70th Independence Day Celebrated Across Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The 70th Independence Day was celebrated across Odisha with patriotic fervour on Monday.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unfurled the national flag at Mahatma Gandhi Marg here at the state-level ceremony.

More than 20 contingents of state police, home guards, National Cadet Corps, college students and others participated in the march past. Two troupes from Andhra Pradesh also took part in the parade.

Chief Minister remembered the contribution and sacrifices of the freedom fighters on the occasion.

He also said the state government had taken several initiatives for the welfare of the people.

He said additional three lakh beneficiaries had been included in Madhu Babu Pension Yojana from today.

He said the per capita income of people is on the rise while poverty has reduced in the state.

The Chief Minister also said that participation of six Odia girls in Rio Olympics 2016 is a matter of pride for the state.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also gave away awards to police personnel for their meritorious services.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made across the state for the peaceful celebration of Independence Day. Adequate security personnel has been deployed in Maoists infested areas in the state, said police.