A blend of patriotism, progress in Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti districts

Tribune News Service

Mandi, Updated At : 06:31 AM Jan 28, 2025 IST

Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil takes salute in Mandi. Jai Kumar

The 76th Republic Day was celebrated with grandeur and enthusiasm at the historic Seri Manch in Mandi district. Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Social Justice and Empowerment, and Soldier Welfare, presided over the district-level ceremony. He unfurled the national flag and reviewed the impressive parade comprising contingents from the police, Home Guard, NCC, NSS, and Scouts and Guides.

In his address, Dr Shandil highlighted the importance of January 26, the day in 1950 when India’s Constitution came into effect, fulfilling the nation’s dream of democracy. He paid homage to the freedom fighters and Constitution-makers who laid the foundation of the republic. Dr Shandil also lauded the Armed forces and police personnel for their unwavering commitment to the nation’s security.

Students perform folk dance during the function. Jai KumarThe minister detailed the state government’s efforts to improve healthcare, including the establishment of 69 model health institutions, 49 of which are fully operational. He emphasised free access to 42 essential medicines, including cancer treatments, and initiatives like the Chief Minister’s “Sukh-Ashray Yojana,” which supports orphaned children, destitute women, and the elderly. Over 6,000 children have been adopted under the “Children of State” programme, and Himachal Pradesh has become the first state to enact laws for the welfare of orphans and the destitute.

Dr Shandil highlighted key achievements of the state government, including schemes like Indira Gandhi “Pyari Bahna” Sukh-Samman Nidhi; English-medium education from Class 1; Rajiv Gandhi Day-boarding Schools in every constituency; Dr YS Parmar Student Loan Scheme and Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme.

Farmers have also benefited, with the declaration of minimum support prices (MSP) for wheat and maize. Himachal Pradesh has set MSP at Rs 40 per kg for wheat and Rs 30 per kg for maize, along with MSP for milk.

In Mandi district, 782 people have benefited from the “Sukh-Ashray Yojana” at an expense of Rs 3.90 crore, while 3,187 women have received financial aid under the “Pyari Bahna” scheme. Model health centres in each constituency and a Rs 6 crore hostel for EWS-MBBS students at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College are also significant contributions.

Dr Shandil further outlined relief efforts for victims of the 2023 monsoon disaster, with Rs 78.55 crore disbursed. Revenue courts have resolved 22,763 pending cases, while the “Natural Farming Prosperous Farmer” scheme has supported 431 farmers.

Cultural performances by schools and cultural groups added vibrancy to the event. Nursing students performed a skit on drug de-addiction, and participants in cultural and parade activities were honored.

In Lahaul-Spiti, Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar presided over the Republic Day celebrations at Keylong, beginning with the flag-unfurling and parade inspection.

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Remembering Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia

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