Solan/Arki
Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi on Thursday said the state government is committed to providing quality education to every child, as he laid the foundation stone for a science block building worth ₹1.05 crore at Government Senior Secondary School, Bani Materni, in Gram Panchayat Materni.
Addressing students and local residents, Awasthi said education forms the foundation of a developed society and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure quality schooling for all. He said that over the past three years, several key decisions have been taken to strengthen the education system and their positive results are now visible.
He stated that Himachal Pradesh has secured the fifth rank in the National Achievement Survey 2025 and achieved a literacy rate of 99.3%. “In 2021, the state was ranked 21st. Continuous efforts are improving the quality of school education,” he said.
Referring to initiatives under Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, the MLA said Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools are being set up in every assembly constituency. Three such schools will be established in the Arki constituency, with ₹2 crore approved for initial works for each institution.
On development works, Awasthi said ₹2.30 crore has been sanctioned for improving water supply distribution in Materni and nearby areas. To address low voltage issues, ₹3 crore has been approved, including funds for new HT and LT lines, transformer installations, and cable replacements. Work has already begun, he added.
He also announced funds for the Nikkujhal–Sarama link road and the road leading to the school, and said the matter of establishing a primary health centre in Materni would be raised at the appropriate level.
The MLA sanctioned ₹2 lakh for a stage shed at the school, ₹21,000 from his discretionary fund for the organising committee, ₹5,100 for students presenting cultural programmes, and ₹21,000 for women’s self-help groups to purchase goods, urging them to ensure proper registration.
Principal Sanjeev Kumar Sharma welcomed the chief guest. Students presented cultural performances during the event.
Later, under the ‘MLA Village Door’ programme, Awasthi heard public grievances and directed officials for their early resolution. Several local leaders, officials and members of self-help groups were present on the occasion.
