Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Jul 31: The Jammu and Kashmir administration Monday ordered to decorate all educational institutions to be decorated with lights besides hoisting the national flag for Independence Day-2023 celebrations.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary, Arun Kumar Mehta said this in a review meeting review for arrangements of Independence Day-2023 celebrations.
In the meeting, Mehta informed that the main Independence Day function shall be held at Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Sonawar, Srinagar and Maulana Azad Stadium at Jammu.
“ADGP Security of Jammu and Kashmir divisions shall ensure foolproof security arrangements at all venues across the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Inspector General (Traffic) shall devise a proper route and parking plan for the main events at Srinagar and Jammu,” Mehta said.
He said that no government employee shall avail leave on Independence Day, 2023, except under exceptional circumstances. All employees shall invariably participate in the Independence Day celebrations.
“All government buildings and offices including Schools, Colleges, Universities, Urban Local Bodies, Panchayats, Blocks, Tehsils, Patwar Khanas etc. shall be decorated with lights and shall hoist the National Flag on the respective buildings, offices and share videos of the same with the respective Divisional Commissioners,” Mehta said.
He said that it shall however be ensured that the national flag is hoisted in an appropriate and befitting manner having due regard to the flag code, for which purpose the Information Department shall generate awareness amongst all the stakeholders.
The Chief Secretary also said that the housing and urban development department and Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Rai shall ensure the participation of all public representatives of ULBs, DDs, BDCs and Panchayats in all the ceremonies.
He said that special ceremonies, including hoisting of national flag and installation of Shlla Phalakam on Amrit Sarovars shall be held in all districts of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“All Government Officers and the general public at large hoist tricolour over their houses. It shall however be ensured that the flag is hoisted in an appropriate and befitting manner having due regard to the flag code,” Mehta said.
The Chief Secretary further said that all officers shall use selfies with images of Jhanda, Mitti and Diya (Earthen lamp) as the display picture on their social media handles. All people to be encouraged to be a part of the Meri Mitti Mera Desh campaign.
Mehta said, “Special National Anthem singing, essay, debate, prabhat pheris and sports competitions shall be organized in Schools, Colleges and Universities across the Union territory and prizes amongst winners shall be distributed.”
The Jammu and Kashmir also said that the Independence Day speeches should include the initiatives of the government under digital J&K, Corruption free J&K, Swacchhta, Nasha Mukht Bharat, number of projects completed, Jan Bhagidari, Aap ki Zameen Aap ki Nigrani etc.
“Innovations at Panchayat, Block, District, Divisional and UT level shall be recognized and felicitated appropriately,” it reads.
“Adequate preparations shall be put in place in advance for holding of smooth functions in the event of rains,” Mehta said.
It also said that refreshment for students and other participants in the functions shall be arranged both at Jammu and Srinagar.
The government also said that the cultural events and programmes shall be organised in the Independence Day celebrations both at Jammu and Srinagar with due attention to the outfits of the artists/participants as also the quality of programmes presented.
“Proper arrangements for parking shall be made by traffic police at all venues and shall be supervised by IG, Traffic,” Mehta said. “Traffic advisories shall be issued well in time for the benefit of the public.”
Mehta further directed that proper protocol shall be maintained and followed by all concerned with regard to parking of vehicles/arrival & departure at and from the venues.
“All dignitaries invited to the functions shall be accorded due protocol and seating arrangements shall be made as per the Warrant of Precedence,” he said.
The Chief Secretary further said that all departments shall inaugurate projects executed over the last one year as also lay foundation stones for Important projects starting today until Independence Day.
“Prominent Government offices and iconic buildings and landmarks at all locations shall be duly illuminated,” Mehta said.
The government also said that all departments shall film short videos of two to three minute duration highlighting important achievements of their departments and furnish the same to the Information Department for wide publicity. “Every department shall plan Independence Day celebrations with vigour and enthusiasm.”
Mehta said that the participation of officers of the Central Government, posted in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in Independence Day celebrations shall be ensured.
