Himachal Cabinet Approves Key Educational Reforms, Infrastructure Development, and Welfare Initiatives.
Cabinet greenlights restructuring of education departments, electric buses for HRTC, and welfare measures for abandoned children.
Shimla:
In a significant move aimed at enhancing the administration and efficiency of the state’s education system, the Himachal Pradesh State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved the elevation of the Directorate of Elementary Education to the Directorate of School Education. This restructuring will now oversee the entire spectrum of education from pre-nursery through Class 12. Additionally, the Directorate of Higher Education will focus solely on managing colleges and all aspects of higher education, ensuring a more streamlined and effective approach.
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved an amendment to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Himachal Rules) 2011. Under the new guidelines, examinations will now be conducted at the end of both the fifth and eighth grades. If a student fails to meet the promotion criteria, they will be given an additional opportunity for re-examination within two months of the result declaration. This move aims to provide students with a fair chance to improve their academic performance.
To further support the transportation infrastructure, the Cabinet also approved the purchase of 297 Type-I Electric buses and 24 air-conditioned super luxury buses for the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). These new additions are expected to improve public transportation, providing more comfortable and eco-friendly options for commuters across the state.
The Cabinet introduced a new initiative to recognize outstanding educators with the establishment of the Himachal Pradesh Scheme of State Award for Teachers in the Technical Education Department. Ten awards will be conferred across six categories, including Best Teacher awards at the ITI, Polytechnic, Pharmacy College, and Engineering College levels, as well as awards for research excellence, innovation, and industry collaboration. These awards will recognize excellence in teaching, research, community outreach, and industry-academia partnerships, encouraging continuous improvement in the education sector.
In a significant welfare decision, the Cabinet approved the issuance of bonafide Himachali certificates to abandoned and surrendered children who have been living in Child Care Institutions in Himachal Pradesh for 15 years or more. This will enable these children to apply for jobs and access benefits under various state government schemes, giving them opportunities for a better future.
The Cabinet also approved the purchase of vehicles to enhance monitoring and enforcement against illegal mining activities, reinforcing the state’s commitment to curbing illegal mining operations.
Additionally, the Cabinet gave its approval for the issuance of a government guarantee in favor of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) to raise a term loan of Rs. 1000 crore for the execution of the Shongtong-Karchham Hydro Power Project. This move aims to boost the state’s energy production capacity and contribute to its sustainable development goals.
These comprehensive decisions reflect the state government’s continued commitment to improving education, infrastructure, welfare services, and environmental sustainability in Himachal Pradesh.
