Himachal minister lauds Kangra’s role in defence services

The contribution of the district’s people to defence services is commendable, with almost every family having a member in the armed forces, said Education Minister Rohit Thakur while addressing the Republic Day function here yesterday. He expressed pride in the district’s legacy, which includes families of freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices during the freedom struggle and afterwards in safeguarding the nation’s borders.

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Highlighting the state government’s achievements over two years, Thakur said a relief package of Rs 4,500 crore was provided from state resources to assist families affected by disasters. He noted the government’s focus on supporting farmers by announcing a minimum support price for crops grown through natural farming and increasing milk prices. Efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure include upgrading medical colleges and establishing Adarsh Hospitals in every assembly constituency.

Discussing education initiatives, the minister stated that the government had reintroduced the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for employees and plans to fill thousands of vacancies across departments, including 15,000 in education alone. The recruitment of 6,200 nursery-trained teachers for pre-primary classes and the introduction of English-medium education from the first standard are also underway. Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools are being established in every assembly constituency, with work already initiated in Bhoranj and Naidun.

Earlier, Thakur hoisted the national flag, and a vibrant cultural programme marked the celebration. The minister honoured family members of freedom fighters and recognised officers and employees providing commendable services in various fields.