Una gets major development boost with projects worth 25.79 crore dedicated by CM

• ·Those engaged in drug trade to face harsh punishment: CM
• GSSS Una to be made co-educational

SHIMLA- 16^th June, 2025Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during his visit to the Una Assembly constituency on Monday, dedicated and laid the foundation stones of multiple development projects amounting to Rs. 25.79 crore, with a focus on strengthening education and infrastructure in the region.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed building of Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Una, built at a cost of 8.79 crore. The new facility will provide students with improved educational amenities and significantly enhance the academic environment.

He also inaugurated a State-of-the-Art academic block at the Government degree college Una, equipped with smart classrooms, modern laboratories, and administrative units constructed at a cost of Rs. 12 crore.

The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a ‘New Girls Hostel’ to be constructed within the same campus at an estimated cost of Rs. 5 crore. The hostel will offer safe and convenient residential facilities for girl students, especially those coming from rural and remote areas, thereby making higher education more accessible to them.

In his address, the Chief Minister said that from the next academic session, the Government Senior Secondary (Boys) School, Una, would be converted into a co-educational institution on CBSE pattern. The Government schools have to come upto the present standards of other English medium convent schools and to realize this english medium teaching has been started from first class and 500 expert teachers in the subject were being recruited. Apart from this, 961 recruitments were being made for TGT Arts, Medical and Non-Medical posts, and 600 JBT recruitments would also be started soon.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was establishing Rajiv Gandhi Government Model Day Boarding Schools in every assembly constituency, with a budget provision of Rs. 200 crore this year. The schools would offer education from pre-primary to class 12 as per CBSE curriculum and would be equipped with high-tech smart classrooms, playgrounds, indoor stadiums, swimming pools and music rooms. He urged the youth to creatively use new technology and appealed to teachers to continually guide students so that the younger generation becomes capable, aware, and responsible.

In health sector Rs. 1350 crore was being spent on strengthening medical technology across the state with world-class treatment facilities. All medical colleges, including IGMC Shimla, Tanda and Nerchowk were being equipped with advanced technology. He said that machines older than 20 years were being replaced in phases. The government aims to make advanced medical services such as robotic surgery, easily accessible to the general public. Regarding the PGI Satellite Centre under construction at Una, the government has expedited environmental clearances for the project.

Sh. Sukhu reiterated the government’s firm stance against drug and mining mafias. He said those involved in the Chitta trade would be put behind bars. “We will not allow the future of our youth to be jeopardize,” he said. He warned all those engaged in the drug trade would definitely face imprisonment. Properties illegally acquired through drugs would be seized.

He said that the government has successfully dealt with economic instability besides natural and political disasters. He thanked people for their trust and cooperation and also thanked the deities for their blessings.

The Chief Minister assured that the demand for an auditorium at the college would be analyzed practically and suitable decision would be taken accordingly.

He also honoured meritorious students of the college for their academic and sports achievements.

Dr. Meeta Sharma, Principal of Degree College Una, welcomed the Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for the development projects. She also presented various demands of the college before the Chief Minister.

Present on the occasion were MLA's Rakesh Kalia, Sudarshan Babloo, Kutlehar MLA Vivek Sharma, Chairman of the State Scheduled Castes Commission Kuldeep Kumar, former Una MLA Satpal Raizada, district congress President Ranjeet Rana amongst other dignitaries.

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'Special leave attendance' for sportsperson participating in National and International sports events

SHIMLA-16^th June, 2025Promoting holistic development of the players who participate in National, State and International sports competition, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued directions to various sports bodies to consider them as being present during the period they represent India at National and International Sports events. This approach is likely aimed at fostering well-rounded individuals who excel in both academics and sports.

He said that currently, students participating in events organized by various sports associations, federations, or boards are marked absent in schools due to lack of special leave provisions. This not only affects their attendance but also their internal assessments.

For the first time in the state such progressive decision has been taken under which it has now been mandated that participation certificates or letters issued by recognized sports bodies will serve as valid proof for participation in National and Sports events. Schools have been directed to mark such students on ‘special leave’ instead of marking them absent, similar to the provisions followed for School Games Federation of India (SGFI) competitions. "It should be ensured that the schools should not show such days as absent but should record them as special leave attendance in the attendance register", he remarked.

“This reflects a shift towards an integrated approach where sports and academics complement each other,” the Chief Minister stated.

To mark presence in schools, highlights a move towards a more integrated and balanced approach to student development, where academics and sports are seen as complementary aspects of a student's overall growth, said the Chief Minister.

Besides this, the state government has taken a remarkable step towards promoting sports and honouring the achievements of the athletes of the state. In a historic move Chief Minister stated that 21 International medal winners were awarded cash prizes worth Rs. 14.77 crore with increased prize money which marks a significant shift in how the state recognizes and values the hard work, dedication and International success of its sportspersons.

The highest cash award was presented to Paralympian Nishad Kumar from Una district, who received Rs. 7.80 crore for his outstanding achievements in high jump at various para-games, including the prestigious Tokyo Paralympics. Ajay Kumar a para-athlete from Mandi, was awarded Rs. 2.50 crore for his medal-winning performance in the 400 meter race.

Similarly, Vikas Thakur from Hamirpur was honoured with Rs. 2 crore for clinching a medal in the weightlifting event. In the sport of kabaddi, eight athletes Ritu Negi, Pushpa and Sushma Sharma from Sirmaur, Nidhi Sharma from Bilaspur, Jyoti from Solan and Vishal Bhardwaj from Una, were each awarded Rs. 33.32 lakh for bringing glory to the state at International tournaments. Cricketing star Renuka Singh Thakur from Shimla was also presented Rs. 13.32 lakh for her remarkable contribution to the game.

In addition to these honours, around Rs. 44 lakh were distributed among other outstanding athletes, which presents the state’s inclusive approach to recognize talent across a range of sports disciplines.

The government’s support goes beyond just cash rewards. Significant efforts have been made to improve player welfare. As many as 421 players received Rs. 76.98 lakh as diet money and 235 players were given Rs. 6.01 lakh to support their travel expenses. These measures ensure that athletes are not only celebrated after achieving success but are also supported throughout their sporting journey.

To further strengthen the sports ecosystem in the state, the government is constructing an international-level sports stadium in Nadaun, Hamirpur. This world-class facility is expected to play a key role in nurturing young talent and providing top-level training infrastructure for athletes.

By recognizing and supporting its sportspersons in such an extraordinary manner, the State government is sending a clear message that 'sports is not just a passion but a priority', said Sh. Sukhu. The students selected for National and International events are not just talented athletes but also dedicated students who understand the importance of balancing their academic and sporting pursuits.

With continued support and infrastructure development, Himachal Pradesh is steadily positioning itself as a strong contender in the national and international sporting landscape, he remarked.