Belagavi: Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic enthusiasm across Belagavi district on Saturday. District in-charge minister Satish Jarkiholi unfurled the national flag at the District Stadium and received the ceremonial salute. In his address, he highlighted the state government’s achievements and announced the formation of 752 Bharat Jodo Sanghas across the district, including 497 in gram panchayats and 255 in urban local bodies. Each Sangh will receive a grant of Rs 10 lakh.Paying tribute to freedom fighters, Jarkiholi recalled the contributions of Kittur Rani Channamma, Sangolli Rayanna and other patriots from the district. He also outlined various welfare programmes and development initiatives being implemented by the government. Achievers from different fields were felicitated during the celebrations.Later, the minister inaugurated a newly designed chess park at Sardar High School, aimed at encouraging children to spend more time on educational and recreational activities away from mobile phones.Addressing mediapersons, Jarkiholi said the government was prioritising the development of Gandhi memorials, road and infrastructure projects, allotment of plots to Scheduled Castes and industrial growth. He stressed the need for coordination between Belagavi City Corporation officials and elected representatives to improve civic infrastructure.He also revealed plans to develop industrial zones at intervals of 25 km to boost employment opportunities, attract investments and accelerate economic growth in rural areas. MLA Asif Sait, Mayor Preeti Kamakar and senior officials attended the programme.
