Thaindian News

Bangalore, Aug 15 (IANS) In a gesture to the veterans who participated in the country’s freedom struggle, the Karnataka government on the occasion of the 63rd Independence Day Saturday enhanced the monthly honorarium to freedom fighters by Rs.1,000 to Rs.4,000.
Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa announced that freedom fighters from the state would be paid Rs.4,000 per month with effect from August as against Rs.3,000 per month hitherto.

“The state government will also pay with effect from this month honorarium of Rs.2,000 each to those who had participated in the Goa Liberation Movement,” Yeddyurappa said in his 30-minute Independence Day speech at the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw parade ground here.

Recalling the struggle and sacrifice of freedom fighters in making India free from colonial rule, Yeddyurappa said his government would develop places across the state where the struggle for independence was waged as memorials to remind people of their patriotic leaders.

“We are taking measures to develop freedom memorials in the memory of Vidurashwatha at Gauribidanaur, Shivapura near Maddur, Isloor in Shimoga district, Mailara Mahadevappa of Mote Bennur near Haveri, Gangadhar Desphande at Hudli in Belgaum district and Hardikar Manjapa’s struggle in Almatti,” the chief minister said.

The state government has earmarked Rs.100 million (Rs.10 crore) in the budget to develop the memorials in the honour of the valiant freedom fighters.

Paying tributes to Kargil martyrs, including 16 from the state, Yeddyurappa said a war memorial would be built in Bangalore in the honour of Indian soldiers who died in the two World Wars and other wars so far.

“Karnataka is the first state in the country to set up a war memorial in recognition of the services rendered by the brave soldiers,” Yeddyurappa asserted.

He also said that a special session of the state legislature will be convened in September to discuss the implementation of PURA (Providing Urban Facilitation in Rural Areas), which is the brainchild of former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

“Members of the both the legislative houses will also discuss rural development and agriculture during the special session. Suggestions or ideas made in the session would be considered for inclusion in the next state budget for 2010-11,” he noted.

Earlier, Yeddyurappa unfurled the tri-colour, inspected the guard of honour and took the salute at an impressive parade that saw the participation of the defence forces, central and state forces and about 3,000 school children.

Undeterred by the heavy rains late Friday, about 10,000 people gathered at the venue to watch the parade and the cultural show amid tight security.

After the national anthem was played, the defence and police forces staged a march past. Among those present on the occasion were cabinet ministers, senior officials and other dignitaries.

The over two-hour long event concluded on a high note with about 2,600 boys and girls staging various cultural shows and singing patriotic songs.

Independence Day celebrations were also held in other cities and towns across the state.