Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Whip and Shahpur MLA Kewal Singh Pathania on Sunday called upon Youth Congress workers to strengthen the organisation and play an active role in serving society, while alleging that the Centre had failed to protect the interests of the country’s youth.

Addressing a meeting of the Shahpur Youth Block Congress at Rait, Pathania said the youth were the biggest asset of any nation and urged workers to remain united, disciplined and committed to development-oriented initiatives.

Highlighting the achievements of the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, Pathania said the administration led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had placed youth welfare among its top priorities through initiatives related to employment, education, sports and skill development. He said the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme was a reflection of the government’s commitment to honouring its promises.

Targeting the Centre, Pathania alleged that repeated examination paper leaks had put the future of lakhs of aspirants at risk and called for greater transparency in the conduct of competitive examinations. He also criticised the electoral bonds scheme, stating that political funding should be transparent and accountable.

Earlier, the meeting, chaired by Shahpur Youth Block Congress president Divyansh Katoch, highlighted that several long-pending development projects in the Shahpur Assembly constituency had gained momentum. Later, Youth Congress workers led by Pathania took out a protest rally through Rait market, raising slogans against the Centre over issues related to youth welfare and democratic values.