Himachal Pradesh Education Department Reorganization: School Education Directorate Gets Approval

Shimla, March 29: In a significant step towards improving the state’s education system, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has approved the reorganization of the Education Department. This move includes the upgradation of the Directorate of Elementary Education to the Directorate of School Education, which will now manage education from pre-nursery to class 12. The reorganization aims to streamline administration and enhance the efficiency of the state’s education system.

As part of the restructuring, the Directorate of Higher Education will now oversee all aspects of higher education, including the management of colleges. This shift is a critical component of the government’s broader reforms aimed at improving the educational landscape of Himachal Pradesh and ensuring that students across the state have access to quality education at all levels.

The Cabinet’s approval also extends to an amendment of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education, Himachal Rules, 2011, which will now include provisions for holding examinations at the end of classes V and VIII. This change introduces a mechanism for ensuring that students meet the academic standards required for promotion. In cases where students fail to meet the criteria, they will be given an additional opportunity for re-examination within two months from the declaration of results. This initiative is aimed at supporting students who may struggle academically and providing them with a fair chance for progression.

Additionally, in a move to enhance the state’s public transportation system, the Cabinet approved the purchase of 297 Type-1 electric buses and 24 air-conditioned super luxury buses for the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). This development will not only make the transport system more environmentally friendly but will also improve the accessibility and comfort for passengers traveling across the state.

In a significant move to recognize and honor the efforts of educators, the Cabinet also approved the launch of the Himachal Pradesh State Award Scheme for teachers in the Technical Education Department. The scheme will see the distribution of 10 awards across six categories, including Best Teacher awards for ITI, Polytechnic, and Engineering College levels. Other awards will recognize excellence in research, innovation, and industry coordination, aiming to encourage academic brilliance and industry-academia collaboration. These awards will be based on teachers’ performance in various fields, including academic excellence, research and development, and community engagement.

The Cabinet also made a notable decision to allow the issuance of Himachali certificates to abandoned children residing in child care institutions in the state for 15 years or more. This decision will enable these children to apply for jobs and avail themselves of various government schemes, offering them an opportunity for a better future.

In another crucial development, the Cabinet approved the purchase of new vehicles to strengthen the monitoring and enforcement system for better control over illegal mining activities in Himachal Pradesh. This move is expected to bolster efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the state’s natural resources.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved a government guarantee to the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) for a term loan of Rs 1000 crore. This financial support will aid in the smooth implementation of the Shongtong-Karchham Hydroelectric Project, which is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the state’s energy capacity.

In the final moments of the meeting, the Cabinet expressed appreciation for Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena for his dedicated service, as he is set to retire this month, marking the end of an era in the state’s administrative leadership.

The recent Cabinet meeting reflects the state government’s commitment to making significant strides in the fields of education, infrastructure, and governance, laying the foundation for a more prosperous and well-governed Himachal Pradesh.