News Analysis India

Tag: Independence Day

  • Two injured in stone-pelting as groups clash during Independence Day function in Indore

    By PTI

    INDORE: Two persons were injured after members of one group hurled stones at another following friction over alleged provocative sloganeering during an Independence Day function at a multi-storey residential complex here on Sunday, police said.

    The members of these two groups that clashed were all residents of the same building, they said.

    “A group of people shouted inflammatory slogans against another, following which the latter retaliated by hurling stones at them after the national flag was unfurled at the residential complex located in Tejaji Nagar area,” Superintendent of Police Ashutosh Bagri told PTI.

    Two persons were injured in the incident, he said.

    “We are examining the video clips of the incident submitted to us. We are going through them and will take an impartial action,” he added.

    After getting the information, police reached the spot and brought the situation under control, Bagri said.

    “The situation is peaceful right now,” the SP added.

    Eyewitnesses said that activists of Bajrang Dal, a right wing organization, reached the spot and registered their protest over the incident of stone-pelting that unfolded during the Independence Day function.

  • CM Nitish Kumar hoists Tricolour for 15th time, creates history in Bihar

    By PTI

    PATNA: Hoisting the Tricolour for the 15th time on the occasion of Independence Day, Nitish Kumar on Sunday became the only chief minister of Bihar to have achieved the feat.

    This was pointed out by Information and Public Relations Minister Sanjay Kumar Jha who came out with a flurry of celebratory tweets underscoring the fact that his leader has also completed “5,474 days” in power, surpassing the record of late Shri Krishna Sinha, the inaugural holder of the post.

    Sinha first occupied the post in 1946, when it was created, and continued to hold it till his death in 1961.

    Earlier, he had held the post of “premier” after the Congress won provincial elections conducted during the British Raj as per the Government of India Act, 1935.

    Kumar’s stint in power began in November 2015 and it has been unbroken save for a less than a year long break caused by his resignation in May 2014 when he was replaced by his trusted lieutenant Jitan Ram Manjhi.

    During his eventful journey, the JD(U) de facto leader has held the top post heading two separate coalitions, the BJP-helmed NDA with which he has remained aligned for the most part of his political career, and the Grand Alliance comprising the RJD-Congress combine, his adversaries with whom he had a short-lived alliance.

    In his tweets, Jha, who is also the national general secretary of the JD(U), reflected the mood in the party which has been trying to pick up the threads after a sub-par performance in the assembly polls last year.

    He highlighted the “sushasan” (good governance) ushered in by Kumar, drawing a contrast with the preceding 15 years when the state was ruled by RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi.

    “To be called a Bihari had become a matter of shame in those days”, fumed Jha, who has played an instrumental role in keeping things smooth between the JD(U) and the BJP despite ideological differences.

    “Nitish Kumar’s leadership instilled confidence in the minds of people who have begun to think that Bihar can make progress and things can change for the better. Let us resolve to make the state a developed one by lending support to his ‘nishchay’ (resolve),” Jha wrote on the microblogging site.

  • Independence Day: 100-ft Tricolour hoisted in Srinagar; no internet suspension for first time

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Kashmir witnessed Independence Day celebrations on the largest scale in the past 30 years as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the main function on Sunday at Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium here and later commissioned a 100-feet tall tricolour in the historic Hari Parbat Fort in the city.

    Flag hoisting ceremonies — on a big scale in district headquarters and smaller scale in schools and other government offices — were held at many places in the valley.

    The main function was held at Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium where Sinha took salute at the march past and inspected the parade by various contingents of police and other security forces.

    The Independence Day parade and flag hoisting ceremonies went ahead across the valley despite torrential downpour during the entire period of the function.

    After the official function at the stadium, the LG dedicated to people a 100-feet tall flag on Hari Parbat Fort in the heart of the city.

    “In a historic event to mark the celebrations of 75th Independence Day, dedicated 100 feet high Tricolor flag at Shakti Peeth,Hari Parbat in Srinagar to the indomitable spirit of J & K.

    Proud initiative of Indian Army, Flag Foundation of India,Sh.

    Naveen Jindal,CRPF,SMC & people of UT,” Sinha said in a series of tweets.

