Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla to Hold Meeting with College Principals to Discuss National Education Policy Implementation

Shimla: A crucial meeting will be held at Himachal Pradesh University on December 28, where the Governor will engage with the principals of over 144 colleges affiliated with Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) and Sardar Patel University (SPU). The focus of this meeting will be the preparations for the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, particularly regarding the introduction of Undergraduate (UG) degree courses starting from the academic session 2025-26.

The meeting will also involve the Vice Chancellors of both HPU and SPU, alongside college principals from various degree and Sanskrit colleges in the state. This gathering, to be held in the university auditorium, will review the steps taken thus far to implement the NEP and discuss the challenges faced in executing the policy at the ground level. The Governor will use this opportunity to gather feedback from the college principals on the difficulties they encounter and the progress made by the university administrations.

Review and Future Steps for NEP Implementation

The meeting is expected to result in key decisions on the future course of action for implementing the NEP in the state’s higher education institutions. In addition to reviewing the current preparations, the Governor may issue guidelines on further necessary steps to ensure smooth and effective implementation of the policy. The meeting is considered crucial as it follows two prior gatherings organized by the Education Department on October 31 and December 1 with college principals.

The Governor aims to understand the real-time issues that institutions are facing while implementing the NEP. He will also assess the progress made by HPU and SPU in the preparations for the introduction of UG degree courses. Following the meeting, the Governor is expected to offer strategic advice and provide additional directives that will guide future efforts to align the state’s colleges with the National Education Policy’s objectives.

Extended Deadline for Annual Functions in Summer Schools

In addition to the NEP discussion, a new update has been issued by the Directorate of Higher Education. The deadline for annual functions in the state’s summer schools has been extended to December 31. Previously, schools were required to complete these functions by December 21. The Director of Higher Education, Dr. Amarjeet Kumar Sharma, confirmed this extension after consultation with the government, allowing more time for summer schools to organize their annual events.

Upcoming State University Court Meeting

On the same day, December 28, the Governor will also chair a meeting of the Himachal Pradesh University Court at 11:30 am, where the university’s annual accounts and reports will be discussed and passed. Following this, he will meet with the college principals at 2 pm to further discuss the implementation of the NEP.

This series of meetings reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring the successful integration of the National Education Policy in the higher education sector and address any concerns or gaps in the process.