Government's new initiatives displayed at R-Day parade

The new initiatives by the Narendra Modi government such as Make in India and the Jan Dhan Yojana found a prominent place in the 66th Republic Day parade Monday as the tableaux rolled down the majestic Rajpath.

The department of financial services' tableau on the 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana' highlighted the uniqueness of the campaign which aims at bank accounts for all Indians and its impact on the weaker sections and low income groups.

The 'Make in India' tableau by the department of industrial policy and promotion depicted a mechanised lion against the backdrop of a smart city. The campaign aims to promote manufacturing in India.

Another pet project of the prime minister, the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' programme, a campaign against female foeticide which he launched from Panipat in Haryana Jan 22, was also displayed at the parade.

The tableau showed a woman rocking her infant daughter while other women dressed as doctors, engineers and scientists gathered around her.

A replica of the 'Statue of Unity' - another pet project of Modi - that pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first home minister who played a crucial role in integrating the princely states into the Indian union, was displayed in the tableau of Gujarat, the prime minister's home state.

A total of 25 tableaux rolled down Rajpath this year, up from last year's 18.

The parade is organised by the union defence ministry. US President Barack Obama, who is on his second visit to India, was the chief guest at the function.