Mangaluru : Dakshina Kannada District Administration in Associan with Mangalore City corporation celebareted 71st Independenceday at the Nehru Maidan here on August 15.

District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai unfurled the Tricolour Flag and received the guard of honour. Karnataka Reserve police, civil police, home guards, Traffic police, NCC, Scouts and Guides and Students demonstrated a colourful march-past.

Addressing the gathering, Ramanath Rai recalled all the freedom fighters with utmost respect and must pledge to defeat evil forces who try to break the unity of our country.

Rai also pledged to have high regards towards the soldiers who protect our borders and sacrifice their lives for the country.

He also listed out the achievements of the state government and outlined the plans for the development of the district. “Our government has introduced several programmes to deliver social justice and public welfare. To boost fisheries, we have introduced ‘Matsyashraya’, ‘Matsya Vahini’ and other schemes. Under ‘Matsyashraya’, as many as 209 beneficiaries have received financial assistance to the tune of Rs 1.2 lac each to build houses over the past four years.

“A new building for K R School in Kadri is being built at a cost of Rs 2 crore for the SC/ST community. Rs 10 crore has been released for the welfare of the Koraga community, and Rs 9 crore has been released to build approach roads for SC/ST colonies,” he said.

“Under chief minister village development programme, 30 villages have been selected and each will be given Rs 1 crore to undertake various projects.” He added.

“Under the ‘Kothi Vraksha Andolana’ of the forest department, several organizations and associations have together planted over two lac saplings. Over 348 persons have benefited from the Rajiv Gandhi Arogya Bhagya”he said.

“Around 2.17 lac poor families in the district are receiving benefits under the government’s ‘Anna Bhagya’ scheme at an annual cost of Rs 42.75 crore,” he added.

On the occasion, Laptops were provided to SSLC toppers.

Students performed cultural programme on the occasion.

Pic’s : Eswarraj