District Doda Celebrates 77 th Independence Day with fervour and developmental zeal
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DDC Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal hoists Tricolour and Highlights Progress
Doda, August 15, 2023: The 77th Independence Day reverberated with patriotic fervour and a strong sense of national pride at the Sports Stadium in Doda. The Chief Guest, District Development Council Chairman, Sh. Dhananter Singh Kotwal, hoisted the tricolor amidst spirited celebrations followed by the resonant rendition of the national anthem. Later, DDC chairman inspected the prade of the contingents of JKP, CRPF, SSB, FPF, IRP 5th Bn, NCC Sr & Jr wings, Home Guards and of various schools of the Doda.The occasion was graced by the presence of dignitaries, including Vice Chairperson DDC Doda Smt. Sangeeta Rani Bhagat, Deputy Commissioner Doda Shri Vishesh Mahajan , SSP Doda Abdul Qayoom, and various district officers and other distinguished figures from both civil and police departments.
The Sports stadium Doda was decorated with beautiful flags of different colours. The entire Sports Stadium was also decorated with the banner of tricolour Flags. The sport stadium Doda was the witness of the largest gathering of the enthusiastic audience in the last many years who displayed their unconditional sense of patriotism, love, and respect for the motherland, freedom fighters and martyrs.
In his address, DDC Chairperson Sh. Kotwal reflected upon the significance of Independence Day as a tribute to the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the motherland’s emancipation from British colonial rule. He highlighted the pivotal role this day played in India’s history, marking the nation’s emergence as an independent and sovereign entity. The Chairman emphasized the importance of unity in diversity and equality among citizens, reaffirming the commitment to these principles.
Acknowledging the strides taken by the UT government, Chairman pointed to notable accomplishments, such as the operationalization of the prestigious Government Medical College Doda and the completion of the multipurpose indoor sports hall to engage youth in sports activities. He also underscored the imminent completion of projects like the Polytechnic College Doda and Government Degree College at Kastigarh.
Speaking about employment opportunities, the Chairman applauded the UT government’s initiatives under the titles “BEROZGAR SE SWAROZGAR” and “ATMA NIRBHAR BHARAT,” aiming to empower unemployed youth through self-employment schemes. He highlighted that nearly 17,453 youth had gained employment from around 7,657 sponsored cases during the financial year 2022-2023.
Sh. Dhananter Singh Kotwal lauded the recent Youthon-2023 under the title “ADBHUD DODA KA UBARTA YUVA” event, designed to support youth startups in fields such as tourism, credits facilities, and skill development. He also mentioned the successful implementation of social security schemes, covering citizens under initiatives like Atal Pension Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
Underlining the district’s commitment to “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,” the Chairman announced that all 237 panchayats have achieved the ODF PLUS model status, a testament of the successful sanitation campaign. Furthermore, he highlighted the “Meri Mati Mera Desh” campaign, which involved diverse activities like tree planting, Tiranga Rallies, honouring families of Martyrs, recitation of the national anthem, and the installation of 400 Shila Phalakam to honour martyrs (Real Heroes).
Concluding his address, Sh. Dhananter Singh Kotwal stressed the district administration’s dedication to inclusive development under the motto ‘SAB KA SAATH, SAB KA VIKAS, AND SAB KA VISHWAS.’ He lauded initiatives such as online classes for rural students, Ap ka Tehsildar Apkey Gaon Mai, DC Online, Prabhari Officer for Schools, and establishment of a “DODA hub” to foster innovation and create opportunities for the youth.
While speaking on the social welfare schemes, the DDC chairman highlighted various social security schemes like Atal pension yojna, Pradhan mantri Surksha Bima yojna, Pradhan mantri jeewan Jyoti Bima yojna which are under the implementation in which 95000 numbers of citizens have been covered for long term benefits. He also said that various other social welfare schemes like widows pension, old age pension, and pension for physically challenged persons have already been saturated in the district. He highlighted the progress on alternate national highway 244 under execution of NHIDCL and said that once completed, it will reduce the distance and save precious time of the commuters. He also signified the importance of JJM, PMGSY, PMJAY SEHAT, and other like schemes in uplifting the socio-economic status of the citizens and bringing inclusive development.
The colourful cultural program presented by School Children and local artists kept the audience spell bound. Displaying government schemes and activities of various departments through tableaus have been informative and useful for the people who attended the function. The departments dealing with the social sector, employment generation, and agro based departments showcased beautifully the role of their schemes in fulfilling the dreams of the deserving people.
