Barinder Saluja, Chandigarh ,Aug 15: The Chandigarh Administration today marked the 63 rd anniversary of the Independence Day of the nation by organizing a flag hoisting function at the Parade Ground in Sector 17.
The Governor Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh, Sh Shivraj V Patil unfurled the flag, inspected the parade and took salute from the march past. Addressing the state level function Sh Patil reminded the present gathering of the great sacrifices done by the martyrs and the freedom fighters for the independence of the country.
In his address, he said, “We have worked hard to make Chandigarh a good city to live in. The Administration sees itself as a facilitator and a catalyst for change. The residents of Chandigarh are the partners in this effort. The sharing of all sections of society in the process of development is essential, and we have welcomed all those who have volunteered to participate in this process. These efforts have not been in vain. The City Beautiful has been accorded due recognition at various fora. Chandigarh is a truly dynamic City, with a success story of growth and development which we want to achieve through public partnerships and inclusiveness.”
Speaking about the developmental activities undertaken by the Chandigarh Administration, the Administrator said, “The Health and Education sectors continue to engage our undiluted attention. This year the new OPD in the Government Multi Specialty Hospital, Sector 16 will be commissioned. A new Block in GMCH-32 should also be completed. Shortly, we intend to launch the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, to make affordable and accessible quality of education to our children in the age group of 14 to 18 years. Providing accessible and easy interaction of the people with the Government has been a major priority, through the e-governance
programme. This year, we would like to add 10 new e-Sampark Centers in the City area. Shortly, we will have a State service Delivery Gateway, which will help the people of Chandigarh to apply for services through the use of e-forms.”
He further added, “You would be glad to know that IT exports from Chandigarh which were only 91 crores in 2005-2006 have gone to 823 crores in 2009-2010. The IT Park is already providing direct employment to more than 12000 people and almost 3 times that number are being indirectly employed.” During the course of his address he touched upon many more issues concerning the citizenry of the city.
The celebrations were marked by various cultural programme by the school children of GMHS, Sector 28-D, Saupins School and KBDAV-7, Chandigarh. The contingents of CRPF, Chandigarh Police, Punjab Armed Police, Haryana Armed Police, Chandigarh Home Guard, Civil Defence, Chandigarh Fire Service, NCC boys and NCC girls, Scouts and Girls guide and school children and Chandigarh Police and Brass Band took part in the impressive march past. Sh Patil also met freedom fighters and honoured officials and distinguished persons in different fields for their outstanding contribution.
Adviser to the Administrator, Mr. Pradip Mehra, Mr. M.P. Singh, Secretary to Governor, Home Secretary, Mr. Ram Niwas, Finance Secretary, Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Brijendra Singh, Inspector General of Police, Mr. P.K. Shrivastava, SSP, Mr. S. Srivastava, Chairman, Chandigarh Housing Board, Mr. Mohanjeet Singh, Mayor Anu Chatrath, Commissioner, MC, Roshan Sunkaria and senior officers of the Administration, Councilors and other elected representatives from rural and urban areas were present on the occasion.