Governor Lalji Tandon has called upon the people of the State to take a pledge to strengthen the democratic system at the State-level ceremony held at Lal Parade Ground on the 71st Republic Day. He urged them to extend support to the State Government in its efforts to improve the standard of living of the common man and the progress of the State. Tandon unfurled the flag and inspected the parade and took the salute. Tandon greeted the people of the State on the occasion and remembered the members of the Constituent Assembly.
Tandon said that Global Skill Park is being established in the State for future-oriented and employment-oriented education to the youth. ITIs of divisional headquarters are being upgraded to mega ITIs. In rural areas, clean drinking water supply is being ensured through collective Nal-Jal scheme.
He said that essential housing infrastructure will be developed for 40 lakh homeless families in rural areas of the State.
In urban areas, homeless persons of Housing Mission will be provided with rented houses and the ownership of the houses will be given to the beneficiaries after 15 years of paying rent. The Governor said that one thousand cowsheds are being built in the State to provide shelter to the bovine. Five acres of pastures should be developed in each cowshed.
He said that the daily grant of fodder-hay for the cowsheds has been increased from Rs 3 to Rs 20 per bovine.
The Governor said that the cancelled Forest Rights Act claims are being reconsidered timely for the welfare of the tribals. Final decision will be taken on all such cases in a month.
The wage rate of tendu patta collectors has been increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per standard bag. He said that proper budget will be allotted on the development of Scheduled Caste and tribals on the basis of population.
The Governor said that the third phase of Chief Minister’s Infrastructure Development Scheme has been granted approval to provide basic and modern facilities in urban areas. Efforts are being made to get recognition of world-class tourist site to the State to make employment opportunities available to the people.
He said that in medical education, service has been made mandatory in rural areas for students pursuing MBBS and PG course.
Public representatives, dignitaries, Government officers-employees and school children in a large number took part in the State-level ceremony of Republic Day.