JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today unfurled the National Flag at MA Stadium Jammu, marking the 79th Independence Day celebrations. The Dy CM also inspected the parade contingents and took the ceremonial salute.
The Independence Day Parade featured 32 contingents, including BSF, CRPF, SSB, IRP (women & men), J&K Police, JKAP, SDRF, J&K Fire & Emergency Services, J&K Forest Protection Force, NCC (boys & girls), several government and private school contingents, and brass and pipe bands of BSF, J&K Armed Police, and school band troops.
At the outset, the Dy CM expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic cloudburst in Chashoti, Kishtwar, assuring government support and solidarity.
Addressing the gathering, he greeted the people of J&K and the nation on the 79th Independence Day. He recalled the sacrifices of freedom fighters and martyrs who brought freedom to the nation.
Highlighting government achievements over the past 10 months, the Dy CM noted that 46 new industrial estates have been established, with factories coming up in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Pulwama, and Budgam. A Local Employment Policy has been implemented to give J&K youth priority in these industries. He emphasized that the UT is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its rich heritage and skilled artisans, whose works are globally appreciated.
He cited GI tags awarded to Kashmiri Pashmina, Kani shawl, paper-mâché, walnut wood carving, Solai Honey, Kaladi, Guchchi mushrooms, Basmati rice, Rajma, Saffron, and handicrafts such as Chakri Kala, Basohli Pashmina shawls, and Basohli paintings.
Focusing on social welfare, the Dy CM said 2 lakh safety kits, including helmets, gloves, safety shoes, and medical kits, have been distributed to workers. Pension schemes like ISSS and NSAP provide regular support to the elderly, widows, and differently-abled citizens.
On healthcare, he highlighted expanded services, increased MBBS and PG seats, and efforts to make medical education more accessible to local students. In education, initiatives include mobile schools for remote areas, adoption of the New Education Policy, and teacher training programs emphasizing activity-based learning and student counseling.
For farmers, schemes in agriculture, horticulture, and sericulture have been launched, including the Saffron Mission to promote Pampore saffron internationally. Coverage under the Kisan Credit Card has increased, and crop insurance protects against losses due to adverse weather and market fluctuations.
Regarding youth empowerment, the Dy CM emphasized skill training under Mission Yuva in IT, tourism, handicrafts, dairy farming, solar installation, and modern agriculture, coupled with subsidized loans to encourage entrepreneurship. Women’s empowerment initiatives include Self Help Groups (SHGs) supported with interest-free loans, marketing training, and modern accounting tools.
Infrastructure achievements include major milestones by the Public Works Department, approval of several mega development projects, and road construction under PMGSY Phase IV covering 1,741 km at ₹4,224 crore, connecting 2,400 rural habitations. Nineteen new national highway projects worth ₹10,637 crore have also been approved, alongside NABARD-supported projects. The power sector has seen strengthened transmission and distribution systems.
On tourism, the Dy CM stated it is a pillar of identity, pride, and economy. New housing blocks, parking facilities, and crowd management systems have been implemented to enhance tourist convenience.
He concluded by stressing the responsibility of preserving freedom and advancing the nation, urging the younger generation to carry forward this legacy. He affirmed that the government will continue working for J&K’s development with honesty, dedication, and hard work.
