Rohit Thakur emphasizes quality education and sports development in departmental review meeting

Education Minister Rohit Thakur presided over a high-level meeting of the Education Department to review various issues and ongoing initiatives in the education sector on Wednesday. During the meeting, the Minister announced a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the quality of education, infrastructure, and sports facilities across the state.

The Minister praised the efforts of officers, officials, and teachers for the state’s remarkable improvement in the National Achievement Survey (NAS), where Himachal Pradesh has moved up to 5th position from 21st. He said this progress was possible due to the effective implementation of the present government’s policies and reforms. 

He added that teachers who are performing well should be recognized and the government has already started a teachers’ award scheme for school teachers. For the first time, starting this year, an award scheme for college teachers will also be introduced and presented on 5th September.

To further improve the standard of education, the Minister reviewed the progress of Rajiv Gandhi Model Day Boarding Schools. He said that foundation stones of 12 new Day Boarding Schools have been laid, which would be made functional soon. 

Additionally, 56 existing schools would be upgraded to Day Boarding Schools. He also instructed officials to conduct physical inspection of Atal Adarsh Vidyalayas and submit a comprehensive report at the earliest.

The Minister also reviewed the recruitment process for 187 differently abled JBTs and 194 Shastri’s and asked officials to expedite the process. He also directed that the recruitment of Drawing Masters be completed in a time-bound manner. 

Officials were further instructed to rationalize the posting of teachers based on actual enrolment and requirements of schools. Deputations were to be reviewed and allowed only on a need basis. He stressed strict action against non-performing teachers and schools recording zero results, including charge-sheeting if necessary.

He said the department must also identify and recognize unsung teachers, particularly those serving in remote areas, who are silently contributing to quality education. Meanwhile, meritorious students should be encouraged through timely distribution of tablets.

The Minister directed the concerned officers to speed up the promotion process of Joint Directors, Principals, PGTs, TGTs and Classical and Vernacular (CV) teachers. Rohit Thakur said that from the next academic session, rationalization of colleges would be undertaken. 

New skill-based and vocational subjects would be introduced, along with subjects like Psychology and Sociology in colleges where these were currently not being taught. The Minister stated that the government was equally committed to strengthening sports infrastructure. 

To promote sports culture among students, Himachal Pradesh will host the Under-19 National Level Kabaddi and Handball tournaments. The government will fully sponsor the events, which will also help boost the state’s image at the national level. He said diet and travel allowances for athletes have already been increased and hostel and travel support, including AC train fare and air travel have been provided to promote sports in the state.

The Minister reviewed unspent departmental funds and directed their proper use, especially the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) funds, which should be prioritized for schools with over 75 percent damage. He also asked to update supplementary books to include the state’s history, culture, and local heroes, and asked SCERT and SRGs to submit proposals for curriculum improvements.

The Minister expressed hope that the Education Department would continue its dedicated efforts to bring excellence to the sector and work towards making Himachal Pradesh one of the top-performing states in education across the country. Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar also gave his valuable suggestions for strengthening the quality education in the state.

Director Higher Education Dr. Amarjeet K Sharma, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli and senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.