Education Minister Rohit Thakur Criticizes BJP Government for Neglecting Education Sector and Financial Mismanagement

Critique of BJP’s Economic Legacy
Shimla, December 08 – In a press statement issued in Shimla, Education Minister Rohit Thakur has sharply criticized the previous BJP government for its economic mismanagement and neglect of public welfare, particularly in the education sector. Thakur stated that the BJP government left a legacy of economic chaos, neglect, and the sidelining of people’s interests, which has significantly impacted Himachal Pradesh’s economy. He highlighted the burden of Rs 75,000 crore in debt inherited by the Congress government, a financial challenge that has weighed heavily on the state’s economic stability.

Debt Burden and Economic Fallout
Rohit Thakur emphasized that the Congress government came into power facing a massive fiscal challenge, as the BJP’s tenure left the state with a crippling debt. The financial strain, according to the Education Minister, severely impacted various sectors, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure. “The previous BJP government left the state with a huge economic burden. The massive debt of Rs 75,000 crore affected the state’s ability to invest in key areas like education and public welfare,” he said.

Neglect of Education Sector: A Deepening Crisis
Thakur particularly criticized the BJP for its failure to prioritize education during its rule. He revealed that under the BJP government, more than 350 schools in Himachal Pradesh were functioning without teachers, while over 12,000 teacher positions were vacant, leading to a significant decline in the quality of education. He pointed out that this neglect had a direct impact on the state’s performance in the National Achievement Survey, where Himachal Pradesh’s ranking fell to 21st position.

“Education in the state suffered deeply under the previous government. Schools were running without teachers, and vacancies were left unfilled, which deteriorated the quality of education,” said Thakur. He acknowledged that the Congress government inherited this challenging situation and made it a priority to address the gaps and improve the education system.

Congress Government’s Efforts to Revitalize Education
Despite the challenges, the Congress government has taken several proactive steps to improve the education sector in Himachal Pradesh. The government has developed 850 educational institutions as centers of excellence, providing students with better learning environments and resources.

In a historic move, the Congress government has also decided to fill 15,000 vacant teaching positions. Of these, 3,200 teacher posts have already been recruited, with 2,800 more to be filled through the State Selection Commission. “We are committed to addressing the teacher shortage and have already taken significant steps to fill vacant positions, ensuring that every student receives quality education,” Thakur stated.

Improving Access to English Medium Education and Other Initiatives
In line with the Congress government’s promise to modernize education, Thakur proudly announced the implementation of English medium education from Class 1 in all government schools. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to improve educational standards and provide students with a competitive edge in the globalized world.

The Congress government has also taken steps to ensure inclusive education through the establishment of Rajiv Gandhi Day-boarding schools in every assembly constituency. These schools are aimed at providing quality education to children from economically weaker sections of society.

Furthermore, Thakur highlighted the implementation of schemes like Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojna and Mukhyamantri Sukh Shiksha Yojna, which offer financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students, enabling them to pursue their education without financial barriers.

Accusations Against Central Government’s Neglect of Himachal
Apart from criticizing the previous BJP government in the state, Rohit Thakur also took a strong stance against the central government, accusing it of providing step-motherly treatment to Himachal Pradesh. He stated that the Centre has consistently denied financial assistance to the state, especially in key areas such as education and infrastructure development. Thakur called for greater financial support from the Centre to help Himachal Pradesh overcome its economic challenges and improve public welfare.

“The central government has consistently ignored the needs of Himachal Pradesh, particularly in terms of financial assistance for crucial schemes. We are determined to bring the necessary resources and reforms to improve the situation,” he added.

Commitment to Transforming Himachal’s Education System
Rohit Thakur’s statement reflects the Congress government’s commitment to addressing the challenges left by the previous BJP government, particularly in the education sector. Through a combination of filling vacant posts, introducing new educational schemes, and improving access to quality education, the Congress government aims to bring about a significant transformation in Himachal Pradesh’s education system. As the state moves forward, the government’s focus on education, along with broader financial reforms, is expected to have a lasting impact on the state’s development and its future generations.