Republic Day 2021: India All Set For Mega Celebrations Amid Elaborate Security Arrangements | Key Points

Keeping in mind social distancing, the size of marching contingents has been reduced from 144 to 96.  Also, all members of the tableaux contingents from various states, ministries and government departments have undergone Covid testing.

New Delhi: India is all set to celebrate the 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday. However, this year, with Covid-19 protocols in place and the protesting farmers’ tractor march scheduled, the Republic Day celebrations in national capital will certainly wear a different look this year.

This year, the spectator size too has been reduced to 25,000 from around 1.25 lakh. The gravity-defying stunts by motorcycle-borne men will be missing as well. The parade of children who receive bravery awards will also be missing.

Keeping in mind social distancing, the size of marching contingents has been reduced from 144 to 96.  Also, all members of the tableaux contingents from various states, ministries and government departments have undergone Covid testing.

Here Are Top Key Developments:

A total of 32 tableaux — 17 of various states and UTs, nine of ministries and six from the defence arm — will be seen going down Rajpath this year. Among these, the tableaux of Ladakh –– the Union Territory that was created in 2019 after bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir –– will be included for the first time.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no foreign guest will be present at the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2021, something that has been one of the highlights of the annual event.

The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory for the Republic Day parade on January 26. “There would be elaborate traffic arrangements and restrictions in place for smooth conduct of the parade and tableaux along with respective routes,” the advisory stated.

Thirty-two children have been chosen for the Pradhan Mantri Bal Puraskar this year for displaying valour, exceptional abilities and outstanding accomplishments in various fields, including arts, culture, archery and swimming. Jyoti Kumari, 16, cycled to her native place Darbhanga district in Bihar from Gurgaon in Haryana covering around 1,200 km with her father on the rear carrier amid the nationwide lockdown in May last year. She has been awarded for her bravery.

The Delhi Traffic Police on Monday asked commuters to avoid the routes where protesting farmers will hold their tractor rally or ‘Kisan Gantantra Parade’ on Republic Day. Farmer unions had on Sunday finalised three routes, originating from Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur border points, for the rally.

Delhi Police has given No Objection Certificate (NOC) to farmers’ tractor rally after farm leaders agreed on 36 conditions in a meeting with police. The organisers have agreed to keep the limit of gathering of participants in the tractor rally to 5000 persons along with 5000 tractor.

Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting today with Delhi top cops to discuss the security arrangements for the tractor rally that is schedule to take place on January 26.