No Educational Institutions to Be Built Near Rivers and Streams; Department to Select Safe Sites – Disaster Causes ₹30 Crore Loss

Mandi, August 13 – Education Minister Rohit Thakur announced that no educational institutions in the state will henceforth be constructed near rivers or streams. Speaking to the media in Sundernagar after inspecting disaster-affected areas in Seraj, he noted that most of the institutions damaged during recent natural disasters were located close to water bodies. “We must change this long-standing practice and mindset of building government institutions in such vulnerable areas,” he said.

Institutions that have been completely destroyed will be rebuilt at new, safer locations. The Deputy Director of Education will personally inspect the identified sites to ensure they are secure and to prevent future disputes over the suitability of locations.

₹30 Crore Damage to Education Department; ₹16 Crore Released
According to the minister, 523 educational institutions across the state suffered damage in the recent disaster, leading to losses of around ₹30 crore. Mandi district was the worst hit, with 300 affected institutions. Of the 109 institutions completely destroyed, 29 were in Mandi alone. The government has released ₹16 crore for the reconstruction of these buildings, including ₹9 crore specifically for Mandi district. The Himuda agency will carry out the work, which will begin shortly.

Promotion List to Be Released Soon
Responding to a question, Thakur said the department is finalizing the promotion list for principals, headmasters, and PGTs. The list will be released soon, along with promotion lists for other categories, which will be issued in phases.