Rural growth, education focus: Himachal minister launches projects in Shimla village

Education Minister Rohit Thakur on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several development projects in Jubbal, Shimla, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to rural development and the strengthening of basic infrastructure.

“Our aim is to expand essential facilities in every panchayat of the state and ensure transparent, efficient services to the people,” Thakur said while addressing the gathering.

On the occasion, the minister laid the foundation stone for the Panchayat Bhawan in Mandal Gram Panchayat, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 1.14 crore. He said the new building would enhance administrative efficiency and improve service delivery at the grassroots level.

Thakur also inaugurated a newly constructed community hall at Jakhor, describing it as a much-needed venue for social, cultural and public gatherings. In addition, he laid the foundation stones for two lift drinking water schemes — from Rohtan Nala to Rohtan village and Jakhor Nala to Jakhor — estimated to cost Rs 22 lakh and Rs 24 lakh, respectively. These projects are expected to benefit over 500 residents.

Highlighting the state government’s efforts to strengthen the education sector, the minister said several major projects are underway in the Jubbal-Nawar-Kotkhai constituency. The Teacher Training Institute in Jubbal, he shared, is being constructed at a cost of Rs 17 crore, while a sports ground in Saraswati Nagar has been developed for Rs 1 crore.

Thakur further announced that seven postgraduate courses have been introduced at Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Post Graduate College, Saraswati Nagar, and that approvals have been granted for the construction of an auditorium, BBA block and indoor stadium at the institution. “Work on these facilities will begin soon,” he added.