I-Day celebrates with great fervor & enthusiasm

75th Independence Day was celebrated as Amrit Mahotsav with great enthusiasm, fervor and gaiety through-out the State today.
Functions were held at state, district and sub-division level to mark this historic occasion.
 Unfurling of Tri-colour, impressive march past by contingents of State Police, Home Guards SSB, ITBP were main attractions of the celebration. 
The state level function was held at historic Seri Manch in Mandi which was presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
The Chief Minister hoisted the national flag and took salute from the contingents of State Police, Home Guards SSB and ITBP. Pranav Chauhan commanded the parade.
While addressing the people, the Chief Minister announced six percent dearness allowance (DA) for the state government employees and pensioners from 1 July, 2021.
 This decision would provide financial benefits of Rs 450 crores to the employees and pensioners.
He also announced enhancement in subsidy being provided to the BPL and APL families on edible oils from existing Rs 10 per liter to Rs 30 per liter to the BPL card holders and from Rs 5 to Rs 10 per liter to the APL card holder for the next four months.
 This would benefit over 18.71 lakh card holders of the State. The Chief Minister also announced Rs 15 crore for Municipal Corporation Mandi to ensure that it carry out its developmental works smoothly.
The Chief Minister flagged of new fleet of 34 light motor vehicles for police department.Tableaus of different departments was the main highlight of the event.
A colourful cultural programme was also organized on the occasion.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the Saheed Samarak and paid floral tributes to the freedom fighter and martyrs who laid down their lives for the cause of the motherland. 
He also paid floral tributes to the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi by garlanding his statue.