The Education Minister on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Barthata (Batadgalu) in his home constituency of Jubbal, built at a cost of ₹1.46 crore. Addressing local residents on the occasion, he said the health facility was completed in a record time of two years and would significantly benefit people from the Barthata, Kathasu and Badhal gram panchayats by improving access to essential healthcare services in the region.
The minister stated that construction of 11 Primary Health Centres is currently underway across the Jubbal–Nawar–Kotkhai Assembly constituency. He pointed out that approvals for these institutions were granted during the previous Congress government and that the foundation stone for the Barthata PHC was also laid during the same period. Emphasising his emotional and familial ties with the Barthata, Badhal Dhar and Kathasu panchayats, he said development works were progressing at full pace across the constituency, with healthcare remaining a top priority.
Highlighting road infrastructure development, the minister informed that the Bhagoli–Barthata road is being upgraded under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase-III at a cost of ₹18.37 crore, with 95 per cent of the work already completed. The Kathasu–Sawra road is also being upgraded at a cost of ₹19.13 crore, with 50 per cent work finished. In addition, the Mihana Khadd–Badhal–Lehroti–Banana–Katarla road has been completed under NABARD funding, with an expenditure of ₹14.59 crore.
Speaking on improvements in the health sector, the Education Minister said that during the last three years, the Congress government has taken serious and effective steps to strengthen healthcare services and infrastructure. As a result, the Community Health Centre at Kotkhai has emerged as a model health institution, offering services in medicine, gynaecology, ophthalmology, paediatrics and other specialities. He added that land has been identified for the construction of a major trauma centre at Kotkhai, and work on the project will begin soon. Civil Hospital Jubbal, one of the oldest hospitals in the region, is also being upgraded with new facilities to enhance patient care.
The minister noted that several specialist doctors are currently providing services at Civil Hospital Jubbal. Facilities such as ECG services have been installed and the X-ray machine has been repaired to ensure better diagnostic support. He directed hospital authorities to make adequate arrangements for patients during the winter season, including heaters, blankets and clean drinking water, to ensure comfort and safety for patients and their attendants.
Touching upon horticulture, Rohit Thakur said apple cultivation remains the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s economy. He highlighted that the government has increased the support price of apples by ₹2, calling it a historic step. Under the Market Intervention Scheme, ₹153 crore was released in one installment to clear growers’ dues, including ₹90 crore pending from the previous BJP government. He also said the introduction of the universal carton system has protected apple growers, especially small and marginal farmers, from exploitation related to excess weight deductions.
Criticising opposition leaders, the minister accused them of misleading the public on apple horticulture issues. He said that even during the severe disaster of 2025, roads were restored round-the-clock and 100 per cent marketing of apples was ensured. Expressing concern over the Centre’s decision to reduce import duty on apples imported from New Zealand from 50 per cent to 25 per cent, he warned that this would directly harm Himachal’s apple growers. He also expressed surprise that none of the state’s four BJP MPs or local BJP leaders from the Jubbal–Kotkhai–Nawar region had raised their voices on the issue, calling it a clear example of political opportunism.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
