Hoshiarpur/August 16/lDaljeet Ajnoha : Punjab’s Minister for Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters, and Horticulture, Mohinder Bhagat, hoisted the national flag at the district-level celebrations held at the Police Line Ground in Hoshiarpur on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day.
MLAs Bram Shankar Jimpa and Dr. Ishank Kumar were present on the occasion. The Cabinet Minister inspected the parade along with Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain, SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik, and Parade Commander DSP Manpreet Kaur Shimra, and took the salute of the impressive march-past.
The ceremony featured an impressive mass PT show and cultural programs by school children, including Gidda and Bhangra performances. The Cabinet Minister honored the families of freedom fighters and martyred soldiers who were present at the ceremony. He also distributed sewing machines, motorized tricycles, tricycles, and wheelchairs to the needy, and scholarships to meritorious students. Additionally, individuals who excelled in various fields and officials who performed outstanding work were also honored.
The district police, district women’s police, Punjab Home Guards, NCC, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and PRTC Jhanakhelan band performed an impressive march-past and took the salute. The tableaux displayed by various departments showcasing development were a major attraction.
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat greeted the district residents on Independence Day and paid heartfelt tribute to the thousands of patriotic heroes who sacrificed their lives in the long struggle for India’s independence. He said that he was fortunate to hoist the national flag on the land of the district, known for its educated and saintly people.
The Minister stated that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to making Punjab a prosperous, happy, and vibrant state again. He highlighted the various revolutionary decisions taken by the state government to improve the standard of living of the people and provide them with maximum benefits of government schemes.
Some of the key initiatives mentioned include the expansion of Aam Aadmi Clinics, new ambulances, free electricity, easy registration, cleaning of village ponds and water bodies, efforts against drugs and corruption, construction of rural sports grounds, jobs for athletes, and training allowances before major sports events. The Minister also mentioned the provision of health insurance worth Rs 10 lakh for all and the formation of committees for entrepreneurs to develop industries.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to honoring and welfare of freedom fighters and families of martyred soldiers. He mentioned the provision of 13% reservation in direct recruitment for ex-servicemen and their dependents and the grant of Rs 1 crore as a solatium to the families of martyred soldiers.
Mohinder Bhagat also highlighted the development projects in Hoshiarpur, including the renovation of the Sainya Rest House, facilities for ex-servicemen and their families, and the development of eco-tourism projects. The ceremony was attended by a large number of officials, teachers, students, and citizens.
