Una, August 15: Una appeared steeped in the spirit of patriotism on the occasion of India's 80th Independence Day. At the district-level Independence Day function held at the Government Boys' Senior Secondary School, Una, Ayush, Youth Services and Sports Minister Yadvinder Goma hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the march past. Extending Independence Day greetings to the residents of the district, he paid tribute to the freedom fighters, brave martyrs, and the valiant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the defense of the nation.
Attractive tableaux showcasing the developmental schemes and achievements of various departments were presented during the ceremony. Cultural programs imbued with patriotism further strengthened the sense of love for the nation among the gathered crowd.
Earlier, the Minister paid tribute to the brave martyrs by laying a wreath at the Martyrs' Memorial located in MC Park.

**The Nation Will Forever Remain Indebted to Freedom Fighters and Brave Soldiers**
Addressing the gathering, Yadvinder Goma stated that the nation would always remain indebted to the freedom fighters who sacrificed everything for the country's independence and to the brave soldiers who dedicated their lives to national defense. Himachal Pradesh has played a significant role, ranging from the freedom movement to the protection of the country's borders. The brave sons of the state have safeguarded the nation's honor and dignity by demonstrating indomitable courage and valor.
He added that the state government is committed to the welfare of freedom fighters, their dependents, soldiers, ex-servicemen, and their families, and that numerous schemes are being implemented to ensure their honor and well-being.

**Prize Money Increased to Encourage Sports Talent**
The Youth Services and Sports Minister stated that every possible encouragement is being provided to sports talent to attract the state's youth towards sports and to bring glory to Himachal at the international level. The prize money for gold medalists in the Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Paralympics has been increased from ?3 crore to ?5 crore. Silver medalists are being awarded ?3 crore, and bronze medalists ?2 crore. Prize money has also been significantly increased for medalists of the Asian Games, Para Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Para Commonwealth Games.
**Special emphasis on strengthening AYUSH and modern medical services**
The AYUSH Minister stated that the state government is focusing intently on promoting AYUSH medical systems while simultaneously strengthening modern medical services. He noted that both AYUSH and modern medical systems play vital roles in building a healthy society, and the government is committed to providing superior healthcare facilities in both sectors.
He mentioned that steps are being taken to ensure the availability of modern machinery and specialist doctors in hospitals. Robotic surgery facilities have been introduced in the state for the first time and are currently available at IGMC Shimla, Tanda, Nerchowk Medical College, and Chamyana Hospital; this facility will soon be launched at Hamirpur Medical College as well. Approximately ?3,000 crore is being spent to strengthen modern medical equipment and health infrastructure. The government is also working on introducing a new health insurance policy aimed at providing better medical treatment to poor families.
**Farmers, horticulturists, and the rural economy are government priorities**
Shri Goma stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and moving towards systemic transformation, the government has taken significant decisions for the welfare of all sections of society, including farmers, horticulturists, livestock rearers, youth, orphans, widows, and single women.
He noted that to strengthen the rural economy, the procurement price for cow milk has been set at ?61 per liter and for buffalo milk at ?71 per liter. The 'Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start-up Scheme' has been launched to encourage natural farming. Support prices for produce grown through natural farming have been fixed at ?80 per kg for wheat, ?50 for maize, ?150 for raw turmeric, and ?80 for barley from the Pangi Valley. For the first time, a support price of ?30 per kilogram has also been announced for ginger.

**New opportunities for youth alongside improvements in education**
He stated that Himachal Pradesh has set an example for the country by achieving 100% literacy. The state has risen to the fifth position nationwide in terms of quality education, whereas it stood at the 21st position in 2021.
He mentioned that English-medium instruction has been introduced in government schools starting from Class 1. Under the Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana, a provision has been made for loans of up to ?20 lakh at an interest rate of 1% for higher education, and the family income limit for the scheme has been raised from ?4 lakh to ?12 lakh.
He added that the CBSE pattern is being implemented in government schools in a phased manner. Approximately 150 senior secondary schools in the state are operating under the CBSE pattern, including eight schools in Una district. In the current academic session, around 4,000 students have enrolled in these schools, while about 200 students have transferred to them from private schools.

