CM Sukhu Directs Senior Officers to Strengthen ‘Apna Vidyalaya’ School Adoption Programme Across Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed senior officers across all districts to actively implement the ‘Apna Vidyalaya–Himachal School Adoption Programme’ with renewed focus, aiming to improve the quality of education and overall functioning of government schools in the state. He issued these directions while chairing a virtual meeting with Deputy Commissioners late Friday evening.
Under the programme, district- and sub-divisional-level officers are required to adopt government schools and act as mentors and patrons for students. The Chief Minister instructed that a comprehensive and updated list of all schools adopted under the initiative across Himachal Pradesh be submitted to the state government by 5 January 2026.
CM Sukhu said that Deputy Commissioners, along with senior officers such as Superintendents of Police and Sub-Divisional Magistrates, are mandated to adopt at least four schools each. These officers are expected to visit their adopted schools at least once every month, interact with students, provide career counselling, and guide them in preparing for competitive examinations. He also directed Deputy Commissioners to conduct surprise inspections to ensure proper functioning and improvement in academic standards.
“The objective of this programme is to ensure that students studying in government schools receive consistent guidance, motivation and high-level mentorship,” the Chief Minister said. He added that officers acting as school patrons would work in close coordination with teachers and School Management Committees to enhance academic performance and overall school quality.
So far, a total of 4,231 government schools have been adopted under the programme. These include 1,950 primary schools, 59 middle schools, 664 high schools and 1,558 senior secondary schools. The Chief Minister noted that the initiative also strengthens coordination between local school management and the state government, enabling effective utilization of budgetary provisions for educational upgradation.
Emphasising the broader social role of the programme, CM Sukhu instructed officers to use their school visits to address critical social issues, particularly by educating students about the dangers of drug abuse. He also stressed the importance of instilling national values, legal awareness and a sense of social responsibility among the youth.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also directed Deputy Commissioners to submit detailed reports on illegal properties linked to drug traffickers in their respective districts. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking, ordering strict action, seizure of illegal properties and demolition of unauthorized constructions. He further instructed that any government employee found involved in drug-related activities must face strict and time-bound action.
Reviewing the progress of development works, CM Sukhu directed all departmental secretaries to ensure early completion of projects that are nearly 80 percent complete, assuring that adequate funds would be made available. He also asked that approvals related to forest land be given priority to speed up development activities.
In addition, the Chief Minister reviewed matters related to the identification of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and instructed Deputy Commissioners to submit comprehensive and accurate information in this regard.
Senior officers of the state government were present during the virtual meeting.
