PM Modi to head panel to commemorate 75 yrs of India's Independence; Sonia, CJI included

Centre on Friday set up a 259-member high-level national committee, which will be headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to commemorate 75 years of India's Independence. members of this panel would include former President Pratibha Patil, Chief Justice of India SA Bobde, NSA Ajit Doval, 28 Chief Ministers, artists like Lata Mangeshkar, bel laureate Amartya Sen, senior BJP leader LK Advani, almost all Union Ministers and several goverrs. 

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Panel to commemorate 75 yrs of India's independence

A statement issued by government said, " government has w constituted a national committee under chairmanship of Prime Minister of India with 259 members, for which a gazette tification has been issued today."

Despite regular political differences between Centre and Opposition including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Ministers Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati will also be a part of this 259-member panel formed by government.  panel includes dignitaries and eminent citizens from all walks of life.

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According to statement by Union Minister of Culture,  high-level committee formed by central government will provide policy direction and guidelines for formation of programmes for commemoration of 75th anniversary of India's  Independence, at national and international levels. 

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celebrations are proposed to be launched 75 weeks prior to August 15, 2022, on March 12, 2021, which is 91st anniversary of historic Salt Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi. In order to discuss modalities relating to preparatory activities for celebrations, high-level committee will hold its first meeting on March 8, according to statement.

Earlier, a National Implementation Committee under chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah had been constituted for 75 years independence celebrations. A Committee of Secretaries has also been set up for this purpose. 

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(With PTI inputs)