While presiding over the prize distribution function of mini marathon organized by the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat Services Sports Control Board here today, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that the employees and officers of the state secretariat are playing a vital role in ensuring effective implementation of policies and programmes of the state government.The Chief Minister thanked the employees and officers of the secretariat for organizing the marathon on the occasion of his birthday. He said that extracurricular activities not only prove relaxing for the employees from their day-to-day activities, but also gives a vital message of drug-free society and empowerment of girl child. He said that drug abuse is emerging as the biggest challenge for our society, and it becomes moral duty of each one of us to collectively fight this social menace.Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the sale counter of jail inmates and self help group in the secretariat complex. He also launched the ‘Twin Pit Toilet’ of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department on the occasion.
Jai Ram Thakur distributed prizes to the winners of the event. In men’s above 50 category Lalit Vikam stood first, Prem Sagar second and Sansar Chand third. In women category, Pushplata Singha won first prize, Bina Gupta second and Lila third. In below 35 years men category Naresh remained winner while Kalyan Second and Manoj third. In women’s below 35 category, Champa stood first, Manju second and Preeti third. In 36 to 50 year’s men category, Ved Parkash stood first, Bhupinder second and Kamlesh third, whereas in women category of same age group, Neena stood firtst, Deepshikha second and Promil third.The Association presented a bat to the Chief Minister on this occasion.Secretary, GAD Dr. R.N. Batta said that it was on the initiative of the Chief Minister that this event was organized. He wished the Chief Minister a very happy birthday on behalf of all the employees and officers of the Secretariat.President, Himachal Pradesh Secretariat Services Sports Control Board Rajesh Sharma detailed about various activities being undertaken by the Board.President, HP Secretariat Class-III Employees Federation Sanjiv Sharma welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion.Wife of the Chief Minister Dr. Sadhna Thakur, Chairman, Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Ltd. Khushi Ram Balnahta, MLA Hira Lal, DGP, Prisons Somesh Goel were also present on the occasion among others.