SRINAGAR: In a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta on July 26, 2023, preparations for the upcoming Independence Day-2023 celebrations were reviewed. The meeting aimed to ensure a grand celebration of India’s 76th Independence Day in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The main Independence Day function is scheduled to take place at two venues – the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Sonwar, Srinagar, and the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu. These venues will host various events and activities to mark the historic occasion.
The J&K government has mandated the active participation of all its employees in the Independence Day celebrations. The order specifies that no government employee shall avail leave on Independence Day, except under exceptional circumstances.
To create a festive atmosphere throughout the region, all government buildings, offices, schools, colleges, universities, urban local bodies, Panchayats, blocks, tehsil, and patwar khanas will be adorned with decorative lights. Additionally, the National Flag will be hoisted on the respective buildings and premises.
The Divisional Commissioners will receive videos of these celebrations, ensuring that the flag is hoisted appropriately and respectfully, in adherence to the flag code. The Information Department has been tasked with creating awareness among all stakeholders regarding the correct way to hoist the national flag.
The Housing & Urban Development Department and Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj have been directed to ensure the participation of all public representatives from ULBs/DDCs/BDCs/Panchayats in all Independence Day ceremonies.
The Government officials of Jammu and Kashmir are also instructed to update their social media display pictures (DPs) with selfies featuring images of the Indian flag, soil, and an earthen lamp (Jhanda, Mitti, and Diya) as a way to celebrate the occasion.
Various cultural events and competitions such as National Anthem singing, essay writing, debates, prabhat pheris, and sports competitions will be organised in schools, colleges, and universities across the Union territory. The winners will be rewarded with prizes.