    “Our tricolor is a symbol of selflessness, purity, and sacrifice. Thousands of brave soldiers shed their blood to protect its prestige. In the shadow of the tricolor, we are showing the path of inclusiveness to the world,” he said.

    The LG said he salutes the brave soldiers of the Army, paramilitary, and Jammu & Kashmir Police.

    “Today, J&K’s fast-growing economy, social upliftment is a true reflection of their sheer grit and commitment”.

    This year’s Independence Day celebrations were different for many reasons.

    This was for the first time that district development council chairpersons unfurled the tricolour in the respective district headquarters.

    The celebrations have been the biggest witnessed in Kashmir since the eruption of militancy in 1990.

    At the peak of militancy, the Independence Day functions in the valley were no-go areas for common people who stayed away from these functions.

    Even government employees would avoid being seen at these functions.

    However, this year the government had directed the government schools and other government offices to hoist the national flag in the office premises.

    The “jungle raj” in Jammu and Kashmir ended on the “eve of 2020” and the grassroots level democracy was strengthened in the union territory by conduct of violence-free district development council (DDC) elections, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday.

    Referring to the Centre’s decision to revoke the special status of the erstwhile state, Sinha said in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had marked the beginning of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir.

    “The grass-roots democracy has been strengthened, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens. With the spirit of Kashmiriyat i.e. taking along all religions and creeds on development odyssey, we are achieving new milestones,” Sinha said in his Independence Day speech at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket stadium here.

    He said the “Vajpayee principle of Jamhooriyat’ was not allowed to flourish on the ground for decades in Jammu and Kashmir and there was a famous “collectorate tradition of democracy”.

    “The nominations of MLAs of four or five regions were held at his house. So, on one hand, there were elected representatives of the people and on the other, the representatives of Collector Sahib,” he said.

    Sinha said in 2019, the prime minister marked the beginning of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir.

    “But, the eve of 2020 ended this ‘Jungle Raj’ and the entire Jammu and Kashmir participated in the fair, transparent and violence-free elections of DDC,” he said.

    The Centre had on August 5, 2019, ended the J-K’s special status under Article 370 and bifurcated the state into union territories.

    Describing terrorism as a curse for peace and development, Sinha said the neighbouring country has been making a malicious attempt to instigate the youth, but a befitting reply would be given to those who mislead the youngsters through proxy war.

    “We want to assure all citizens that whoever is trying to mislead the young people through proxy war, shall be given a befitting reply. The neighbouring country, which does not care for its own people, has been making a malicious attempt to instigate some of our youth,” he said.

    The LG called upon such “misguided youngsters” that terrorism is a curse for peace and development.

    “By misguiding you from the path of peace and progress, inimical forces are denying you the life of peace and dignity on this pious soil,” he said.

    “With your ability, energy and unparalleled patience, Jammu and Kashmir shall have a prosperous future,” Sinha added.

    The LG paid tributes to the brave soldiers of Army, paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police “who have kept the unity, integrity of India intact with their amazing valour, courage and sacrifice”.

    “I am proud that Jammu and Kashmir Police has received 257 gallantry awards including Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra on the eve of Independence Day.”

    “I salute all the gallant heroes of Jammu and Kashmir Police. I also salute the family members of the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives while defending the sovereignty and integrity of the country,” he said.

    Sinha announced that the administration has decided that various places and institutions will be christened in the memory of freedom fighters, brave soldiers and personalities from different fields who have made invaluable contribution in the progress of Jammu and Kashmir.

    “This will inspire the coming generations to become their worthy successors. I am sure that the stories of those who have made sacrifices for this elixir of freedom will awaken a new and re-energised Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

    The memories of Maqbool Sherwani, Brigadier Rajendra Singh, Deputy SP Ayub Pandit, Inspector Arshad Khan, Sub Inspector Altaf Ahmed, Mali Begum, Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq, Lassa Kaul, Kanta Wazir and that of Sarvanand Kaul Premi, Dinanath Adim, Constable Yasin Tali, Lt Umar Fayaz, Mohammad Deen Jagir, Punjab Singh, Padma Sachdev, Mahmuda Shah, Deputy SP Aman Thakur, Deputy SP Manjit Singh and all such people will be revived in the coming days, he said.

