Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur laid the foundation stone of Himgiri Kalyan Ashram hostel at Kawara near APG University, Shimla today. The hostel would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.30 crore.He said that the Himgiri Kalyan Ashrams throughout the state were providing best educational and other services to the needy. The efforts of the state government were to ensure benefit of every section of the society. He honoured Kannu Devi, who donated two bighas of land for construction of this hostel.The Chief Minister said the local people should come forward to donate land for construction of road to the Ashram for which state government would provide funds. He said that water supply would be provided to Kawara village soon.Speaker, HP Vidhan Sabha Dr. Rajiv Bindal on this occasion said that 430 students who have passed out from these hostels were respectfully earning their livelihood. He said that Himgiri Kalyan Ashrams were providing home, shelter, food and education to the poor and needy children. Himgiri Kalyan Ashram in Shimla was established in 1999 and many students of the Ashram have excelled in different fields. He said that first Himgiri Kalyan Ashram in the State was established at Solan in 1985 and as of today, five hostels were functional in the State.Vice Chairman, All India Banwari Kalyan Ashram Kripa Prasad Singh said that providing helping hand in this philanthropic endeavour was indeed a big service to the humanity.Vinti Sharma presented a cheque of Rs. 91,000 to the Chief Minister towards Chief Minister's Relief Fund on this occasion.Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj announced to donate his one month salary for construction of the hostel.Mayor Kusum Sadret, Organising Secretary, BJP Pawan Rana, Prant Pracharak RSS Sanjeevan were also present on this occasion.