Karwar: Karnataka which has made vast strides in education and economic fields, and country’s premier technology hub, has emerged as model State in the country, Minister of Higher Education & Tourism and District in-charge Minister R V Deshpande stated.

Speaking, after flagging of the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations, at Deputy Commissioner’s office, in Karwar, on Wednesday, Deshpande detailed the various projects that have been implemented by the government in the last four years, to ensure social justice and overall development.

The government, he said, has also embarked upon a Vision 2025 initiative and is garnering public opinion to come up with an overall development document of the State for the next eight years.

Observing that the Congress government has ensure justice to all strata of people including the poor, farmers and labourers, he said, with the assembly elections round the corner, the party was gearing up to face the people’s mandate in the next six months. The party is confident that public will support it, he averred.

District Armed Reserve Force, Forest Department, Bharat Seva Dal, Scouts & Guides and NCC troops took out an attractive parade on the occasion. The school children presented skits to create awareness among the public about conservation of land, nature and other resources.

Deshpande also flagged off Goddess Bhuvaneshwari portrait procession, at deputy commissioner's office which saw various artiste troupes and tableaus with portrait draw appreciation from the public during the procession.

Forest Department’s tableau bagged first prize, Saint Joseph School’s tableau secured second and Social Welfare Department tableau bagged the third prize.

MLA Satish Sail, Zilla Panchayat President Jayashree Moger, City Municipal Council President Ganapati Naik, Deputy Commissioner S S Nakul Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer L Chandrashekhar Naik, Superintendent of Police Vinayak V Patil and others were present.