On this occasion, Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda and other dignitaries planted native Himalayan saplings under the Green ICMR Campus Initiative. Shri Nadda inaugurated a scientific exhibition for school students, launched the Centre’s website and institutional video, and released a commemorative postal special cover, marking key milestones in the establishment of the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research at Keylong.

Nadda stressed the need for effective utilisation of Central funds, timely administrative decisions, regular monitoring and stronger coordination between the Centre and the State Government. He underlined that road and rail connectivity, modern healthcare facilities and industrial infrastructure were essential for improving access to services, promoting tourism and generating employment.

The President said that for the common people, bearing the cost of medical treatment for a serious illness imposes a heavy financial burden. To alleviate this hardship faced by vulnerable sections of society, the Government of India provides health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year under the ‘Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana’.

On October 6, the President will grace the first convocation of AIIMS Bilaspur in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. On October 7, the President will visit Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, Lahaul – Spiti district.

The Chief Minister said that the Senior Secondary School at Kangu has been designated as a Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School. A new school building will be constructed and students will be provided with modern educational facilities. Construction of the primary school building will also begin soon.

Taking on the Congress Government over its move to revive the lottery system, Dr. Bindal said the State Government could not put the social and economic well-being of Himachali families at risk merely to generate additional revenue.

Tandon further said that whenever Himachal Pradesh has faced natural disasters, the Narendra Modi Government has stood firmly with the people of the State. He highlighted that the Centre announced a ₹1,500 crore special assistance package for relief and rehabilitation, along with additional support for national highways, rural housing and disaster recovery.

He added that under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana alone, 294 rural road projects worth ₹2,247 crore have been approved for Himachal Pradesh during 2025–26, including a Central share of nearly ₹2,019 crore.

The Union Minister also accused the Congress government of delaying key industrial projects. He said the Bulk Drug Park project, approved by the Centre in 2022, suffered nearly three years of delay in obtaining environmental clearance, resulting in lost investment and employment opportunities. Similarly, the state government’s withdrawal from the Medical Device Park project forced the return of ₹30 crore released by the Centre.

Anurag Singh Thakur requested the Himachal Government to release its share of funds promptly for ongoing rail projects and other Centre-supported schemes, arguing that slow state co-funding delays project completion and reduces the State’s development dividend.