    Sinha said it is the administration’s goal to make Jammu and Kashmir synonymous with success.

    “The next 25 years of Jammu and Kashmir are awaiting us with a new ray of hope and a fresh resolution for a new future,” he said.

    The LG said Independence Day-2021 is special for Jammu and Kashmir and the entire country because the celebration, resolve, energy and enthusiasm of today’s new generation will shape the formidable base for the centenary celebration of Independence in 2047.

    “In our ancient tradition, the 75th year is considered to be the time of trendsetter. It is the day of new determination. We must ponder what we have achieved in the past and what zenith we have to take Jammu and Kashmir to in the coming 25 years,” he said.

    Internet and mobile services remained unaffected in Jammu and Kashmir on Independence Day which is being celebrated in the Valley in a relaxed atmosphere, officials said Sunday.

    “There is neither internet shutdown nor #restrictions on the eve of the #IndependenceDay,” Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar said in a tweet.

    This is for the first time in three years that internet and mobile services in Kashmir remained unaffected on the Independence Day.

    These services used to be snapped on Independence Day and Republic Day as part of the security drill.

    The services were not snapped last in 2018 during governor N N Vohra’s tenure.

    On August 15, 2005, terrorists had used a mobile phone to trigger an IED blast outside Bakshi stadium which was then the main venue for Independence Day celebrations.

    There were no restrictions on the movement of people across Srinagar and other parts of the valley Sunday, although security forces have been deployed in strength at sensitive places in Kashmir, the officials said.

  • Jai Kishan, Jai Jawan: Ex-servicemen, farmers hold march on 75th Independence Day

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: On the occasion of 75th Independence Day, ex-servicemen on Sunday held a march at the Singhu border where protesting farmers are celebrating ‘Kisan Mazdoor Azadi Sangram Diwas’.

    Veteran farmer leader Satnam Singh hoisted the Tricolour at the Singhu border and some cultural programmes were also lined up, farmer leader Raminder Singh Patiala said.

    “Satnam Singh (85) hoisted the Tricolour at 11 am, following which the former servicemen marched in their dresses. Students of DAV college in Jalandhar performed ‘Bhangra’ for around one-and-half-hour,” he said.

    Jamhuri Kisan Sabha general secretary Kulwant Singh said ‘Kisan Mazdoor Azadi Sangram Diwas’ is being celebrated across the nation.

    “The ex-servicemen marched from the KFC restaurant till the main stage at the Singhu border. ‘Kisan Mazdoor Azadi Sangram Diwas’ is being celebrated across the nation where people are hoisting flags in support of the farmers,” Patiala said.

    The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) said lakhs of farmers joined the ‘Tiranga Yatras’ taken out in numerous ways in different parts of the country.

    At the Haryana-Rajasthan border, farmers organised ‘Kisan Kavad Padyatra’ in which they carried “soils of their fields and water of their villages along with the Tricolour flying in their hands”.

    “The kavads were deposited at the Shaheed Smarak built at Shahjahanpur border. Yatras were organised at the Tikri border and Ghazipur border too. Reports are coming in from different states about the tiranga yatras having been organised,” the umbrella body of 30 farmer unions said in a statement.

    It added that in Sirsa, a colourful tableau was part of the ‘Tiranga Yatra’.

    “On tractors were mounted machinery of farmers, including food processing machines, which were on display along with yarn spinning on charkhas by women,” it said.

    Another leader said the national flag was also hoisted at the Tikri border.

    A ‘Tiranga yatra’ was also held at the Ghazipur border.

    “We hoisted the flag at 8 in the morning. A ‘Tiranga yatra’ of 500 motorcycles from Hapur reached the Ghazipur border at around 2 pm to celebrate the independence day,” Dharmendra Malik of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) said.

    Farmers from different parts of the country have been protesting against the three laws since November last year.

    While the farmers have expressed apprehension over the laws doing away with the Minimum Support Price system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporations, the government has been projecting the laws as major agricultural reforms.

    Over 10 rounds of talks have failed to break the deadlock between the two parties.

