Chennai, Aug 15 (IANS) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay, will lead the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George in Chennai on Saturday, marking his first such ceremony since assuming office. Vijay is scheduled to hoist the National Flag on the ramparts of the historic Secretariat complex at 8.45 a.m.
The State government has made elaborate arrangements for the event, which will be attended by Ministers, senior officials, police officers and award recipients.
According to the official programme, Chief Minister Vijay will leave his Neelankarai residence by car at around 8.20 a.m. When his convoy reaches the Labour Statue on Kamarajar Salai near Marina Beach, a formation of police motorcycles will escort him to Fort St George.
On arrival, Chief Minister Vijay will be formally received by senior government and police officials. He will accept the ceremonial salute from the police contingent and inspect the Independence Day parade from an open jeep before proceeding to the flag-hoisting area on the fort ramparts.
After hoisting the Tricolour at 8.45 a.m., the Chief Minister will address the people of Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Vijay’s speech is expected to review the programmes implemented by his government since it took office and outline its priorities and development plans for the coming months.
Chief Minister Vijay is also expected to announce an increase in the pension paid to freedom fighters and their legal heirs. The anticipated announcement is likely to be among the principal welfare measures highlighted in Vijay’s first Independence Day address as Chief Minister.
As part of the celebrations, Chief Minister Vijay will present several honours instituted by the Tamil Nadu government. These include the Thagaisal Thamizhar Award, the Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award, the Kalpana Chawla Award for Courage and Daring Enterprise, and the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Awards.
Other State-level awards and commendations are also expected to be presented during the ceremony. Security has been tightened across Chennai, particularly around Fort St George, Marina Beach and the route of the Chief Minister’s convoy.
Police personnel have been deployed at key locations, while traffic restrictions and diversions have been introduced in parts of the city to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. The ceremony assumes added political significance as it will provide Chief Minister Vijay with his first Independence Day platform to present his government’s record and its broader vision for Tamil Nadu.
—IANS
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