Haryana to stregthen infrastructure in state: Hooda

Rewari, Jan 26 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said the state government had launched an ambitious Rs 3000 crore Rajiv Gandhi Bridges and Roads Infrastructure Development Programme for construction of new roads and bridges and strengthening existing ones in the state.

The government would spend Rs 1000 crore every year on this programme which is to be completed by 2009-10, the Chief Minister said while addressing a Republic Day function at Rao Tula Ram stadium after unfurling the national flag.

While paying his rich tributes to the martyrs of freedom struggle, Mr Hooda said the people of the region participated in every movement for independence of the nation.

The Chief Minister said the amount of cash award to the winners of Paramvir Chakra had been increased from Rs 1,72,500 to Rs 25 lakh, from Rs 1.15 lakh to Rs 15 lakh to the holders of Mahavir Chakra and from Rs 57,000 to Rs 10 lakh to the winners of Vir Chakra. Similarly, cash awards to those decorated with Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra had also been enhanced upto Rs 25 lakh, Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh from Rs 1.20 lakh, Rs 62,000 and Rs 35,000 respectively, he added.

While realising that quality education was the need of the hour for speedy social and alround development, the state government was implementing a package of Rs 280 crore to encourage and motivate the students belonging to Scheduled Castes under which they would be given free books upto 12th standard and one-time financial assistance for school bags, dresses, stationary and shoes every year, Mr Hooda said, adding a scheme for giving monthly scholarships of Rs 100 to 400 to the students of these castes had also been introduced.

He said besides giving plots of 100 square yards to every homeless person belonging to the Scheduled Castes and those living below the poverty line, the government would spend around Rs 400 crore for providing basic facilities like electricity, drinking water, metalled streets and drains in the vicnity of these plots.

Social welfare was the priority and out of the state's total budget of Rs 35,000 crore for the 11th five-year plan, Rs 17,000 crore has been armarked for the social services, he added.

The Chief Minister listed various steps taken by the state government for the welfare of farmers, industrial workers, agriculture labourers and other sections of the society. He also gave details of the steps being taken by the state government for augmentation and equal distribution of canal water supplies and to increase the power generation by additional 5000 MW upto 2010.

The occasion was markedby an impressive march past presented by the contingents of Haryana Police, Home Guards, NCC cadets, Scouts and Girl Guides, Mass PT and colourful cultural programme. Tableaux depicting the role of freedom fighters, progress made by Haryana in various fields was also part of the programme.

Mr Hooda also honoured the freedom fighters, widows of freedom fighters and war widows. He announced Rs two lakh as incentive for the school children who participated in various cultural programmes presented on the occasion. He also announced two days holidays on January 28 and 29 for the school children of Rewari.

UNI HS SHB AS1631