    Scores of farmers, including women, took part in the yatra, demanding the repeal of the three laws.

    They put up the national flag on their tractors and other vehicles and marched on roads at many places, including Haryana’s Jind and Sirsa besides Punjab’s Barnala and Bathinda, said farmers.

    In Jind’s Uchana, women led the protest and hoisted the national flag at the local mandi.

    Protesting farmers said they will continue to hold protests till their demand is not accepted by the Centre.

    Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan said they observed “Kisan-Mazdoor Mukti Sangharsh Divas” at 40 places in Punjab.

    He said they observed a two-minute silence in the memory of the farmers who lost their lives during the struggle against the “black laws”.

    He slammed the Centre for not withdrawing the farm laws, claiming that it would adversely affect the farming community.

    Farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at Delhi’s borders in protest against the three laws since late November.

    However, the government has maintained that the laws are pro-farmer.

  • Assam government to grant an extra seven-day leave to employees to spend time with elderly parents

    Express News Service

    GUWAHATI: Continuing with its focus on geriatric care, the Assam government has decided to grant an extra seven days’ leave to its employees once a year but on the strict condition that they will spend the time with their elderly parents.

    Making the announcement in his Independence Day speech on Sunday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the employees could avail the leave at any given time.

    “We have to take a resolve that we won’t keep our elderly parents in an old age home. In spiritual India, nothing is more disturbing and shameful than to see elderly parents in an old age home…

    “I understand that we need to work hard to run the family but I want to ask if the state government employees can spend seven days’ time with their aged parents. The government will grant the leave,” Sarma said.

    He appealed to people to resolve that they would not send their elderly parents to old-age homes.

    Speaking in a similar vein, he appealed to traders to take seven days’ break from business and take their elderly parents on a pilgrimage. In this regard, he made mention of Shravan Kumar, the mythological character who was known for filial piety.

    Last week, the government linked geriatric care to the employees’ pay by passing the Assam Employees’ Parent Responsibility and Norms for Accountability and Monitoring Amendment Bill.

    Once it becomes a law, it will make it mandatory for the employees to take care of their parents or face a certain deduction from their pay that would be used for their parents’ welfare.

    In his speech, Sarma appealed to people to plant 75 saplings in every school and office – both public and private – to make Assam green, abjure the use of single-use plastic, avoid the consumption of gutka to prevent cancer and maintain cleanliness, not to marry off daughters before they attain the age of 21 years, take a resolve to work extra one hour in government offices to help Assam become one of the top five states etc.

    Meanwhile, the flag of banned insurgent group United Liberation Front of Assam or ULFA was found hoisted at some places of the state. The outfit had on Saturday extended its unilateral ceasefire by three months.

    Sarma on Sunday appealed to ULFA military chief Paresh Baruah to join the mainstream. Further, he reiterated his government’s commitment to go the extra mile in liberating the state from the scourge of human trafficking, drugs and cattle smuggling.

  • Independence Day: PM making ‘same speeches’ for 7 years, nothing implemented on ground, says Congress

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Congress on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of only making announcements about schemes in his Independence Day speeches and not implementing them, even as it hit out at him for not withdrawing the three agri laws against which the farmers have been protesting.

    Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said for seven years the country has been listening to the “same speeches” by the prime minister but nothing is being done for any aggrieved section, including small farmers.

    “He announces new schemes but these are never implemented or seen on the ground. He says a lot of things but never adheres to them. And now, by bringing the three new farm laws, he has spelled doom for the farmers,” he told reporters after the prime minister’s Independence Day speech.

    ALSO READ | PM Modi unveils roadmap of new India with ambitious schemes; warns of terrorism, expansionism

    Kharge also took exception to the prime minister targeting the previous regimes on the issues of small farmers and development, saying the country will not progress by criticising the Congress from the ramparts of the Red Fort again and again.

    “The Congress has done a lot of work for this country during its regime like providing irrigation systems for the farmers. Manmohan Singh ji and Sonia Gandhi ji waived farmers’ debt when the UPA was in power,” he said.

    Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also took a swipe at the prime minister over his announcement of Rs 100 lakh crore investment in the infrastructure sector, saying it was the same two years ago.

