Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Puts Focus on Education and Healthcare Despite Financial Challenges
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday reiterated that strengthening education and healthcare remains one of the top priorities of the Himachal Pradesh government, even as the state continues to deal with financial challenges.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday reiterated that strengthening education and healthcare remains one of the top priorities of the Himachal Pradesh government, even as the state continues to deal with financial challenges.
Speaking at the 29th annual prize distribution ceremony of Siddharth Government College in Nadaun, located in Hamirpur district, the Chief Minister congratulated meritorious students and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.
He said the government is introducing several reforms in the education sector aimed at preparing young people with the skills and knowledge needed to face future challenges.
Financial Constraints but Commitment to Public Welfare
While addressing the gathering, Sukhu also spoke about the state’s financial situation. According to him, the previous government had received around ₹70,000 crore through Revenue Deficit Grants (RDG) and GST compensation, whereas the present government has received only about ₹17,000 crore as RDG so far.
Despite these financial limitations, the Chief Minister emphasized that the government remains committed to public welfare and development initiatives.
Government Firm on Old Pension Scheme
The Chief Minister also reaffirmed that the state government will not roll back the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
He said the decision was taken to secure the future of government employees, adding that the government stands firmly behind the restoration of the scheme.
Education Reforms to Strengthen Learning
Highlighting major changes in the education sector, Sukhu said the government plans to introduce the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum in 140 schools across the state.
To support this transition, teachers for all subjects will be appointed in these schools within the next two months.
The Education Department will also recruit:
- 400 lecturers
- 400 assistant lecturers
Additionally, the government plans to introduce a separate dress code for students studying in these institutions.
The Chief Minister also announced ₹20 crore for the Science College in Hamirpur to strengthen infrastructure and academic facilities.
Upgrading Healthcare Infrastructure
Speaking about improvements in the health sector, Sukhu said that the 19-year-old MRI machine at Indira Gandhi Medical College has been replaced with a modern 3-Tesla MRI machine, significantly enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
He further stated that medical colleges across the state are being upgraded to provide advanced healthcare facilities similar to those at All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
Government Claims Improvement in Education Ranking
The Chief Minister also criticized the previous government, claiming that despite heavy spending during the 2022 Assembly elections, the administration failed to deliver strong outcomes in the education sector.
According to Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh had slipped to the 21st position in quality education during the previous regime. However, reforms introduced by the current government have helped the state improve its ranking to fifth place.
