Himachal to Lead Nation in Education and Healthcare, Says CM Sukhu at ‘Eruption-2025’ Event.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a leader in education and healthcare, while attending the inter-college cultural fest ‘Eruption-2025’ at the Himachal Pradesh Government Dental College, Shimla.
Reminiscing about his student days as SCA President, the Chief Minister praised the cultural performances and noted a welcome increase in female participation. “It’s heartening to see the enthusiasm and confidence among students today. Life after college comes with challenges, but with honesty, determination, and hard work, success is inevitable,” he said.
From Humble Beginnings to Visionary Leadership
Sharing his journey from a government school student to becoming the Chief Minister, CM Sukhu said, “I come from a modest background, and I understand the value of opportunities. After assuming office, I inherited a financial burden of Rs. 75,000 crore in debt and Rs. 10,000 crore in liabilities owed to government employees. This compelled us to initiate systemic reforms rather than continue with populist announcements.”
Himachal Rises in Education Rankings
Addressing the pressing need for quality education, the CM revealed that Himachal had slipped to the 21st position in the national education rankings by 2021. “We could not let students pay the price for administrative complacency. That’s why we merged 1,000 underutilized schools, introduced English medium from Class 1, and facilitated international exposure for teachers and meritorious students,” he said.
Thanks to these reforms, Himachal has now climbed to 5th place in education rankings. The CM set an ambitious goal: “Our aim is to make Himachal the number one state in education. From next year, 10 Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools will become operational, ensuring holistic development and equitable access to quality learning.”
Major Overhaul in Medical Education and Healthcare
Shifting focus to healthcare, CM Sukhu announced a substantial investment of Rs. 1,100 crore to upgrade medical colleges across the state. “We’re introducing PET Scan and 3-Tesla MRI machines in government medical institutions within three months. Robotic surgery, comparable to that at AIIMS, is already being introduced in Chamiyana,” he said, marking a new era of advanced and accessible treatment.
Stipends for medical students have also been enhanced. “We increased stipends for MD doctors from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1,00,000, and similar hikes have been extended to super-speciality doctors. Dental students pursuing MD will also benefit from this increase,” he confirmed.
Fiscal Discipline and Social Justice at the Core
Emphasizing fiscal responsibility, the Chief Minister criticized the previous BJP government for financial mismanagement. “We are committed to development by ensuring every rupee is spent wisely,” he said.
He also underscored a landmark social initiative: adopting orphaned children as ‘Children of the State’, a first in India. “Our government has enacted a law that provides legal rights and full support to orphans, reflecting our belief in inclusive governance,” he added.
Encouraging Youth Participation and Talent
Health and Family Welfare Minister Col. (Dr.) Dhani Ram Shandil lauded the event for offering a vibrant platform for student expression and personal development. “Our youth are the future, and this government is giving them every opportunity to shine,” he said.
As a gesture of encouragement, the Minister announced Rs. 5 lakh for students who presented the cultural program.
The event was attended by MLA Harish Janartha, College Principal Dr. Ashu Bharti, faculty, and a large number of enthusiastic students.
