Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray today hoisted the tri-colour at Mantralaya in Mumbai. It is for the first time since becoming the Chief Minister, Mr. Thackeray hoisted the national flag on the Independence Day function.<br />'' <br />'' Addressing the people after the flag hoisting ceremony, the chief minister vowed to enable the farmers to stand on their feet.<br />'' <br />'' He said good medical services will be provided in the villages and remote areas of the State.<br />'' <br />'' The main attraction of this year's Independence Day celebration was the presence of COVID warriors like doctors, nurses, personnel working in health and police departments who were the special invitees. The doctors, nurses, health workers, police personnel and sanitation workers are the real COVID warriors as they did not hesitate in discharging their duties during the period of crisis.<br />'' <br />'' The CM also praised the police personnel for their service during the period of lockdown. He said, the police personnel discharged their duty efficiently. However, he expressed grief over some police officials succumbing to COVID. On the occasion, he paid tributes to the deceased police personnel as well as to the fallen soldiers who laid their life for the country. <br />'' <br />'' Mr. Thackeray said, the patients who were infected with the virus and have recovered are also true fighters.<br />'' <br />'' The Chief Minister said, Maharashtra has been the first State in the country to start online education for students. Besides, he said that the government will implement the slum rehabilitation programme in important cities of the State. <br />