Under the Rs 17-core scheme, close to 3,200 gymnasiums will be constructed in all the 3,234 panchayats and 54 urban local bodies in the state, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said today.
Addressing a public meeting at Gasota in Hamirpur district, Dhumal said the construction of the gymnasiums would help in engaging the state's youth in "positive activities" and wean them away from falling prey to drug addiction.
"The immense energy of youth must be channelised in the right direction so that they can contribute in creating a healthy society, free from drugs and other social evils," he said.
Exhorting the youth to take lead by forming youth clubs to run the gymnasiums at panchayat level, he also appealed to them to maintain a constant vigil over the activities of their peers and "guide them to be responsible citizens".
