Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Friday said the growing participation of young people in the Congress showed increasing support for the party. He also stressed the need for reforms in the education system, saying stricter laws alone cannot solve issues such as examination paper leaks.
Speaking to reporters, Singh said the Congress organisation was strengthening its presence across the state. He said meetings were being held at the zone and block levels and that the party was making efforts to involve more young people in its activities. He added that issues affecting youth would continue to remain a priority.
Referring to the recently discussed anti-paper leak law, Singh said the focus should be on preventing such incidents instead of only punishing those responsible after the damage has already been done.
He said the problem should have been addressed much earlier. According to him, discussions continue to revolve around punishment after an incident, while the real need is to introduce reforms in educational institutions to prevent such cases.
The minister also alleged that some educational institutions were increasingly coming under the influence of a particular ideology. He termed the trend unfortunate and claimed that efforts were being made to alter historical narratives. He said the country's youth were aware of these developments and would play an important role in shaping future political change.
Responding to comments made by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut about young people, Singh criticised her remarks and said such language against the youth of the country was unacceptable. He said using derogatory words for young people was unfortunate and lowered the standard of public discourse.
On development issues, Singh said he had always raised infrastructure-related matters above political considerations. He thanked Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for approving road projects worth nearly ₹290 crore for Shimla district.
He said the projects would improve connectivity in areas such as Jubbal-Kotkhai, Theog, Rohru, Rampur and Nankhari. Better roads, he said, would especially benefit farmers and local residents.
Calling it an important achievement, Singh said improved road infrastructure would help people in remote areas and strengthen transport links. He thanked the Centre and Gadkari for supporting the projects.
Sharing details about the monsoon situation, the minister said around 240 roads across the state were still closed because of heavy rain and landslides. Restoration work, he added, was continuing on a priority basis.
He said nearly 550 machines, including JCBs and other heavy equipment, had been deployed for road clearance and restoration work across Himachal Pradesh.
Singh said there was no shortage of machinery. However, repeated landslides at some locations were creating fresh obstacles. Despite the challenges, restoration work was continuing round the clock, he added.
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