Shimla, August 15: Education minister Rohit Thakur on Saturday said strengthening the rural economy, improving education and healthcare, protecting the environment and creating a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh remain key priorities of the state government.
Addressing the district-level Independence Day celebrations at the historic Ridge in Shimla, Thakur unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the ceremonial march-past. He paid tribute to freedom fighters and outlined the government’s initiatives across key sectors.
Focus on rural economy and farmers
Thakur said rural areas play a crucial role in Himachal Pradesh’s economy, with a large section of the population dependent on agriculture and horticulture.
He said the government had taken several measures to increase the income of farmers and livestock owners. The price of cow milk has been fixed at ₹61 per litre and buffalo milk at around ₹71 per litre, he said.
The government has also introduced support prices for agricultural produce, including wheat at ₹80 per kg, maize at ₹50 per kg, raw turmeric at ₹150 per kg and ginger at ₹30 per kg, he said.
Highlighting the horticulture sector, Thakur said the government was working towards fulfilling the vision of Himachal’s first chief minister, Dr YS Parmar, to develop the state as the “fruit bowl of India”. The introduction of universal cartons, he said, would particularly benefit small and marginal fruit growers.
Education reforms show results
Thakur said the government had taken steps to fill vacancies and carry out long-pending promotions in the education sector.
He said Himachal had made significant progress in education following the government’s efforts over the past three-and-a-half years. Referring to the National Achievement Survey and Performance Grading Index, he said the state’s improved rankings reflected the contribution of teachers, officials and education department employees.
He also highlighted Himachal’s achievement of being declared a fully literate state, along with Goa, in September 2025.
Healthcare infrastructure being upgraded
Healthcare remains another major priority, Thakur said, adding that modern medical facilities were being expanded at medical colleges across the state.
He said robotic surgery facilities had been introduced at several locations and around ₹3,000 crore had been earmarked for upgrading and modernising existing health institutions. The government is also working towards developing a Chief Minister Adarsh Health Institution in every assembly constituency, he said.
Push for environmental protection
Thakur said the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana had been launched to increase forest cover and strengthen environmental conservation. Mahila Mandals and Yuva Mandals are also being encouraged to undertake plantation and protection activities, he added.
Roads and power remain key priorities
Emphasising the importance of connectivity in the hill state, Thakur said roads connect rural communities with education, healthcare, markets and employment opportunities.
He also highlighted Himachal’s progress in the power sector, saying the state achieved 100% electrification in 1988. Electricity has now reached more than 21,000 villages and 3,758 panchayats across the state, he said.
Government committed to self-reliant Himachal
Thakur said the government was committed to building a self-reliant and prosperous Himachal Pradesh and working towards fulfilling the vision of Dr YS Parmar.
He also highlighted the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), saying around 1.36 lakh employees were expected to benefit from the decision.
Call for united fight against drugs
Expressing concern over the growing menace of drugs, Thakur called for a broad-based public awareness campaign involving all sections of society.
“Himachal Pradesh is known as Dev Bhoomi and Veer Bhoomi. We must collectively work to eradicate the drug menace,” he said.
March-past and cultural performances
The chief guest inspected the ceremonial parade led by Inspector Ashish Kaushal. Contingents of the district police, women police wing, Himachal Pradesh Home Guards, traffic police, NCC, NSS, Bharat Scouts and Guides and Aapda Mitra participated in the march-past. The Himachal Pradesh Police Band also took part in the ceremony.
Police personnel, including Sub-Inspectors Ambi Lal and Naveen Sharma, Head Constables Anupam Kumar and Jagdish Singh and Constable Ashok Kumar, were honoured for their outstanding work.
The celebrations also featured cultural performances by students and artists from various institutions. Performances included a Kinnauri dance on the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” theme, Nati promoting a drug-free Himachal, Solan Gidda, Himachali Nati, Yak and Lion dance by Sambhota Tibetan School, and patriotic group singing and dance.
Each participating cultural group was awarded ₹5,000, while individual participants received certificates of appreciation.
