CBSE-Affiliated Government Schools Will Rank Among State’s Finest Within Five Years, Says CM Sukhu.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday expressed confidence that the newly established CBSE-affiliated government schools in Himachal Pradesh would emerge among the state’s finest educational institutions within the next five years, as the government continues to implement wide-ranging reforms aimed at improving the quality of education.
Addressing the Foundation Day celebrations of the prestigious Bishop Cotton School (BCS) in Shimla, the Chief Minister said the state government is committed to ensuring equal educational opportunities for every child, regardless of background.
He said that, as part of this vision, the government has introduced English-medium education from Class I in government schools and affiliated 156 government schools with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). According to him, these initiatives have already shown encouraging results, with enrolment in government schools increasing by more than 24,000 students.
Describing Himachal Pradesh as an ideal destination for education, Sukhu said the state’s peaceful environment, educational culture and student-friendly atmosphere make it one of the best places for academic growth.
Praising Bishop Cotton School, he said the institution is not merely a school but a symbol of excellence, discipline, leadership and character-building. He noted that the institution has nurtured generations of students who have excelled in diverse fields across India and abroad, bringing distinction to both the school and the state.
Recalling his personal connection with the institution, the Chief Minister said that during his college days he frequently visited Bishop Cotton School to participate in cricket tournaments, creating a lasting bond with the campus.
Congratulating the school community on its Foundation Day, Sukhu said the occasion was not only a celebration of the institution’s legacy but also an opportunity to reaffirm timeless values such as integrity, discipline, perseverance and service. He urged students to look beyond personal success and strive to become responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to society, the state and the nation.
Highlighting the importance of education in nation-building, the Chief Minister said quality education is the strongest foundation of a progressive society and should be regarded as a fundamental right rather than a privilege. He said the state government has accorded the highest priority to the education sector and introduced several transformative reforms to improve educational standards across Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s recent educational achievements. He said Himachal Pradesh has become a fully literate state with a literacy rate of 99.30 per cent, reflecting its long-standing commitment to education. Referring to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), he said children in Himachal Pradesh have demonstrated the highest reading proficiency in the country.
He further noted that the state’s performance has improved significantly in national assessments. In the PARAKH evaluation framework, Himachal Pradesh has risen from 21st position in 2021 to become one of the country’s top-performing states. Similarly, in the Ministry of Education’s Performance Grading Index, the state has climbed seven places to secure the sixth position nationally, underscoring the government’s focus on both expanding access to education and improving learning outcomes.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes at the memorial of Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, the founder of Bishop Cotton School, and hoisted the school flag to mark the Foundation Day celebrations.
He also flagged off the school’s Mountaineering Expedition-2026 to Leh and Ladakh, scheduled from July 28 to August 8, during which a team of six students will attempt to scale Mt. Yalung Nong (6,090 metres). The expedition team comprises Amod Talwalkar, Laldinzuala, Altamash Nomani, Tenzin Tsewang, Manraj Singh Grover and Aman Agarwal.
The event was attended by MLA Harish Janartha, OSD to the Chief Minister Saurav Chauhan, School Board Member Manav Singh, Headmaster Mathew P. John, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, along with several senior officials, educationists and distinguished guests.
