State farmers to get loan at 3 per cent interest: Raman

Raipur, Aug 15 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has declared Independence day bonanza for the state farmers by curtailing loan interest rate from three per cent to six per cent through cooperative societies here today.

Mr Singh made this announcement at the main state-level function held at the police parade ground in the state capital where he unfurled the National Flag and took salute of the march past to mark the country's 62nd Independence Day celebrations.

He took salute of the combined march past of police, SAF, NCC cadets, NSS workers, Homeguard jawans besides scouts and guides.

''Chhattisgarh is the only state in the country giving loans on such low interest,'' he said.

He expressed his regards to the members of anti-naxal Salwa Judum movement.

''To generate about 42,000 MW electricity and to make 'power hub' in the state, MOUs worth Rs 1,70,000 crore have been signed with 51 companies ,'' he said.

Flag hoisting, march past by police and NCC cadets and display of tableux were carried out to mark the Independence Day celebrations across the state.

Elaborate security arrangements were made in view of Independence Day in this naxal-affected state.

The state government had already announced a remission in the sentences of different categories of prisoners on the occasion of Independence Day.

Reports from different districts said cultural programmes and pageantry were organised to celebrate the occasion with school children joining in thousands.

UNI XC-KV NY BST2223