Providing Quality Technical Education to Students Main Focus: CM Sukhu.
Expresses Concern Over Vacant Buildings, Orders Action Plan for Optimum Use.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed that providing quality technical education to students within Himachal Pradesh remains a top priority of the state government. The focus, he said, is on equipping youth with market-relevant skills that enhance employability and align with emerging industry demands.
While reviewing the functioning of the Technical Education Department here today, the Chief Minister expressed serious concern over several newly constructed buildings lying unused. He revealed that seven buildings, constructed between 2018 and 2023 at a total cost of Rs. 126.45 crore, are currently vacant.
“The wastage of public funds in the name of mere construction is not acceptable,” CM Sukhu asserted, directing the department to formulate an action plan for the optimum utilization of these assets in the public interest.
To improve efficiency and quality, the Chief Minister instructed officials to grade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Polytechnic Colleges based on student enrolment, overall performance, and available infrastructure. He assured that the government is committed to strengthening the Technical Education Department by filling vacant posts and extending all necessary assistance to ensure the delivery of quality education.
Emphasizing the need to align technical education with modern job markets, the Chief Minister called for the introduction of new-age courses to prepare youth for emerging employment sectors. He expressed satisfaction over the introduction of the M.Tech (EV-Tech) course at the Hydro Engineering College, Bandla (Bilaspur), which has an intake capacity of 30 students.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, CM Sukhu said that the ‘State Innovation and Start-Up Policy-2025’ is under formulation to encourage young entrepreneurs. He also announced that the state government is planning to establish a Digital University of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Skill and Vocational Studies at Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district, for which 258 bighas of land have already been identified.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also reviewed the functioning of the Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam and the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board, directing officials to take necessary steps to enhance their performance.
Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, State Convenor of HP Kaushal Vikas Nigam Atul Karohta, Special Secretary (Technical Education) Suneel Sharma, Director (Technical Education) Akshay Sood, and other senior officials attended the review meeting.
