Celebrating International Youth Day on Monday, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the HIV awareness campaign which would continue for two months.

To be implemented at the village level across all districts of the state, this awareness programme would be celebrated under the theme ‘Click to Progress-Youth Digital pathway for Sustainable Development’.

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The Chief Minister also flagged off an awareness chariot (vehicle) and also launched a two-month-long Integrated Health Check-up Campaign.

While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized the government’s efforts to integrate AIDS patients into the mainstream of society.

He said that the government was providing financial assistance of Rs. 1,500 per month to individuals receiving free treatment at Anti Retro Viral Therapy Centers and Rs 300 to Rs 800 per month to the children of persons living with HIV under 18 years of age.

Additionally, free bus travel has also been provided to those coming for treatment.

Apart from this free HIV testing is available at all government health institutions, ensuring privacy for those tested.

Raising concern about the increasing cancer cases in the state, Sukhu said that the government has reached out to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct a study on it. As of now, the government was providing 42 essential medicines free of cost to the cancer patients in the government hospitals.

Highlighting the challenges of protecting youth from drug addiction, he underscored the need to channelize the energy of the youth in the right direction.

“Government is promoting sports activities in a big way and has brought many reforms in the sector so that the youth may stay away from drugs,” said Sukhu, adding that the incentive being given to the sports persons of the state has been enhanced.

The winners of Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympics would get Rs five crore, Rs three crore and Rs two crore for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals respectively, he said, adding that additionally, gold medalists in the Asian and Para-Asian Games would receive Rs. 4 crore, Rs. 2.5 crore, and Rs. 1.5 crore respectively for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.

“The government was also focused on improving education, health, and infrastructure to boost revenue. Himachal Pradesh aims to become the most prosperous state in the country by 2032,” he said.

He also mentioned revolutionary changes in the education sector, including the phased establishment of Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools and the development of 850 educational institutions as ‘Institutes of Excellence’ with smart classrooms and audio-visual teaching facilities.

Recalling his days of struggle during his political journey and motivated youth to serve the Nation in whatever way they can.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil emphasized the critical role of youth in nation-building. He said that youth have an important role in nation building and it was a big challenge to save the youth from drug addiction besides, making them aware about AIDS and HIV.