Education Minister Inaugurates Rs. 10.72 Crore Drang Campus of Sardar Patel University in Mandi; Announces New PG Courses at Narla College.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur inaugurated the newly constructed Drang campus of Sardar Patel University Mandi at Narla in the Drang Assembly constituency of Mandi on Wednesday. The campus has been built at a cost of about Rs. 10.72 crore.
During his two-day visit to the district, the minister also inaugurated the new building of Government Senior Secondary School, Sahal, constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.74 crore.
Later, the Education Minister attended the 18th Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony of Government Degree College Drang at Narla as the chief guest and felicitated meritorious students for their academic achievements. Former minister Kaul Singh Thakur was present as the guest of honour.
Preparing Youth for Future Challenges
Addressing the gathering, Thakur said that youth are the nation’s greatest asset and it is essential to prepare them for future challenges. He stated that Himachal Pradesh currently has a Gross Enrollment Ratio in higher education of around 43 percent, which places the state second in the country after Tamil Nadu, where the ratio is about 47 percent.
The minister said the present government has prioritized quality education during its three-year tenure. As a result, the state’s ranking in the education sector has improved from 21st to 5th place nationally. He added that around 7,000 teachers have been deployed across the state during this period.
Thakur further informed that over 600 posts of PGT teachers in the school cadre have been filled through the commission, compared to about 500 posts filled during the tenure of the previous government.
Recruitment of Teachers Underway
He said the recruitment process for 937 Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) posts through the State Selection Commission has been completed and these teachers will be posted on priority in remote areas.
Additionally, the recruitment process for 1,200 Junior Basic Teacher (JBT) posts has also begun. The government has decided that schools with more than 20 students will be provided a second teacher.
Focus on Skill-Based and Employment-Oriented Education
The Education Minister congratulated the award-winning students and said that 134 government colleges are currently functioning in the state. He emphasized that the government is focusing on skill-based and employment-oriented education so that students can adapt to changing times and meet future challenges.
Announcement of New PG Courses
Responding to a demand raised by former minister Kaul Singh Thakur, the Education Minister announced that two postgraduate courses in Political Science and History will be introduced at Government College Narla from the upcoming academic session.
He also assured that vacant posts in the college will be filled on priority. The government will consider proposals related to construction of a hostel and installation of a boundary wall around the playground, and a physical education post will also be created.
Thakur further stated that the process to affiliate Government Senior Secondary School, Padhar, with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will begin from the next academic session, with efforts being made to implement it within the current session itself.
He added that the construction of the building of Government Senior Secondary School Sahal, which had been pending for a long time, was completed after the present government provided ₹88 lakh in funding.
Cultural Programme Grant
During the ceremony, former minister Kaul Singh Thakur welcomed the Education Minister and expressed gratitude for the ongoing development works in the education sector in the Drang region. He also demanded filling vacant posts in the education department, starting postgraduate classes in Hindi, History and Political Science in the college, expanding the playground and constructing a hostel.
College Principal Nisha Vaidya welcomed the chief guest and presented the annual report of the institution. Students presented colourful cultural performances during the programme.
Appreciating the performances, the Education Minister announced Rs. 50,000 for cultural activities at the college.
Among others present on the occasion were former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Lal Thakur, Vice-Chancellor of Sardar Patel University Mandi Dr. Lalit Awasthi, District Congress Committee President Champa Thakur, several local leaders, officials, faculty members and students.
