dhiman, Education Minister presided over the function at Una. Speaking on the occasion, he said that rapid development had taken place in every field in the state in the past four and half years. He said that the achievements during the period were exceptional.

Education Minister said that State Government was endeavouring to provide quality education to the students of the State and it was marching towards becoming Educational Hub of the country. He said that State Government had launched Rs. 64 crore, Atal School Uniform Yojna for the students of government schools from 1st to 10th class, twice a year with stitching charges of Rs. 100 per pair with a view to bring uniformity among the students. He said that under this scheme 38,000 students will be benefited in Una District.

Shri Dhiman said that Una was rapidly surging ahead on the path of development and had created a special niche for itself in the state. He said that all villages in the district were provided with drinking water facilities. He said that two phases of Swan river channelization were completed at a cost of 285 crore which helped in reclaiming 7260 hectare of land. He said that Rs.160 crore Swan river integrated watershed management project was also being implemented in Una district. 15 Panchayats of the district were also being covered under Mid Himalayan Watershed Development Project.

Shri Dhiman also honoured 17 Panchayats of Una District with Atal Adarsh Gram Panchayat Puraskar & Mahrishi Balmiki Swachtha Puraskar. He also gave Laptops to 25 Matric Toppers of Una District. He also Awarded 22 Panchayats of Una under Rashtriya Swashthya Bima Yojna.

Shri Satpal Singh Sati, MLA & State BJP President, Shri Balbir Singh, MLA, Smt Santosh Saini, Chairman, Himfed, were also present on the occasion among others.

At Mandi

Shri Ravinder Singh Ravi, Irrigation and Public Health Minister presided over district level Independence Day function at Mandi. He unfurled the National flag and took salute of march-past presented by contingents of Police, Home Guards, NCC, school children etc.

He remembered the contributions made by the martyrs for attaining the freedom of the country and paid rich tributes to them. He said that during last four and a half years 20417 habitations had been provided drinking water facilities and 12345 hand-pumps installed all over the State. He said that 95 percent households had been provided tap water. Besides, 29288 hectares of land had been brought under irrigational facilities during last four and a half years in the State.

He said that Rs.104 crore, Balh Valley Medium Irrigation Scheme had been dedicated to the people which would bring 3355 hectares of land under irrigation facility of 24 panchayats.

Shri Roop Singh Thakur, Shri Dile Ram, Shri Anil Sharma, Col. Inder Singh, Shri Hira Lal, MLAs, Khiramani, Chairperson, Zila Parishad, Shri D.D. Thakur, Shri Kanhaiya Lal, former MLAs and other prominent persons and senior officers were present on the occasion.

At Chamba

Presiding over the district level function, Shri Kishan Kapoor, Industries Minister said that present Government had given special emphasis to set up pollution free, income and employment generating industrial units in the state. He said that the Government had accorded approval for setting up of 5467 industrial units in the state during last four and a half years in which 2.11 lakh people would be provided employment. He said that 4265 industrial units had already been set up in the state which had provided employment to 57,000 youth out of which 45919 were Himachalis.

Sh. B.K Chauhan, MLA, Shri Mohan Lal, former Minister, Ms. Santosh Thakur, Chairperson, Zila Parishad, Shri Bhupender Chauhan, Chairman, Marketing Board Chamba, prominent persons of the district and senior officers were present on the occasion.

At Solan

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Narinder Bragta, Horticulture Minister said that a new direction and vision was given to development of State by the present Government. He said that the mission and the vision of the State led to alround development of the state strengthening economy and ushering prosperity in every corner. He said health sector was accorded top priority with the result that quality health services could be provided at the door step of the people in the State. 108 Atal Swasthya Yojna proved to be remarkable service for patients in the State, he added.

He said that special emphasis had been laid on technical education with upgradation and strengthening of infrastructure. He said that Rs. 27 crore will be spent on upgradation process of 9 polytechnics.

He said that road linkage has been given priority in the State. He said that in Solan district all 211 Panchyats have been connected with roads. He said that 1869 villages have so far been given road connectivity. He said that during last four and half years Irrigation & Public Health Department spent 115 crore on water supply, Irrigation and installation of Handpumps in the district. 989 new handpumps have been installed during this period in the district, he added.

Dr. Rajiv Sehjal, Shri Govind Ram Sharma, MLAs, other prominent persons and senior officers were also present on this occasion.

At Nahan

Smt. Sarveen Chaudhary, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister presided over the district level independence day function at Nahan. She unfurled the national and took salute from the contingents of police, home guards, NCC,NSS and scouts and guides.

Paying homage to the martyrs of freedom struggle, Smt. Sarveen Chaudhary said Himachal Pradesh had also contributed in freedom struggle. She said the first Paramveer Chakra recipient, Major Somnath hailed from Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. She also exhorted the young generation to remember the values of freedom.

