CM Sukhu Inaugurates Rs. 13.14-Crore Government College Building at Panarsa, Emphasizes Quality and Technology-Driven Education.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the newly constructed building of Government College, Panarsa, in Mandi district. The modern campus, built at a cost of Rs 13.14 crore, marks a significant step towards strengthening higher education infrastructure in the region.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister reiterated that education remains one of the top priorities of his government. He emphasized that the objective of opening new institutions should extend beyond constructing buildings — it should focus on ensuring quality education, building students’ self-confidence, and preparing them to face future challenges.
Highlighting the state’s educational achievements, CM Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh has risen from the 21st to the 5th position nationally in the education sector, owing to consistent reforms over the past three years. The government, he said, had established a separate Directorate of School Education to strengthen foundational learning from classes 1 to 12.
He further informed that English medium instruction has been introduced from the first grade, and 100 new CBSE-pattern schools are being developed across the state, with 40 already affiliated. “This initiative will ensure that children in rural areas also have access to quality education,” he added.
The Chief Minister also spoke about reforms in higher education, noting the creation of a separate Directorate for colleges and the ongoing efforts to make the education system more technology-driven. “Education can no longer remain confined to traditional methods. A technology-based system is essential to meet future challenges,” he asserted.
Highlighting new initiatives, the CM said that pre-primary classes have started in 6,297 primary schools, and Rajiv Gandhi Government Model Day-Boarding Schools are being established in every assembly constituency. These schools will feature smart classrooms, libraries, sports facilities, and other modern amenities to ensure the holistic development of students.
He also mentioned the Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana, under which economically weaker students can avail loans up to Rs. 20 lakh at just 1% interest to pursue higher education in India or abroad.
Announcing new academic programs for Panarsa College, the Chief Minister declared that B.Voc and B.C.A. courses will commence on a self-financing basis from the next academic session to promote employment-oriented education.
Former Minister Kaul Singh Thakur expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for ensuring the speedy development of the Drang Assembly constituency, stating that the introduction of science classes at the college would increase student enrollment and ease pressure on Kullu College.
The event was also attended by Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi, former MLA Jawahar Thakur, APMC Chairman Ram Singh Mian, HPMC Director Joginder Guleria, and Zila Parishad Member Anita Thakur.
The inauguration of the Panarsa Government College building stands as another milestone in the state government’s mission to transform Himachal Pradesh into a hub of quality and inclusive education.
