Una, July 7: On Tuesday—the second day of the first phase of the special publicity campaign conducted by the Department of Information and Public Relations—the R.K. Kalamanch troupe from Chintpurni raised awareness about government schemes among members of the Scheduled Caste community. The outreach took place at Guret in Gram Panchayat Lohara Upper and Bharwan (alias Kangruhi) in Ladoli Panchayat, both located in the Amb subdivision. Through music and street plays, the artists informed local villagers about the state government's welfare schemes for the Scheduled Caste community, public welfare policies, achievements, and the drug-free campaign.
During the program, the artists explained that under the Inter-caste Marriage Incentive Scheme, the state government provides an incentive of ?50,000 to couples where a young man or woman from a 'General' caste marries someone from the Scheduled Caste category. This scheme aims to eradicate social evils like untouchability. To avail of this, couples must submit documents such as caste certificates, Himachali bonafide certificates, marriage registration certificates, proof of date of birth, copies of ration cards, Aadhaar cards, wedding photographs, and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned District Welfare Officer.
Additionally, the troupe members highlighted the 'Anuvarti Karyakram Yojana' (Follow-up Program Scheme), under which the government provides financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes to help them secure a livelihood. Under this scheme, a subsidy of ?1,800 per sewing machine is provided to women, enabling them to earn an income from home and become self-reliant. They also informed villagers about the Chief Minister's Sukh Ashray Yojana, Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, and Indira Gandhi Sukh Suraksha Yojana, alongside other welfare initiatives.
Furthermore, placing special emphasis on drug prevention, the artists described substance abuse as a serious social evil and urged people to stay away from drugs and raise awareness within society about the issue. It is noteworthy that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is implementing various schemes and programs for the socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. To ensure these reach every village, a special public awareness campaign is being conducted through cultural troupes.
In Una district, this campaign is being organized in two phases. Programs will be held in 20 villages with significant Scheduled Caste populations, with four programs scheduled for each assembly constituency. The campaign will also place special emphasis on de-addiction and social awareness.

**Schedule of Upcoming Programs**
As part of this initiative, awareness programs will be held on July 8 at Dangoh Khas and Gondpur Banehra Upper (Gagret); on July 9 at Kailash Nagar and Gagret Upper; and on July 10 at Moukhas and Sakohan (Bangana). Meanwhile, in the second phase, awareness programs will be conducted by the 'Purvi Kalamanch Jalgraan Tabba' from July 14 to July 18.
During this phase, programs will be held on July 14 at Jodiyan and Janani (Haroli); July 15 at Jungle Panjawar and Bhadsali Tholiyan (Haroli); July 16 at Batuhi and Lamlehri Upperli (Una); July 17 at Jakhera and Bahdala Lower (Una); and July 18 at Paroiya Kalan and Pansai. Through music and street plays, the public will be entertained while also being informed about schemes run in the public interest.
Present on the occasion were Sangeeta Wala (Pradhan, Lohara Upper), Shashi Kumari (Pradhan, Ladoli), Kapurdin (Up-Pradhan, Lohara Upper), Anil Takhi (Up-Pradhan, Ladoli), Panchayat Secretaries Manju Wala and Rajesh Kumar, along with Panchayat ward members and local residents.