Our Correspondent

Chamba, August 16

Himachal Pradesh was also known as Veer Bhoomi. Keeping in view the contribution of the paramilitary forces for the country, the state government had taken a decision to give employment to the kin of martyrs of the paramilitary forces on compassionate ground at par with the Army. This was said by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Virender Kanwar while presiding over the district-level Independence Day celebrations at the historic Chowgan here on Wednesday.The minister unfurled the national flag and took salute of the march-past presented by the contingents of police, home guards and NCC cadets.Speaking further, the minister said that the state government had enhanced the honorarium of representatives of the panchayati raj institutions.The government had also enhanced the mandays under MNREGA from 100 to 120 days.He said the government was according priority to the welfare of minorities. The Chief Minister had recently launched Minorities Welfare Scheme in the state.The minister awarded Dr Sanjeev Suri, Principal of Rising Star School, Chamba, in recognition of his services in the field of education.The minister also gave away prizes to the participants of cultural performances and others.