Mangaluru: The District Administration celebarated 69th Independence day in a grandeur at the Nehru Maidan here, on August 15.

District in-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai hoisted the Indian flag and received the guard of honour.

Unfurling the tricolour at Nehru Maidan here, district in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai said the government was committed to the uplift the poor and has brought in several schemes to achieve this goal.

Rs 2 lakh each compensation has been provided to the families of farmers who have committed suicide.

As far as sugarcane cultivators are concerned, he said a compensation of Rs 1,520 cr has been given already.

With regard to the Shiradi ghats, Rai said that 13km stretch of road has been concreted at the cost of Rs 69 crore and the second phase consisting of a 11.77km stretch is under tender process.

Speaking about the construction of a new DC’s office, Rai said that a total of 5.89 acres of land has been acquired in Alape-Padil to build the same at an estimated cost of Rs 40 crore and the state government has already sanctioned permission.

“In DK district, the construction of mini Soudha is already in the final stage in Mangaluru while in Sullia and Puttur, it is under process. The government has already sanctioned Rs 5 crore to build mini Soudhas in Bantwal and Belthangady,” Rai said adding that the Revenue Department in the district has received 45,593 applications for akrama-sakrama land, out of which 2,498 applications have been sanctioned and rest will be sorted out.

“The government has implemented the ‘Shira Bhagya’ scheme, which will provide nutritious food to school students and help in making the state hunger-free. Anna Bhagya-aimed at providing food for the poor, Manasvani scheme aimed at divorcees/unmarried, Maithri scheme aimed at transgenders, Vidyasiri scheme aimed at backward classes, etc. have also been implemented. Such schemes will help the people to lead a peaceful lives. Farmers, labourers, women, children, elderly, physically challenged, transgenders, SC/ST have benefited from these schemes,” Rai said.

A colourful march-past by police personnel from different wings of the force, NCC cadets, Home Guards and Scouts and Guides enhanced the attraction of the official celebration.

Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, Mayor Jacinta Vijaya Alfred, J.R. Lobo and B.A. Moiddin Bava, MLAs, Ivan D’Souza, MLC, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat president Asha Thimmappa Gowda, Inspector-General of Police Amrit Paul, City Police Commissioner S. Murugan, Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim, ZP Chief Executive Officer P.I Srividya, and Superintendent of Police S.D. Sharanappa were present.

The celebrations at Nehru Maidan were followed by Independence Day Cup Cricket Tournament wherein teams from prominent organisations participated. It was followed by Independence Day Cup Football tournament.

In the afternoon, cultural programmes by students from various educational institutions in the city were held at Don Bosco Hall. The children presented a variety of programmes revolving around the theme of freedom during the occasion.

More Photos