    “It has been two years since August 15, 2019. At least, the 100 lakh crore figure could have been changed,” he said in a tweet in Hindi while posting the news of the prime minister’s I-Day speech in 2019.

    Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa said it would have been a historic day had the prime minister announced the withdrawal of the three farm laws.

  • PM Modi unveils roadmap of new India with ambitious schemes; warns of terrorism, expansionism

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Outlining the roadmap for a new and assertive India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a slew of development programmes, including a landmark Rs. 100 lakh crore “Gatishakti” initiative to boost infrastructure and employment opportunities.

    In his eighth consecutive address from the ramparts of Red Fort on the 75th Independence Day, Modi called for making the next 25 years glorious for India with “new thresholds, aspirations and dreams” in the run up to the centenary of its independence from British colonial rule.

    Modi also said India is fighting the challenges of terrorism and expansionism with great courage and astuteness.

    He asserted that India does not hesitate in taking tough decisions and has political will to do so.

    “India has given a stern signal to its enemies by conducting surgical and air strikes. This tells us that India is changing and can take the most difficult decisions and isn’t reluctant to implement them,” he added.

    During his nearly 90-minute speech, the prime minister, who wore a traditional kurta and a churidar complemented by a blue jacket and a red-patterned saffron headgear, also called for a review of rules and procedures across the country so that every process that creates a hindrance for people and the country is removed.

    “Yahi samay hai, sahi samay hai, Bharat ka anmol samay hai (This is the moment, it is the right moment, It is precious time for India),” he said, reciting a poem at the end of his speech. Modi also added weight to his oft-quoted slogan ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, by adding a new call — Sabka Prayas (everyone’s effort), saying this would be very important for the achievement of all the country’s goals.

    Stating that the world acknowledges India’s political will for big reforms, he noted that the country has received record foreign investment with its forex reserves at an all-time high.

    Drawing a roadmap for the all-round development of India and its people, he said India has to march ahead with new pledges for the next 25 years.

    “We have to ensure we meet our goal of building Aatmanirbhar Bharat when we celebrate 100 years of India’s Independence.”

    Modi said the ‘Pradhan Mantri Gatishakti National Master Plan’ will develop the possibilities of new future economic zones.

    The Rs. 100 lakh crore programme will lay the foundation of the overall infrastructure in the country including in transport, reducing travel time and productivity, he said.

    The initiative will lead to development of future economic zones.

    He also announced the setting up of a National Hydrogen Mission to make India the new global hub of green carbon-free hydrogen fuel and its largest exporter, as he set a target of 2047 for India to achieve self-reliance in energy.

    In other announcements, Modi said the government will fortify the rice distributed to the poor via different schemes such as Midday Meal in a bid to address the problem of malnutrition.

    He also said 75 ‘Vande Bharat’ trains will connect different parts of the country in 75 weeks to mark the ongoing ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

    Stressing that he has full faith in the youth of the country, Modi said this is a “can-do generation” which can achieve every goal.

    Giving the slogan of ‘Chhota kisan bane desh ki shaan (small farmers should become India’s pride)’, Modi cited various schemes including transfer of money to assert that his government has prioritised the interest of small farmers who account for more than 80 per cent of the farming community.

    Keeping small expenses in mind, the government is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) under which more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore has been transferred into the bank accounts of over 10 crore farmers, he added.

    The prime minister also said reservation is being ensured for Dalits, STs, backwards and general category poor, and emphasised that the hand-holding of deprived communities is necessary.

    He also talked about boosting rail connectivity in the northeast region, saying very soon the job of connecting the capital cities of the northeastern states by rail will be completed.

    Asserting that the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water connections to all rural households by 2024, Modi said over 4.5 crore new households received piped water connection under it in the last two years.

    On other issues, he said the development of Jammu and Kashmir is visible on the ground, adding that the delimitation exercise is on and preparations are underway for assembly polls there.

    He also said it is unprecedented the way UDAN scheme was connecting far-flung areas of the country and the speed at which new airports are being built.

    Describing the New Education Policy as a means to fight poverty, he said it will focus on encouraging teaching in regional languages.

