from Akash Poojary Polali
for Daijiworld Media Network (AF)

Bangalore, Jan 27: The Republic Day celebrations in the city on Saturday January 26 took a colourful note with children presenting cultural dance programmes that stole the hearts of many. Governor Rameshwar Thakur hoisted the tricolour at Manik Shaw Parade Grounds here.

Delivering the Republic Day address, Thakur said that the government is in the process of implementing a package for sugarcane growers. 'The government is acutely aware of the problems of sugar industry, especially that of cane growers and is in the process of implementing a package for the benefit of the industry,' he said.

'During the year, as many as 13 sugar factories which were closed down have been leased out to private sector to start crushing operation. In view of sugarcane production increasing every year, 16 new sugar factories have been permitted in private sector to safeguard the interest of cane growers,' he said.

'Though 30.7 million tonnes of sugarcane is produced in the state annually, with total sugar production of 1.7 million tonnes, sugarcane growers in the state have been facing serious hardships,' Thakur said.

'With Bangalore emerging as a global economic hub, the state has undertaken improvement of over 1000 km of roads at an estimated cost of nearly Rs 997 crore. The ministry of road transport and highways has recommended to the Planning Commission to provide one-time assistance of Rs 516 crore to the state government for this project which may be available to the state soon,' he said.

Earlier in the day delegates gathered here together to witness the hoisting of the national flag after which the national anthem was sung by the choir. This was followed by a parade by children of various schools and police battalions. As part of the celebrations cultural programmes were presented by students of various schools and dance schools of the city.