**Social Security and 'Sukh-Aashray' Bring a New Dimension to Compassion!
Shri Goma stated that the state government is continuously working to provide social security to needy sections of society. In Una district, social security pensions are being provided to 70,440 eligible beneficiaries, with an expenditure exceeding ?110 crore this year.
He mentioned that destitute children are receiving familial support through the 'Mukhyamantri Sukh-Aashray Yojana'. So far, assistance worth approximately ?5 crore has been provided to 471 children in Una district under this scheme. Additionally, under the 'Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana', aid amounting to ?2.61 crore has been extended to around 2,200 children in the district.

**Resolution of Long-Pending Cases through Revenue Lok Adalats
He noted that for the first time in the state, special Revenue Lok Adalats have been organized at the Tehsil and Sub-Tehsil levels to resolve cases pending for years. To date, 5.44 lakh mutation cases, 36,870 partition cases, 63,000 land demarcation cases, and 19,890 record correction cases have been settled. This has relieved people from the burden of making repeated visits to government offices.
He added that the 'Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar' (Government at the Village Doorstep) program has been launched to address the grievances of people in remote areas; through this initiative, the Chief Minister and ministers are visiting villages to interact directly with the public.

**Boosting Tourism and Green Energy
The Minister stated that tourism is being developed as a major driver of employment and economic activity in the state. Kangra is being developed as the tourism capital of Himachal. A zoological park is being constructed at Bankhandi in Dehra at a cost of ?619 crore. Work is also underway on various ropeway projects to promote religious tourism.
He further mentioned that the government is working rapidly towards transforming Himachal Pradesh into a 'Green Energy State'. The Pekhubela, Bhanjal, and Aghlaur solar energy projects represent significant achievements in this direction. To promote e-mobility, 297 new e-buses have been added to the Transport Corporation's fleet.

**Una Scaling New Heights of Development**
The AYUSH Minister stated that Una district is rapidly scaling new heights of development and establishing itself as one of the state's leading districts. The government is placing special emphasis on developing Una as a 'Solar Energy Capital.' The 32 MW solar energy project at Pekhubela is already operational, while the Aghlaur and Bhanjal projects are also ready.
He noted that industrial development in the district is gaining new momentum. There are 308 industrial units operating in Una, providing employment to approximately 9,000 people. The Bulk Drug Park being developed in Haroli at a cost of around ?2,000 crore will prove to be a transformative project for the state's industrial and employment sectors; the state government is making a capital investment of approximately ?1,000 crore in this initiative.
He mentioned that the construction of the PGI Satellite Centre at Malahat is progressing rapidly, and specialist doctors from PGI are already providing OPD services at the Regional Hospital in Una. Work on the Mandli-Lathiani bridge and road project, valued at approximately ?900 crore, has also commenced. Efforts are underway to develop Kutlehar into a world-class tourism destination leveraging the Govind Sagar Lake. Approximately ?250 crore is earmarked for the grand development of the Shaktipeeth Mata Shri Chintpurni Temple, with the tendering process for the first phase of works—valued at around ?70 crore—currently in progress.

**Collective Efforts for a Drug-Free Himachal**
He stated that keeping the youth away from drugs is a priority for the government. With the cooperation of the state's residents, the 'Chitta-free Himachal Campaign' is being implemented. The second phase of this campaign will be launched from Una on September 7, 2026. He stated that alongside strengthening law and order, effective measures are being taken to combat illegal mining and corruption. It is the government's responsibility to provide a peaceful and secure environment for citizens. On this occasion, he also administered a pledge for participation in the 'Drug-Free Himachal' campaign.
He remarked that under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government is moving forward with the resolve to build a self-reliant and prosperous Himachal. Una district plays a pivotal role in this journey of development, and the government is fully committed to accelerating the holistic growth of the district.

**Honoring Meritorious Services**
During the event, Shri Goma honored officials and employees from various departments for their meritorious services, as well as distinguished individuals, social organizations, social activists, and sports personalities who have made notable contributions in fields such as humanitarian service.

**Dignitaries Present**
Those present on the occasion included Una MLA Satpal Singh Satti, Chintpurni MLA Sudarshan Singh Bablu, former Una MLA Satpal Raizada, District Congress President Deshraj Gautam, District Mahila Congress President Suman Thakur, APMC Una Chairman Shiv Kumar Saini, State Transport Authority member Ashok Thakur, Comrade Jagat Ram Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal, Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ishant Jaswal, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prithvipal Singh, and SDM Abhishek Mittal, along with officials from various departments and other dignitaries.