Smt. Sarveen Choudhary said that State government had allocated 32.5 percent of the total budget for social sector. During the tenure of present government, 2.82 lacs eligible persons were being provided social pensions in the state at the rate of Rs. 400 per month, she added. She said 3370 new pensioners had been sanctioned old age, widow and other pensions in district Sirmaur during the last four and half years.

Earlier, she also offered floral tributes at Shaheed Memorial in Nahan town.

A colourful cultural programme was presented by school children to mark the occasion.

Shri Sukhram Chaudhary, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Shri Balbir Chauhan, State Vice Chairman, ST/SC Development Corporation, Shri Kush Parmar, MLA and senior officers were also present on the occasion.

At Dharamsala

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jai Ram Thakur, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister said that Himachal Pradesh had emerged as a role model of development not only for hilly states, but also to other big states of the country. He said that state govt. has ensured balanced and uniform development of all areas of the Pradesh and also endeavoured to benefit the all sections of the society.

Shri Thakur said that Rs. 524 crore had been spent under MNREGA program in Kangra district during last 4 years and ensured 100 days employment to 238425 job card holders by generating 2.78 crore mandays in the district. He said that 9813 houses were constructed at a cost of Rs. 41 crore under Indira Awas Yojna and Atal Awas Yojna and provided to the houseless needy and poor families of the district. He said that a Central University, NIFT, Food & Craft Institute had been set up in the district during the regime of present Government. Besides, two battalions, one Disaster Management at Nurpur and another BSF battalions for Shahpur sanctioned, during the said period, he added.

He also honoured 15 panchayats of the district under ‘Atal Aadarsh Gram Panchayat Purskaar Yojna’ and 34 panchayats under ‘Maharishi Balmiki Swachhta Purskar Yojna’ on the occasion. He also distributed Computer net-books to the 25 meritorious students of 10th standard for the session 2011-12.

Earlier, Rural Development Minister paid tribute to the martyrs at Shaheed Smark.

Dr.Sangye, Prime Minister of Tibet Govt. in exile, Smt. Shreshta Koundal, Chairperson Zila Parishad, other senior officers and local dignitaries were present on the occasion.

At Hamirpur

Shri Mahinder Singh Thakur, Transport Minister unfurled the tricolour at Hamirpur in District level Independence Day function and took salute from the contingents of Police, Home Guards, NCC etc.

Shri Thakur felicitated the people on thia occasion and paid tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Country. He said that the State Government had accorded priority to higher education so that the youth could get quality education at their door steps.

He announced super-fast bus service between Hamirpur to Shimla and one AC bus service from Hamirpur to Chandigarh.

The Minister under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan distributed prizes to the best Panchayats implementing total sanitation programmes. He also distributed prizes to the participants of cultural programme

Smt. Urmil Thakur, MLA, Shri R.S. Mankotia, Chairman Kangra Central Co-operative Bank, Shri Desh Raj, District President BJP Hamirpur, Shri Deep Kumar, President Nagar Parishad, Ex-Servicemen, senior officers and other prominent persons of the district were present on the occasion.

At Rekong Peo

Presiding over the district level Independence Day function, Shri Virender Kanwar, Chief Parliamentary Secretary said that the State Government was committed for development of tribal areas so that these could be brought at par with other developed areas of the State.

He said that the State had been ranked first in the country for registration of BPL families under National Health Insurance Scheme and added that the Government was determined to provide better health care services to the people of the State nearer their homes. He said that in Kinnaur district 68 kms motorable roads, 12 km. jeepable roads and 18 bridges had been constructed during last four and half years and Rs. 39.81 crore spent on it. Besides, a sum of Rs. 18.85 crore had been spent for connecting seven villages with roads in the district, he added .

Shri Kanwar also distributed net books to 22 meritorious students and gave away prizes to three panchayats of the district under Atal Adarsh Gram Panchayat Puraskar Yojuna.

Shri Tejwant Singh Negi, MLA, Shri Surat Singh, District BJP President, Ms. Priyanka Negi, Chairperson Zila Parishad and other prominent persons of the district and senior officers were present on the occasion.

At Keylong

Shri S.S. Guleria, Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul &Spiti unfurled the National flag at Keylong.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that State Government had earmarked nine percent of the total budget for development of the tribal areas of the State. He said that Rs. 57.15 crore had been allocated under Tribal Sub Plan for the district.

He also distributed prizes to the panchayats who excelled in carrying out developmental activities and implementation of Total Sanitation Campaign.

At Kaza

Shri Himesh Negi, Additional Deputy Commissioner, unfurled the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march past presented by contingents of Police, Home Guards and NCC etc.

A colourful cultural programme was also presented by cultural troupes and school children.