    The nature of international relations, Modi said, changed after the Second World War and there is a possibility of a new world order in a post-coronavirus pandemic scenario.

    Addressing the gathering held under the shadow of Covid with social distanced seating, Modi stressed that the day should not be merely a ceremony.

    People can take pride that the world’s largest Covid vaccination programme in going on in the country, he said.

    He lauded doctors, nurses as well those involved in vaccine manufacturing and others involved in fighting COVID-19.

    The pain of partition was one of the greatest tragedies of the last century, the prime minister said while asserting that August 14 will be remembered as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.

    Modi began his address, hailing the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and B R Ambedkar, among others, in nation building.

    He also lauded India’s Olympic contingent, which was present at the Red Fort, and said their performance encouraged the youth of the country.

  • Chhattisgarh CM announces four new districts, 18 tehsils on Independence Day

    By Express News Service

    RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the creation of four new districts along with 18 tehsils during his 15th August address on 75th Independence Day at the police parade ground where the main ceremony was organised  in Raipur on Sunday.

    The new districts that will come into existence are Manendragarh, Mohla-Manpur, Sakti and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh. The declaration takes the total number of districts in the state to 32.

    Baghel also declared to develop a garden to be known as ‘Minimata Park’ exclusively for the women in every district headquarter and the municipal corporation of the state. Minimata was the first woman MP from Chhattisgarh elected in 1952 and had devoted her life toward empowerment of women and betterment of society.

    Medicines at concessional rates as decided by the state government to be made available to the people under the ‘Dhanwantari Yojana’ across the urban areas. The emergency helpline service ‘Dial 112’ will now be extended across the state.

    The CM further said that over 2500 personnel would be recruited in various posts in the state power companies besides 14580 school teachers, including 1440 physical training instructors (sports teachers) would be appointed.

  • Punjab CM announces development projects worth Rs 1200 crore on Independence Day 

    Express News Service

    CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday announced development projects worth Rs 1200 crore to mark the 75th Indepence Day.

    The projects will include development of link toads, phirnis and roads along with a slew of SC welfare prgrammes. A sum of Rs 1170 crore will be spent under the Punjab Nirman Programme for the needs of those residing in rural and urban areas. 

    After unfurling the national flag at Gandhi Ground in Amritsar, Amarinder said that an Act would soon be notified which would mandate budgetary spending on Dalit welfare equal to the percentage of SC population in the state, and the 85th Constitutional Amendment would be implemented in line with the judgements of the Supreme Court.

    He also announced that certain expensive medical procedures and tests like Dialysis, X-Rays etc would be made free at government hospitals, further annoucing the launch of a universal health insurance. 

    Amarinder also announced regularisation of all Safai Karamcharis working for the past ten years and increase in the monthly honorarium of Anganwadi workers, Mini Anganwadi Worker and Helpers by Rs 600, Rs  500 and Rs 300 respectively.

    In order to facilitate ease of doing business, Amarinder also announced a new set of a whopping 1150 reforms for Medium & Small Enterprises (MSMEs). The details of these would be separately shared by the Department of Investment Promotion, he said.

    Referring to the welfare of landless farmers, he said that the state government would make payment of Rs. 520 crores to 2.85 lakh landless farmers under the Debt Relief scheme on 20 August, the birth anniversary of late formerPrime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Further, Debt Relief upto Rs. 50,000 would be shortly given to about 16,000 beneficiaries of SC and BC Corporation at a cost of Rs. 62 crore, he added.

    He said a sum of Rs 5 crore would be earmarked for the development of area in and around Guru ki Wadali, the birthplace of the 6th Sikh Guru Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib ji in the vicinity of holy city of Amritsar.

    Paying glowing tributes to the legendary martyr Madan Lal Dhingra, the Chief Minister announced that a memorial would be established in Amritsar City as a mark of homage to him.

    He conferred state awards on 45 persons for their valuable contribution to the society and dedicated services with a certificate, shawl and a medal. The awards for the year 2020 could not be conferred earlier due to Covid. However, a separate function would be held soon for giving the state awards for the year 2021 where distinguished persons, including GoC-in-C and all ranks of the Western Command, for their exemplary contribution in the fight against COVID, would be honoured.

