Himachal: Heated Debate in Assembly Over Closure and Relocation of Institutions

A sharp exchange took place in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly today between Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur over the closure and relocation of institutions opened during the previous BJP government.

The debate flared up while Deputy CM Agnihotri was responding to a question raised by Sarkaghat MLA Dalip Thakur. Agnihotri informed the House that in the past year, 126 new institutions had been notified on merit—not only in public interest but also to ensure uniform and balanced development across the state.

Referring to the relocation of the horticulture college from Seraj, Agnihotri remarked that the matter was “very close to the Leader of Opposition’s heart” and had caused him great anguish. He assured that the land donated for the college would remain reserved for opening an institution in the future. The Deputy CM explained that the horticulture university was shifted from Seraj due to disaster-related risks and to ensure the safety of more than 300 students.

Agnihotri further stated that a total of 527 schools with zero enrollment had been shut down, while 1,400 teachers were transferred to other schools with vacant posts as part of rationalization.

Countering the government’s stance, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said that since the Congress government came to power, 1,869 institutions had been closed, with more closures in the pipeline.

He pointed out that 205 bighas of land, along with a budgetary allocation of ₹10 crore, had been provided for the horticulture college in Seraj. “Will you re-establish the college at the same location instead of relocating it elsewhere?” he asked.

Thakur also alleged that the Atal Medical University was being shifted from Mandi to Sarkaghat. Accusing the Congress government of systematically shutting down colleges, he claimed teachers were being transferred out deliberately, forcing students to leave and eventually leading to institutions being closed due to lack of enrollment.