Randhawa to hoist Tricolour on I-Day

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, August 13

A full-dress rehearsal was held on Monday ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. Deputy Commissioner Praneet hoisted the Tricolour and inspected the parade comprising contingents of the Punjab Police, Home Guards, NCC cadets (boys and girls) and scouts and guides of various schools.

As many as 2,000 schoolchildren participated in a PT show and a presented a cultural programme comprising patriotic songs, giddha and bhangra.

Minister for Jail and Cooperation Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa would be the chief guest at the Independence Day function, which would be held at the Multi-purpose Sports Stadium here on August 15, he said.

Deputy Commissioner Praneet said besides the presentation of patriotic items by the schoolchildren, a tableaux showcasing the Tandarust Punjab Mission and stubble burning would be the centre of attraction. Different government departments would also present tableaux representing development in their fields.

The DC said besides freedom fighters, people with exceptional achievements in various fields would also be honoured. He said all preparations and security arrangements for the Independence Day function were in place.

Sewing machines and tricycles would be distributed among needy persons on the occasion.

After inspecting the parade at the stadium, the DC also held a meeting with the officials in which he issued instructions to ensure proper arrangements for school students participating in various events and every official should do his duty responsibly.

ADC Sukhpreet Singh, MCB Commissioner Dr Rishipal Singh, SDM Balwinder Singh, SP (H) Surinderpal Singh, Tehsildar Sukhbir Singh Brar and officials from other departments were present during the meeting.

The police have tightened security arrangements ahead of Independence Day. Policemen in civvies have also been deployed. Besides, police officials have been directed to keep an eye on history-sheeters and anti-social elements.

The police conducted a special checking drive at the city railway station. Senior police officials were directed to remain in the field and check the check-points regularly.

SSP Dr Nanak Singh said, “We are maintaining a three-tier security for the Independence Day function. Security personnel are deployed at the venue. Patrolling parties have been increased and third stationary police parties would also be deployed in the city.”

It is pertinent to mention that earlier, Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu was to unfurl the national flag here at Independence Day function, but in the new list, chief guests have been changed and now Sidhu would host the flag at Ferozepur.

Razia Sultana at Barnala I-Day event

• Cabinet Minister Razia Sultana will preside over the Independence Day function at Barnala. Deputy Commissioner Dharam Pal Gupta on Monday presided over the final rehearsal of the programme. “We have made all required arrangements for the function,” the Barnala DC said. — TNS