KATHUA, JANUARY 26: The 76th Republic Day was celebrated with vibrant patriotism at the Sports Stadium Kathua, where Satish Sharma, the Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI & Trainings, unfurled the National Flag.
The Minister took the salute at an impressive march past by contingents from the Police, Paramilitary Forces, Forest Protection Force, school and college students, along with police and school bands.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sharma extended his warm Republic Day greetings and emphasized the significance of the day in celebrating India’s democratic values and the sacrifices made by the country’s freedom fighters. “On this day in 1950, our nation began its journey to create a society founded on justice, fraternity, and equality. This seven-decade-long journey of development is a testament to our inclusive ideology, national unity, hard work, and dynamism,” he said.
Minister Sharma further noted that India is now a confident nation, standing as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Honoring the bravery of General Zorawar Singh, Brigadier Rajinder Singh, and other national heroes, the Minister paid tribute to the soldiers and police personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country’s security.
“Our Constitution is more than just a document; it is a guiding light that upholds justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity. It empowers us to embrace diversity and unite as one nation, despite our differences in culture, language, and beliefs,” Sharma stated.
Highlighting the government’s achievements and its developmental vision, Satish Sharma outlined initiatives aimed at uplifting the socio-economic status of citizens, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, good governance, and ensuring opportunities for all under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Minister discussed key initiatives aimed at transforming various sectors. In agriculture, he emphasized the implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) with a ₹5,000 crore allocation over five years. “This initiative will enhance agricultural productivity and improve rural livelihoods, unlocking the region’s immense potential,” he added.
Sharma also discussed recent improvements to the Public Distribution System (PDS), highlighting that around 24.79 lakh families and 98.42 lakh beneficiaries have been covered in Jammu and Kashmir. He further noted that the government has ensured inclusion of children born between 2011 and 2016, and other eligible but previously excluded residents under relevant PDS categories.
Regarding transport, the Minister highlighted the introduction of new bus services in rural areas and expanded routes to religious destinations such as Mata Vaishno Devi and Shahdara Shrief.
Sharma shared that the Rural Development Department is focusing on strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions and improving rural infrastructure. Under PMAY 2.0, housing for all eligible beneficiaries is being ensured.
“Our focus is on urban modernization, with a special emphasis on affordable housing for economically weaker sections, better sanitation and waste management, decongesting cities, and promoting sustainable, eco-friendly development,” said Sharma.
Tourism and infrastructure development remain key priorities for the government, with efforts to boost year-round tourism, particularly in adventure, cultural, and eco-tourism sectors.
In education, the government’s vision includes providing universal access to quality education by updating curricula, equipping teachers with advanced training, and incorporating technology-enabled learning tools, all while focusing on reducing dropout rates and ensuring inclusive education for underprivileged children.
Sharma also spoke about the Project YUVA initiative, which aims to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of enterprises and employment. The initiative plans to create 1.37 lakh enterprises, generating 4.25 lakh employment opportunities for youths within five years, backed by a budget of ₹1,830 crores and an influx of over ₹5,000 crores from financial institutions.
To promote industrial and IT growth, the government is creating an investor-friendly environment in Jammu and Kashmir, with developments in industrial estates, support for startups, and efforts to digitize government services to enhance e-governance and innovation in the IT sector.
The Minister also outlined steps being taken to develop sports infrastructure, organize talent scouting programs, and encourage youth to pursue careers in sports. He highlighted notable events such as the Legends Cricket League and the upcoming 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, which also help boost tourism in the region.
Minister Sharma concluded his speech by urging the people to pledge to uphold the dignity of the nation and work towards making India a beacon of hope and inspiration for the world.
On this occasion, cultural performances including patriotic songs and dances were presented by schoolchildren. Later, Minister Sharma felicitated the winners of the March Past contingents, cultural presentations, and recognized outstanding performers in various fields.
Prominent attendees included MLA Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan, MLA Barnoti Rajeev Jasrotia, MLA Hiranagar Vijay Sharma, DDC Chairman Col (Retd) Mahan Singh, Vice Chairman DDC Raghunandan Singh, Ex MP Ch Lal Singh, DC Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas, SSP Shobhit Saxena, ADC Ranjit Singh, ACR Vishav Pratap Singh, CPO Ranjit Thakur, and other district and sectoral officers.
Recent Comments