Una, April 15:- The district-level Himachal Day celebration was held with great enthusiasm in Una. The event took place at the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) ground, where Education Minister Rohit Thakur attended as the chief guest. He hoisted the national flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute during the march past.
On the occasion, the Education Minister extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Una district and highlighted the glorious history, rich culture, and development journey of Himachal Pradesh. He paid tribute to Dr. Y.S. Parmar, the architect of Himachal Pradesh, and honored the martyrs and national heroes who made supreme sacrifices during the freedom struggle. He said that Himachal Pradesh is not only known as “Dev Bhoomi” but also as “Veer Bhoomi” across the country.
**Himachal Leading in Education, Literacy Rate Among the Highest**
Rohit Thakur stated that when Himachal Pradesh was formed, the literacy rate was very low, but today the situation has completely transformed. The state now has a literacy rate of around 99.30 percent, making it one of the leading states in the country.
He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, continuous efforts are being made to improve the quality of education. The positive results are now visible, as in a recent national survey, Himachal Pradesh has improved its ranking in quality education from 21st to 5th place.
**Focus on Quality Education in Government Schools**
The minister emphasized that the state government is committed to ensuring quality education in government schools. A CBSE-pattern-based education system has been implemented, and encouraging results are being observed.
He informed that adequate staff has been ensured in educational institutions, and long-pending vacancies have been filled. Around 90 percent of vacant principal posts in schools and colleges have been filled, with approximately 850 principals promoted. Additionally, around 500 lecturers and 484 assistant professors have been appointed. Vacant posts of JBT and TGT teachers have also been filled to provide a better learning environment for students.
**Development Continues Despite Challenges**
Rohit Thakur said that when the present government took charge, the previous government had left a debt of over ?76,000 crore, and the financial condition was weak. The government also faced serious challenges due to natural disasters.
He stated that in 2023, the state suffered infrastructure losses of around ?10,000 crore, and in 2025, damages of approximately ?9,000 crore were recorded due to natural calamities. Despite these challenges, under the capable leadership of the Chief Minister, development work has not slowed down. Practical and firm decisions have helped generate new revenue sources, accelerating development.
**Relief to Employees and Pensioners**
The minister said that the government has provided relief to 1.36 lakh employees by releasing Dearness Allowance (DA) and has safeguarded their interests by implementing the Old Pension Scheme.
**Boost to Farmers and Rural Economy**
Highlighting Una as the gateway to Himachal Pradesh, the minister said that potato production is carried out on a large scale in the district. To benefit farmers, a potato processing unit worth ?20 crore is being established.
He added that to strengthen the rural economy and promote natural farming, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of maize has been increased from ?40 to ?50 per kg, wheat from ?60 to ?80 per kg, and turmeric from ?90 to ?150 per kg. Additionally, the MSP for cow milk has been increased from ?51 to ?61 per liter and buffalo milk from ?61 to ?71 per liter to encourage youth to take up dairy farming.
**Expansion of Modern Healthcare Facilities**
The chief guest stated that along with education, the health sector is also being given priority. A provision of ?3,000 crore has been made to equip medical colleges and district hospitals with modern machinery and facilities.
**Kangra to be Developed as Tourism Capital**
He announced that the government has formulated a policy to develop Kangra district as the tourism capital of the state. Funds have also been allocated for the expansion of Gaggal Airport, which will boost tourism and create employment opportunities.
He reiterated that the government is committed to balanced and inclusive development and is working systematically for the welfare of all sections of society.
During the event, various departments showcased development schemes, public welfare programs, and government achievements through attractive tableaux. Students from different schools presented colorful cultural performances. An exhibition highlighting development initiatives was also organized, which the minister visited.
**Honors Presented to Outstanding Individuals**
During the district-level Himachal Day event, individuals who performed exceptionally in various fields were honored. These included Additional Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Bhatia, DSP Amb Anil Patial, DSP Haroli Mohan Rawat, SHO Chintpurni Inspector Jai Ram Kumar, SHO Women Police Station Una Suman Wals, SHO Amb Inspector Roop Singh, Inspector Suman Wals from SP Office Una, Assistant Sub-Inspector Param Dev, Davinder Singh from Tahliwal Police Station, Constable Rakesh Kumar, and Home Guard Rohit Kumar from Sadar Una.
Others honored included Anganwadi worker Sonia Sharma, Senior Platoon Commander Som Dutt Sharma from Chintpurni Security, Havaldar Janak Raj, SDO MC Una Ankush Rana, and Sakshi Saini from DC Office Una. March past contingents including male and female police, Home Guards, NCC, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Disaster Mitra, and the Home Guard Band were also recognized.
Earlier, Education Minister Rohit Thakur paid floral tributes at the Shaheed Memorial in MC Park.
**Dignitaries Present**
Among those present were MLA Rakesh Kalia (Gagret), MLA Vivek Sharma (Kutlehar), former minister and Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Scheduled Caste Commission Kuldeep Kumar Dhiman, former MLA Satpal Raizada, State Congress General Secretary Ranjit Rana, District Congress Committee President Deshraj Gautam, Commission members Advocate Vijay Dogra and Digvijay Malhotra, senior Congress leaders Ashok Neta and Jagat Ram Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Una Jatin Lal, ASP Una Sanjeev Bhatia, Surinder Sharma, and SDM Una Abhishek Mittal, along with other dignitaries.