SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 31: Jammu Kashmir Union Territory (UT) Foundation Day and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas were celebrated on Tuesday with great enthusiasm across Kashmir division.
The UT Foundation Day marks the transition of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State into Union Territory on October 31, 2019. The day marked a pivotal moment in this region, opening a new chapter of integration, development, and peace.
As part of the programme, all districts of Kashmir organized mega events with the theme ‘Badalta Jammu Kashmir, Badhta Jammu Kashmir; Aman aur Taraqqi Ki Nayi Tasveer’.
At Anantnag, the Union Territory Foundation Day was today celebrated with great enthusiasm across the district.
Speaking at the District level event, the Deputy Commissioner, SF Hamid said that this day holds great importance as it signifies the formation of the Union Territory and the beginning of a new chapter in its journey of growth and development.
To celebrate the Day various cultural and informative events were held in which the growth and progress made since the establishment of the Union Territory were highlighted and shared with the general public.
The events saw a massive participation of students and youths and had a festive look.
At Budgam, the UT Foundation Day was today celebrated with high enthusiasm across the district with the main function held at Boys Higher Secondary School Budgam.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Akshay Labroo chaired the memorable event. The day unfolded with a series of activities aimed at fostering unity, patriotism, and cultural exchange, corruption free environment, transparency, accountability, participation, commitment towards good governance.
On the occasion, ADDC Budgam Dr. Akhramullah Tak, ADC Budgam Dr. Nasir, CEO Budgam Romana Qazi and other officers / officials from District administration were present.
The DC administered the Oath of Unity to school children, senior officers from District Administration, officers and officials from the school education department of Budgam.
The event witnessed showcasing of diverse cultural programs, adding a colorful dimension to the celebration. Folk songs in various languages were presented by school children depicting their particular culture and traditions.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that this day serves as a tribute towards the vision of development. He appreciated and lauded the active community engagement and vibrant unity demonstrated by the school children.
He emphasised the essence of love transcending barriers of caste, color, creed, and religion, urging everyone to embrace unity, harmony, equality etc.
Addressing the gathering of young minds, the DC said “Follow your passion, in which ever professional field you want”
He encouraged them to invest in careers they aspire to excel in. His words echoed a vision of a harmonious society built on the principles of love, unity, and individual fulfillment.
The DC said that the UT Foundation day celebration in Budgam reflects a collective commitment to the principles of integrity, inclusivity, and harmonious coexistence. The event stands as a testament to the district’s dedication to fostering a strong sense of national identity among its residents.
Later, the DC felicitated school children who showcased their talents in essay and painting competitions held throughout the district.
At Ganderbal, the UT Foundation Day/ Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations witnessed mass participation in a grand function organized by District Administration Ganderbal at Qamaria Ground, here.
The participation of PRIs, government officials, residents, and prominent citizens presented the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines the Union Territory.
Among others, the program was attended by Chairperson DDC Ganderbal, Nuzhat Ishfaq; Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shyambir; ADDC, President Municipal Council Ganderbal and other district and sectoral officers and officials.
The festivities took place at the district headquarter, as well as at Panchayat and tehsil headquarters to celebrate the UT Foundation Day aligning with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of independent India, celebrated as Unity Day (Ekta Diwas).
During the day, a wide range of activities were carried out to highlight the transition, transformation, development and achievements of the last four years of Ganderbal District.
Several prominent citizens and PRIs spoke on the occasion and familiarized the participants with the government’s milestones and achievements and the initiatives promoting good governance by the UT government. They said this day is a day of remembrance, reflection and anticipation besides a symbol of J&K UT’s commitment to a harmonious and affluent future.
Colourful Costume parades were presented by various students wearing different attires portraying different cultures that symbolized unity and integrity.
To pay tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a lamp lighting ceremony was also held at Qamaria Ground. On the occasion Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge was also administered by the Deputy Commissioner among the participants.
DDC chairperson also spoke on the occasion and complimented the LG administration and district administration for various welfare initiatives that have changed the socio-economic condition of financially weaker sections of the society. She also thanked the LG for providing land of 5 malras to landless people of UT.
The DC congratulated all the participants and highlighted the purpose of celebrating the UT Foundation Day aligning with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He highlighted the efforts of UT administration for ensuring transparency and accountability in government functioning adding that the last four years have marked a new chapter of integration, development and peace and it is because of the government’s clear policies that the people today share their views openly without any hesitation in public, he added.
Earlier, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Run for Unity was flagged-off by the DC from Lar which culminated at Wayil bridge. Citizens from different age groups participated in the run to celebrate the spirit of unity.
At Kulgam, functions were held across the district to commemorate UT Foundation Day with much fanfare.
The main function was held at Mini- Secretariat, Kulgam, which was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Dr.Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat.
