Una, January 21: The 'Samarthya' program, run by the Una district administration, has emerged as an effective and inspiring initiative that provides positive direction to the youth of the district. Amidst the growing challenge of drug abuse, this program focuses on channeling the time, energy, and talent of young people in the right direction. Under this program, the administration has developed various public facilities in the district with an estimated amount of over Rs 3.24 crore, with a special emphasis on increasing opportunities for sports, fitness, studies, and creative activities.
This program is also seen as an initiative that strengthens Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's drug de-addiction campaign and self-reliance programs.

**'Samarthya' is the fruitful result of Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal's vision**
The 'Samarthya' program is the fruitful result of Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal's innovative thinking. Launched on August 6, 2024, this public welfare initiative aims to accelerate the all-round development of society.
The Deputy Commissioner explains that the 'Samarthya' program is focused on six main components, including fitness, competitiveness, art and culture, entrepreneurship, awareness and control, and the promotion of social values. A unique feature of its operational model is that it has been implemented through the District Red Cross Society and with the cooperation of industrial units under Corporate Social Responsibility, ensuring social participation.

**The flame of 'Gyandeep' lights up Una, Panjawar, and Mairi; students benefit**
Under 'Samarthya', libraries have been developed in the district with the aim of promoting education and competitiveness. Under this, a library has been developed at the Mini Secretariat Una at a cost of approximately Rs 15 lakh. Similarly, a library has been developed in Panjawar, Haroli, with an amount of approximately Rs 10 lakh. Under the 'Samarthya' program, a library facility developed under the name 'Gyan Deep' was recently inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri. In addition, a library facility has been developed in the Maidi Khas Panchayat of Amb area at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 8.50 lakh. These libraries are providing better study resources to students, especially those in rural areas.

**Fitness as a Shield Against Drug Abuse, Gyms Developed at the Panchayat Level**
The fitness component of the 'Samarthya' program is considered crucial for channeling the energy of the youth in the right direction. With this objective, gyms and fitness equipment have been provided at the panchayat level. The establishment of a gym and equipment in Gondpur Jaichand Panchayat cost approximately Rs. 24.20 lakh, while the facility in Maidi Khas Panchayat of Amb was developed at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 24.42 lakh.
The Deputy Commissioner says that fitness develops discipline, self-confidence, and an active lifestyle among the youth, which acts as a natural shield against drug abuse.

**Indira Stadium Una Being Developed into a Multi-Sports Center, Works Worth Rs. 2.42 Crore Underway**
To provide a strong foundation for sports activities, works worth Rs. 2.42 crore are being undertaken under the 'Samarthya' program to develop the Indira Stadium in Una, the district headquarters. A basketball court has been prepared for the youth, at an estimated cost of Rs. 17.50 lakh.
Along with this, major projects are under construction to transform the stadium into a multi-sports center. These include the construction of a gym and gym equipment in the stadium, which is progressing at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 96 lakh. Similarly, lawn tennis courts and badminton courts are also under construction at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 1.29 crore.

**Roadmap Prepared for Libraries and Gyms in Bangana in the Next Phase**
Expanding the 'Samarthya' program throughout the district, the administration has prepared a roadmap to develop facilities in the Bangana area in the next phase. According to the action plan, the establishment of a library and a gym is proposed in Bangana. The administration says that this initiative will reach remote areas and provide equal opportunities to the youth there.

**Strong Support for Girls
One of the humanitarian aspects of the 'Samarthya' program is to provide assistance to needy girls in education, health, and self-reliance. Under the program, financial assistance has been provided to approximately 30 eligible girls for higher education, coaching, etc.

**DC says... 'Samarthya' is making concrete efforts towards holistic development
Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal said that work is being done under the 'Samarthya' program with a view to holistic development. One of the objectives of this program is to create a society that empowers youth, provides them with direction and opportunities, so that they can move forward with confidence and the future of society can be bright.
With the aim of continuously motivating the youth, developing a sense of belonging among them, and honing their abilities, libraries, gyms, sports courts, and other necessary infrastructure have been developed in the district, so that more and more young people can connect with studies, fitness, sports, and creative activities, a positive environment is created, and a strong social shield against drug abuse can also be built.