Himachal CM Lays Foundation for a Self-Reliant State, Announces Key Educational Reforms.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over the annual function of Rajiv Gandhi Government College in Chaura Maidan, Shimla, reiterated the state government’s commitment to building a self-reliant Himachal, despite the challenges. Addressing a gathering of students, faculty, and dignitaries, the CM outlined key reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of education in the state and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
Sukhu emphasized that the government’s priority was to implement policies that would benefit every section of society, rather than favoring select groups for political gain. He highlighted that the state was making significant strides in implementing reforms for the welfare of the people, which would continue in the years to come.
One of the major announcements made by the Chief Minister was the introduction of co-education in all government senior secondary schools at the district headquarter level starting from the next academic session. This move, he said, would bring qualitative improvements in the state’s education system. Additionally, the government is set to establish Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools in a phased manner across all Assembly constituencies, with 10 such institutions set to begin operations in the upcoming academic session. These schools, the CM noted, would be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including swimming pools, indoor stadiums, and enhanced sports infrastructure, ensuring a well-rounded education experience for students.
Referring to the previous BJP government’s tenure, Sukhu pointed out that while 900 educational institutions were opened in the last six months for electoral gains, there was no proper financial planning or budget allocation. In contrast, the present government was focusing on improving the quality of education to ensure that students are prepared for future challenges. “Students from government institutions are second to none,” he said, sharing his own journey as a product of government schools, and adding that if he could rise to the position of Chief Minister, any student from a government school could achieve their goals.
As part of his vision for the future of education in Himachal, the CM also announced the closure of government educational institutions with low student enrollment or poor educational standards. These schools, he said, would be consolidated into nearby well-functioning institutions, where the government would increase seat capacity and cover students’ commuting expenses. Sukhu assured that within the next five years, the state’s education system would be elevated to global standards, with no financial constraints impeding the process. He also mentioned that the state was working to establish a unified Directorate for all educational levels, from nursery to higher secondary, to streamline and reform the school education system.
In a move to improve infrastructure at Rajiv Gandhi Government College, Sukhu announced the installation of a central heating system in the institution. Furthermore, the CM revealed that postgraduate courses in Economics, Political Science, and English would be introduced in the college from the next academic session, broadening educational opportunities for students in the region.
The event also saw the felicitation of meritorious students from the college, celebrating their achievements in academics. Dignitaries present at the occasion included MLAs Harish Janartha and Sanjay Awasthy, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, HP Youth Congress President Chhatar Singh, and other notable figures.
As the state embarks on this journey of educational reforms, CM Sukhu’s vision appears to be firmly set on creating a self-reliant Himachal that provides high-quality education to all its students, regardless of their socio-economic background.