SSP, Sahil Sarangal; ADDC, Showkat Ahmad Rather; ADC, Vikar Ahmad Giri; JDP, Zahid Sajjad; ACR, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz; ACD Mohammad Imran; ASP, Shabir Ahmad and other officers and officials besides, PRIs, students and locals participated in the event.
Multiple stalls were installed by various departments for showcasing government schemes and programmes.
Scintillating theme based cultural performances on Badalta Khilta Jammu & Kashmir were presented by the students from various schools which mesmerized the audience and guests present.
During the function, videos and short films were displayed which showcased the progress achieved in different sectors in the district during the past few years.
Addressing the occasion, DC said that during the last 04 years, a transparent and accountable system has been established across the UT. He said that recruitment from lower to higher positions are being made on merit and in a transparent manner and there is zero tolerance against corruption.
He added that the availability of more than 1000 services in online mode has revolutionized the system and ensured a transparent and prompt mechanism of services delivery.
He also said that accountable and transparent administration is the main focus of government and the initiatives to provide seamless services to people, transition of services was made to online and district Kulgam spearheaded in digitization of land records.
The completion of work projects is now time bound and the district has witnessed tremendous growth, said DC, adding that increase in district Capex and the CSS schemes boosts the developmental scenario of the district.
A Compendium on 04 year of achievements and progress was also released during the function by the Deputy Commissioner.
At Shopian, the District Administration Shopian led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Faz Lul Haseeb today enthusiastically celebrated Jammu and Kashmir UT Foundation Day.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz; Principal, IMGDC Shopian; Additional SP, Shopian; CEO, ACD, District Officers/Officials, College Staff, Civil Society Members, Prominent Citizens besides students in large numbers were present.
On this occasion, after the singing of the National Anthem, a Unity and Integrity pledge was administered to maintain transparency, accountability, fairness, integrity and honesty at all levels in all the offices of the district in every work. It was vowed to promote good governance and ethical business practices to eradicate corruption like menace from the society forever.
A series of diverse programmes (Cultural Segments) were presented by various school going children of different schools, including Cultural segments like Kashmiri Culture, Gojri Culture and Pahadi Culture, all revolving around the theme ‘Badalta Jammu and Kashmir, Aman aur Taraqqi ki Nayi Tasveer’ (Changing Jammu and Kashmir – A New Picture of Peace and Progress).
Speaking on the occasion, the DC expressed his appreciation for organising such programmes and hoped that each department will maintain transparency, accountability, fairness, integrity in their respective offices to adopt a corruption-free environment and to make possible for providing good governance to the people of the district.
Developmental Scenario of various developmental projects was also presented through screening of videos and short films on the occasion under the banner of Badalta Khilta Jammu and Kashmir, 4 Saal Bemisaal, marking a significant occasion in the district’s history.
Later, prizes and mementos were distributed among students who participated in a variety of cultural programmes.
On this occasion, Shabeena, a commerce student briefed about her success story by establishing a Dairy Farm assisted by NRLM Shopian.
At Bandipora, UT Foundation Day, was Tuesday celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm across district Bandipora with main function held at Mini Secretariat Bandipora which was presided over by DDC Chairperson Bandipora, Abdul Gani Bhat in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad.
The celebrations commenced with the administering of unity pledge in the Conference Hall where all participants solemnly pledged to dedicate themselves for preserving the unity, integrity, and security of the nation and also strive hard to spread this message among fellow countrymen.
Among others, ADDC Bandipora Ali Afsar Khan; Nodal Officer Coordination, Mohammad Ashraf Hakak; ADC Bandipora, Umar Shafi; ACR Bandipora, JD Planning and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
On the occasion, various noteworthy achievements of district administration were highlighted, especially over the past 04 years. Notably, Gurez as the best off-beat tourist destination besides consideration of the Panchayat Development Index of Bandipora as role model National levels was also counted as one of the great achievements over few past years.
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora while speaking on the occasion, said that Bandipora as a district has made commendable achievements in all sectors of life during the past few years.
He congratulated all the departments for playing a crucial role in the overall development of Bandipora and urged them to work with the same zeal and vigor to achieve new heights of development.
On the occasion, mesmerizing cultural programs were presented by the students of HS Bonkoote, GHS Plan and HSS Aragam showcasing the rich traditional heritage of UT Jammu and Kashmir.
Later, Dr. Owais Ahmad inspected the stalls set by different departments. Meanwhile, the DC handed over keys of vehicles under the Mumkin scheme to unemployed youth.
As part of the celebrations of UT Foundation Day, other activities including debates, painting competitions, pledge ceremonies, plantation drives besides cultural programs were also conducted in other subdivisions and municipalities of the district.
