Dakshina Kannada Celebrates 71st Independence day with Spirit of Patriotism
Mangaluru: The 71st Independence Day was celebrated with a spirit of patriotism at the Nehru Maidan here, on August 15.
The district minister in-charge B Ramanath Rai hoisted the Indian tricolour flag at 9 am. He later received the guard of honour.
Various teams from Karnataka Reserve police, civil police, home guards, Traffic police, NCC, Scouts and Guides demonstrated a colourful march-past.
Addressing the gathering Ramanath Rai greeted the people of Dakshina Kannada on the 71st Independence day. Briefing on the development projects implemented by the State government Ramanath Rai said that the government has fulfilled most of the promises which were made during the elections.
Addressing the gathering Ramanath Rai said, “We should remember all those who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country and inculcate the moral values in us. Today we need to pledge that we will fight against the evil forces who are destroying the development and unity of the country. It is our duty to remember the soldiers who are working relentlessly in the hot sun and rain on the borders to save us from our enemies.”
Rai further said, “We need to forget caste, creed and discrimination and work to retain unity and brotherhood. Our government has implemented various schemes for the welfare of the people from all walks of life. To encourage the fishermen various schemes such as the Matsyashraya, Matsya Mahila Swavalambana, Matsyavahini and Fishermen Contingency fund have been started. From the past four years under the Matshyashraya Scheme, Rs 1.2 lakh has been given to 209 beneficiaries to construct houses.”
Ramanath Rai also said, “To develop tourism, basic facilities scheme has been approved and Rs 4.60 crore has been sanctioned. Under the Tourist Taxi scheme, 80 candidates have been selected and they will be given Rs 2 lakh each for the purchase of taxies. To provide basic facilities in Koraga colonies Rs 10 crore grant has been sanctioned. For road development work in SC Colonies Rs 9 crore grant has been sanctioned. Under the Chief Minister Gram Vikas scheme 30 grams have been selected and Rs 1 crore each has been reserved. Through PWD 774 Kms roads have been developed in four years. 36 bridges and 48 buildings have been constructed with a grant of Rs 431 crores. Under the “Koti Vraksha Andolan”, the Forest Department along with various organizations has planted more than 2 lakh saplings.”
“The government has implemented the Rajeev Gandhi Arogya Bhagya scheme to help people who are above the poverty line. The government has also implemented Ksheera Bhagya for the Anganvadi children and students from 1st to 10 standard. In the district, 2.69 lakh students are benefiting from Ksheera Bhaghya. Under the Anna Bhagya scheme, Rs 42.75 lakh is spent to provide food grains to 2.17 lakh BPL families. To upgrade the Wenlock Hospital Rs 5 crore funds have been allocated in the year 2016-2017 and Rs 10 crore in the year 2017-18. Under the Manaswini scheme Rs 18 lakh has been distributed to 3,740 beneficiaries. To provide pure drinking water 148 units have been sanctioned.”
While concluding Ramanath Rai said, ““It is the duty of every individual to respect the national flag. Let this celebration inspire us and instill in us the spirit of patriotism. Once again I extend my wishes to the people of Dakshina Kannada.”
Laptops were distributed to the students who have excelled in their studies. Health cards were handed over to the Journalists by the district minister in-charge B Ramanath Rai.
IGP Harishekaran, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLA J R Lobo, MLA Moideen Bava, Chief Whip Ivan D’Souza, Police commissioner T R Suresh, SP Sudheer Reddy, Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius D’Souza, DCP Crime and Traffic Hanumantharaya, Mayor Kavitha Sanil, ZP President Meenakshi Shanthigodu, and others were also present.
