Sports Minister Satish Sharma Hoists Tricolour, Highlights Development, Welfare, Sports and Youth Initiatives
KATHUA, AUGUST 15: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated across Kathua with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm, with the main function held at Sports Stadium Kathua, where Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, hoisted the National Flag.
The Minister took the salute from an impressive march-past presented by contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Security Forces, Forest Department, NCC and school students. He also inspected the parade and extended warm greetings to the people of Kathua and Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion.
MLA Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma, senior officers of the civil and police administration, ex-servicemen, prominent citizens, students and a large number of locals attended the celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Satish Sharma paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the country's independence and security. He also saluted the soldiers guarding the nation's frontiers, particularly those who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Describing Kathua as a frontier district and sentinel of the nation, the Minister lauded the courage, resilience and patriotic spirit of its people.
Satish Sharma said that the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, remains committed to ensuring balanced development and equitable opportunities across Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that a strong Jammu is essential for a strong Jammu and Kashmir and a strong India.
Over Rs 70 Crore Allocated for Kathua Development
Highlighting the development initiatives being undertaken in the district, the Minister said that over Rs 70 crore has been allocated under the District Capex Budget 2026-27 for 2,079 works across 16 sectors. He informed that 1,978 works have already been taken up, reflecting the administration's focus on strengthening infrastructure and public services.
Focus on Food Security and Consumer Welfare
On food security and consumer welfare, Satish Sharma highlighted significant progress under the SMART Public Distribution System. He said that ration cards have been 100 per cent digitised, Aadhaar seeding has reached near-total levels and rapid progress is being made in e-KYC.
He said that AAY households are receiving 35 kg of free foodgrains every month, while Priority Households are entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per person. These measures are benefiting more than one crore beneficiaries across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister also highlighted the deployment of 20 mobile testing vans and intensified market inspections aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring the availability of quality commodities at fair prices.
He said that the Government would continue working towards strengthening public welfare schemes, improving infrastructure and creating greater opportunities for youth, particularly in sports, technology and employment.
The Independence Day celebrations also reflected the district's commitment to nurturing patriotism among the younger generation and encouraging students and youth to contribute actively towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation.