KATHUA: 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.
Highlighting sports and youth initiatives, the Minister said Kathua has the potential to emerge as a sports capital. He lauded the district’s young athletes and informed that more than 4,500 children have participated in national-level sports events. He said 93 Khelo India centres are being established across Jammu and Kashmir to nurture talent at the grassroots level.
Referring to sports infrastructure in Kathua, Satish Sharma said a joint inspection was recently conducted to assess facilities and address the requirements of sportspersons and elected representatives. Water ATMs, washrooms and cleanliness measures are being taken up while a DPR has been prepared for upgradation of the stadium, synthetic track, floodlights and compound wall. He said Rs. 185 crore are being invested in sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir during the current financial year, including Rs. 13 crore worth of works in Kathua with Rs. 5 crore being spent this year.
On Information Technology, the Minister said Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a leading Union Territory in e-Governance, with over 1,548 citizen services available online through e-UNNAT. He highlighted the proposed E&FTeS Innovation Park ‘Aarohan’ at IIT Jammu and the AI Centre of Excellence for promoting employment, start-ups and investment.
He also highlighted completion of the Biotechnology Park at Kathua and progress in solarisation of over 7500 government buildings, terming these initiatives important for innovation, clean energy and sustainable development.
On governance reforms, he said measures including a single-window portal for recruitment rules, online NDC services and regular administrative inspections are aimed at making administration more transparent, accountable and responsive.
The Minister also highlighted progress under Jal Jeevan Mission, stating that 303 water supply schemes worth over Rs. 1,369 crore have been allotted in Kathua, with 112 completed or nearing completion. Under AMRUT 2.0, all six towns of the district are being made water secure with an outlay of over Rs. 100 crore.
Satish Sharma said road connectivity is being expanded through PMGSY, NABARD and Central Road Fund projects while the industrial sector has over 500 operational units with investment exceeding Rs. 16,000 crore and employment for over 62,000 people.
He further highlighted employment and housing initiatives under MGNREGA and PMAY-Gramin, besides the Rs. 267 crore Integrated Solid Waste Management Project and Rs. 40 crore Used Water Treatment Project aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure.
Calling upon youth to lead the way in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s future, the Minister urged them to explore opportunities in sports, skills, technology, entrepreneurship and public service. He called for collective efforts, beyond distinctions of faith and region, towards a peaceful, prosperous and developed Jammu and Kashmir and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Earlier, a scintillating cultural programme presented by school students added colour to the celebrations, featuring patriotic songs, dances and thematic presentations that drew enthusiastic applause.
The programme culminated with commendation of participants and outstanding achievers of the district besides felicitation of winners of DIPR competitions.
