Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Aug 15: Patriotic spirit ran high as the district administration on Tuesday August 15 celebrated India's 71st Independence Day at Nehru Maidan here.
District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai unfurled the Tricolour and received the guard of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Rai recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters and said, "We must remember all the freedom fighters with utmost respect and try to imbibe their ideals in our own lives. We must pledge to defeat evil forces and all those who try to break the unity of the country. We must also remember our soldiers who protect our borders in rain and shine in tough terrains and sacrifice their lives for the country.
"It is our responsibility to uphold the unity and integrity of our nation. We should go beyond the barriers of caste, religion and creed and remember that we are all one, we are all Indians," he said.
He also listed out the achievements of the state government and outlined the plans for the development of the district. "Our goverment has introduced several programmes to deliver social justice and public welfare. To boost fisheries, we have introduced 'Matsyashraya', 'Matsya Vahini' and other schemes. Under 'Matsyashraya', as many as 209 beneficiaries have received financial assistance to the tune of Rs 1.2 lac each to build houses over the past four years.
"For the development of tourism in the district, we have undertaken 12 projects to provide basic amenities to tourists, at an estimated cost of Rs 4.60 crore. The work has already begun. Also, 80 candidates will be selected and provided Rs 2 lac each to run tourist taxis.
"A new building for K R School in Kadri is being built at a cost of Rs 2 crore for the SC/ST community. Rs 10 crore has been released for the welfare of the Koraga community, and Rs 9 crore has been released to build approach roads for SC/ST colonies," he said.
"Under chief minister village development programme, 30 villages have been selected and each will be given Rs 1 crore to undertake various works. Under the public works department, 774 km of roads have been developed in the district in the past four years. Also, 36 bridges and 48 building works have been undertaken at a cost of Rs 431 crore.
"Under the 'Kothi Vraksha Andolana' of the forest department, several organizations and associations have together planted over two lac saplings. The government has introduced 'Rajiv Gandhi Arogya Bhagya' for people above poverty line, and in Dakshina Kannada, 348 have been benefited from this scheme.
"Around 2.17 lac poor families in the district are receiving benefits under the government's 'Anna Bhagya' scheme at an annual cost of Rs 42.75 crore," he added.
"Rs 5 crore has been approved for upgrading the district Wenlock hospital. Another Rs 10 crore for the same purpose will be approved in the next budget.
"Rs 18 lac has been spent for the welfare of beneficiaries under the governmnent's 'Manaswini' scheme. As many as 148 drinking water units have been approved to provide clean water to the people of the district. Rs 4.75 crore has been released for the construction of a veterinary college in Puttur's Koila farm.
"Rs one crore has been approved for the construction of Shadi Mahal and community halls for minorities in district centres and Rs 50 lac for the same in other places.
"Five projects have been taken up under the multi-village drinking water scheme. Two such projects have been completed in Bantwal and one in Mangaluru, and two are in progress," he said.
"Rs 20 crore has been released for the Coastal Development Authority. Rs 100 crore has been set aside for the Paschima Vahini project. Kadaba and Moodbidri have been declared as separate taluks and the process to give them official taluk status is being undertaken. An RTA office will come up at Bantwal," he said.
On the occasion, Harish Santhwana Jeeva Rakshaka Award was presented to Sunil Ivan Menezes from Vogga, Sharath Kumar from Ullal, and Naveen Kumar from Uppinangady. Under Rajiv Gandhi Arogya Bhagya health cards were given to four journalists.
A colourful march-past by various teams was another highlight of the celebration. The first place was bagged by three teams, namely NCC air wing senior, NCC naval senior, and road safety girls. The second place went to NCC army junior.
Laptops were given to SSLC toppers, namely Sharath Raghav from Government High School, Puttur, Shivaram from Government High School, Siddakatte, Prajesh from Government High School, Kashipatna and Roopa from Government High School, Kaiyoor, Pratham and Prem Sagar from Cheliyar government school, Puneetha from Government College, Balmatta, Pratiksha from Kuppepadavu government school, and Harshini and Sharanya from Permannur government school.