Delhi: 500 flag masts to mark 75 years of independence
What's the story
Five hundred flag masts hoisting the Tricolour across Delhi, and programs on Bhagat Singh and BR Ambedkar are among the measures to be taken to mark 75 years of independence, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced on Tuesday. The government will celebrate 75 weeks from March 12 as "weeks of patriotism" till August 15, 2022, to mark 75 years of independence.
Quote
The budget pays tribute to freedom fighters
"The budget, based on the theme of patriotism, pays tribute to freedom fighters and aims to work toward building the capital and the country as envisioned by them," Sisodia, who also holds the finance portfolio, said while presenting the budget for 2021-2022 in the Assembly.
Flag masts
Allocated Rs. 45 crore for 500 flag masts: Sisodia
The programs to be showcased during the celebration will highlight Delhi's role in the freedom movement, its journey in the last 75 years, and the "vision of Delhi" in 2047 when India will complete 100 years of independence. "We have allocated Rs. 45 crore for 500 flag masts. They will be similar to the one in Connaught Place's Central Park," Sisodia said.
Allocation
Rs. 10 crore allocated for programs on Bhagat Singh, Ambedkar
"So even if someone is going out two kilometers from their home, they will get to see the Tricolour and feel patriotic," Sisodia said. The government also allocated Rs. 10 crore each for programs and events on the life and times of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and architect of the Constitution BR Ambedkar to inspire and instill a sense of patriotism in youth.
Announcement
Budgeted outlay pegged at Rs. 69,000 crore, highest to date
Sisodia also announced the provision of yoga and meditation instructors on demand for colonies across the city and marked Rs. 25 crore for the same. The budgeted outlay pegged at Rs. 69,000 crore, is the highest to date. It was Rs. 60,000 crore and Rs. 53,000 crore in 2019-2020 and 2018-19 respectively.