Rs. 9 crore allocated for repair of disaster-hit schools in Mandi: Education Minister Rohit Thakur.
Shimla:
In the aftermath of the recent natural disaster that severely impacted Himachal Pradesh, the Mandi district has emerged as the worst-affected region, particularly in the education sector.
Addressing a press conference at Sundernagar in Mandi district on Wednesday, Education Minister Rohit Thakur announced that Rs. 9 crore out of the total Rs. 16 crore provisioned for school repairs across the state will be spent in Mandi district alone.
According to the Minister, 523 educational institutions across the state suffered varying degrees of damage due to the disaster. Of these, 109 schools were reported to be severely damaged. In Mandi district alone, 300 schools were affected, with 29 institutions sustaining major structural damage. Immediate repairs for these schools will be carried out under the first phase of the restoration plan, with Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) executing the repair works as soon as the monsoon subsides.
The Minister detailed the list of heavily damaged schools in the district, which includes: Government Primary Schools: Bhekli, Bhalwar, Ruchar, Nihri Sunah, Shilli Bagi, Sarogi, Kulthani, Majdwar, Khauli, Bagibhanwas, Sumna, Surah, Kuti, Hukal, Kehri, Government Middle School: Bhalwar,
Government High Schools: Anah, Dabehad, Helen, Hukal, Kehri and Government Senior Secondary Schools: Bagibhanwas, Lambsafar, Narayangarh, Nihri Sunah, Kufri, Seri Batwara, Khanni, Ahju.
Thakur assured that repair work on all damaged institutions will be expedited so that schools can resume normal functioning at the earliest. He also noted that nearly 6,000 vacancies in the Education Department have already been filled, and promotions for principals, headmasters, and postgraduate teachers (PGTs) are also in the pipeline.
Speaking on broader educational reforms, the Minister highlighted that the government is taking significant policy decisions aimed at enhancing educational quality. These include integrating English-medium education from the foundational level, along with the inclusion of emerging and practical subjects like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Horticulture in the school curriculum. There is also a focus on promoting local languages to preserve cultural identity alongside global competencies.
Thakur also celebrated Himachal Pradesh’s recent performance in the National Achievement Survey (NAS). The state, which ranked 21st in 2021, has now secured the 5th position nationwide. Particularly noteworthy is the performance of Class 3 students, who surpassed even Kerala, earning the 2nd rank at the national level.
Looking ahead, the Minister announced that construction of new schools in disaster-prone areas would be avoided. A special geological and structural survey will be conducted to identify any existing educational institutions in such vulnerable zones. Those schools that were completely destroyed in the recent disaster will be rebuilt with priority.
Responding to a political query, Thakur stated that the decision to appoint the new Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee President lies with the party high command and expressed hope that an announcement will be made soon to further strengthen the party’s organisation in the state.
On this occasion, Minister was accompanied by former Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Congress leader from Sundernagar Sohan Lal Thakur, Congress leader from Seraj Jagdish Reddy and other local Congress leaders.
(Over)
