On I-Day, govt announces 6 per cent DA hike

Shimla, August 15

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Saturday announced a 6 per cent hike in dearness allowance (DA) for the state government employees and pensioners from January 1.

While addressing a gathering in the state capital amid drizzle on the occasion of India's 69th Independence Day, the chief minister also announced the initiation of services of eight special ambulances in remote areas of Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Chamba districts.

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.

The ambulance service was launched in the state by the previous state BJP government on December 25, 2010. It was initially funded by the National Rural Health Mission.

Virbhadra Singh earlier hoisted the national flag.

A colourful cultural programme was also performed by school students.

Similar Independence Day functions were also organised in all 12 district headquarters.

Virbhadra remembers freedom fighters

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Saturday remembered the martyrs who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country.

In a message on the country's 69th Independence Day, he said the best way to of paying homage to the martyrs would be to rededicate ourselves for strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation.

“The people of Himachal Pradesh had contributed a lot to the freedom struggle and thereafter in maintaining the unity and integrity of the country.

“Many of our youth joined the Indian national army to free the country from the clutches of the foreign yoke,” he said in a written message.

He said the state government has enhanced the ‘Samman Rashi’ or honorarium of the freedom fighters from Rs 7,500 to Rs 10,000 per month and for their widows and unmarried daughters from Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000 per month.