    He also handed over appointment letters for government jobs to the family members of each of the 34 victims of the tragic Amritsar rail accident at Jaura Phatak.

  • PM Modi announces Rs 100 lakh crore Gatishakti plan for holistic growth, National Hydrogen Mission

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a Rs 100 lakh crore ‘Gatishakti’ initiative to bring employment opportunities for the youth, help local manufacturers become globally competitive and aid in holistic infrastructure growth.

    Addressing the nation on India’s 75th Independence Day, he said the ‘Pradhan Mantri Gatishakti National Master Plan’ will develop the possibilities of new future economic zones, and also announced the setting up of a National Hydrogen Mission to make India the new global hub of green hydrogen and its largest exporter.

    In a nearly 90-minute speech that dwelt on a range of issues, including India’s deprived poor, its farmers and the pain of Partition, the prime minister also spoke of the challenges of terrorism and expansionism.

    By conducting surgical and air strikes, the country had sent out the message of a ‘New India’, he said.

    This shows India is changing and can take difficult decisions, Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the centrepiece of India’s Independence Day celebrations.

    The nature of international relations, he added, changed after the Second World War and there is a possibility of a new world order in a post-coronavirus pandemic scenario.

    “India has seen the efforts of the world and also appreciated it. Today, the world views India with a new perspective. There are two important perspectives to it. One is terrorism and another is expansionism. India is fighting these two challenges and responding to them astutely and with courage,” Modi said without naming China and Pakistan.

    Drawing a roadmap for the all-round development of India and its people, he said India has to march ahead with new pledges for the next 25 years.

    “We have to ensure we meet our goal of building Aatmanirbhar Bharat when we celebrate 100 years of India’s Independence.”

    The prime minister, who called for ‘Sabka Prayas’ along with ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ for building a new India, also announced that rice provided under any scheme will be fortified by 2024.

    The government’s focus is to make small farmers, who own less than two hectares of land and comprise over 80 percent of all farmers, the country’s pride, Modi added.

    “We are witnessing the rapid transformation of our villages,” he told the nation while stressing that digital entrepreneurs are being nurtured in villages too.

    Reservation is being ensured for Dalits, STs, backwards and general category poor, he added in his speech and emphasised that the hand-holding of deprived communities is necessary.

    Over 4.5 crore new households have received piped water supply within two years of ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’.

    Along with modern infrastructure, India needs to adopt a holistic approach in infrastructure construction, the prime minister stressed in his address after hoisting the tricolour.

    India imported mobile phones worth USD 8 billion seven years ago and is now exporting USD 3 billion worth of mobile phones, the prime minister said.

    “We will have to work together for manufacturing world class products, using cutting-edge innovation and new age technology,” he told the nation.

    In 75 weeks of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, 75 ‘Vande Bharat’ trains will connect different parts of country, the prime minister announced.

    The prime minister said the capitals of northeast states will soon be connected with the railways.

    The region, he said, is also getting connected with Bangladesh, Myanmar and southeast Asia.

    The development of Jammu and Kashmir is visible on the ground, Modi said, adding that the delimitation exercise is on and preparations are underway for assembly polls there.

    Describing the New Education Policy as a means to fight poverty, he said it will focus on encouraging teaching in regional languages.

    The government has decided to open all Sainik schools to girls, the prime minister said.

    “I call upon all departments to launch a campaign to review rules and procedures; we must remove all rules that create hindrance,” he asserted.

    Addressing the gathering held under the shadow of Covid with social distanced seating, Modi stressed that the day should not be merely a ceremony.

    People can take pride that the world’s largest Covid vaccination programme in going on in the country, he said.

    He lauded doctors, nurses as well those involved in vaccine manufacturing and others involved in fighting COVID-19.

    The pain of partition was one of the greatest tragedies of the last century, the prime minister said while asserting that August 14 will be remembered as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.

    “I have faith in our youth; this is a ‘can do generation’, it can achieve every goal,” he said.

    He also lauded India’s Olympic contingent, which was present at the Red Fort, and said their performance encouraged the youth of the country.