Surat, Jan 26 (IANS) Gujarat celebrated India’s 62nd Republic Day Wednesday, with Governor Dr. Kamla Beniwal unfurling the national flag and taking the salute at an impressive parade here.
Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Secretary A.K. Jyoti and the state’s police chief were among those present as the governor took the salute from contingents of security forces, including the state police.
School students performed the ‘surya vandana’ while 23 tableaux from vartious government departments showcased their achievements.
Other attractions included motorbike stunts and a gymnastic performance.
This year’s Republic Day celebrations also proved to be a bonanza for the state’s districts, as the state government last fortnight announced as many as 4,500 development projects worth Rs.1,100 crore.
The chief minister also announced allotment of a special component of Rs.100 crore for the Surat Municipal Corporation as the second installment out of the total outlay of Rs.400 crore earmarked under the ‘Swarnim Jayanti Mukhyamantri Urban Development Scheme’.
Earlier Tuesday, while speaking at a cultural event here, he also announced the launch of the ‘Gram Swagat Online Redressal Programme’, which will be implemented from Feb 1.
