Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on the occasion of Independence Day celebration announced a six percent hike in dearness allowance for the state government employees and pensioners from January 1. The Government decision will put a burden of Rs. 400 crore to the State exchequer.
The Chief Minister also flagged off eight ambulances under National Ambulance Services especially to those areas which remains covered with snow during winters. The number of National Ambulance fleet has increased to 196.
These ambulances, which can be availed of free-of-cost by dialling phone number 108, are in addition to the 172 ambulances, possessing life-saving equipment and drugs like anti-snake bite venom, currently operating in the state.
Earlier Chief Minister Virbahdra Singh Singh unfurled the Tricolour and took salute from march-past presented by the contingents of Police, Home-guards, NCC cadets (boys and girls), Bharat Scouts and Guides, NSS volunteers. ASP Kangra, Ms. Shalini Agnihotri, commanded the parade.
While extending his greetings to the people of the State on the occasion, Chief Minister said that the State had progressed rapidly on the path of development since its formation but still we have to tread miles to become the first State in the Country in terms of achieving more milestones in the field of development.
The 69th Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety throughout Himachal Pradesh today. Functions were organised at State, District and Sub-Divisional levels to mark the occasion.
