 Early Times Report
KATHUA, Aug 16: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at Sports Stadium Kathua, where Minister for FCS&CA, IT, Youth Services and Sports, Science and Technology Satish Sharma hoisted the National Flag at Sports Stadium Kathua.
The Minister took salute from the impressive march-past presented by the contingents of police, Security Forces, Forest, NCC and school students.
MLA Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma, senior officers of civil and police administration, ex-servicemen, prominent citizens, students and locals were present on the occasion.
The Minister inspected the parade and extended warm greetings to the people of Kathua and Jammu and Kashmir. He paid rich tributes to freedom fighters, martyrs and soldiers guarding the nation's frontiers, particularly those who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the country.
Describing Kathua as a frontier district and sentinel of the nation, he lauded the courage and resilience of its people.
Satish Sharma said the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is committed to balanced development and equitable opportunities across Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that a strong Jammu is integral to a strong Jammu and Kashmir and a strong India.
Highlighting development initiatives in Kathua, he said over Rs. 70 crore have been allocated under District Capex Budget 2026-27 for 2,079 works across 16 sectors, with 1,978 works already taken up.
On food security and consumer welfare, the Minister highlighted 100 per cent digitisation of ration cards, near-total Aadhaar seeding and rapid progress in e-KYC under the SMART Public Distribution System. He said AAY households are receiving 35 kg of free foodgrains per month while Priority Households receive 5 kg per person, benefiting over one crore beneficiaries across Jammu and Kashmir. He also highlighted deployment of 20 mobile testing vans, intensified market inspections and measures against hoarding and overpricing.
Regarding transport, Satish Sharma said free travel for women in government-run buses has been introduced to enhance mobility and dignity. He informed that 200 new buses are being added to the fleet besides modernisation of vehicle fitness testing, free ridership for persons with disabilities and processing of applications for a modern vehicle scrapping centre in Kathua. |
