Education Minister Rohit Thakur Clarifies: No Plans to Shut Down or Scale Back SPU

Mandi, June 4:
Education Minister Rohit Thakur has firmly stated that the government has no intention of shutting down or limiting the operations of Sardar Patel University (SPU) in Mandi. Responding to media queries during his visit to Sundernagar in Mandi district, Thakur emphasized that the university remains a key part of the state’s higher education framework.

He explained that the concept of a cluster university was originally introduced under the UPA government, and Mandi was one of the districts chosen for this initiative. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged institution recognized as Sardar Patel University.

“The state government is focused on improving the quality of education,” Thakur said, adding that under the previous administration, Himachal Pradesh had dropped to 21st position in national education rankings—despite historically being in the top three. “We have made significant progress, and we are confident Himachal will soon be counted among the top 10 states in education once again,” he added. He also remarked that the opposition’s role is to level accusations, and they are merely doing their part.

Addressing questions about the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the state, Thakur stated that the education department is actively engaged in discussions. “Universities play a crucial role in rolling out the NEP, but the administration at SPU was not fully prepared to implement it in the current academic session. Therefore, it has been deferred.”

He clarified that there is no fixed deadline for implementing the NEP and that each state faces its own unique set of challenges. “Himachal Pradesh does not wish to implement the policy in a half-baked manner, as that could impact students’ learning. Once we are fully prepared, it will be enforced across the state without delay,” Thakur assured.

Also present during the visit were former CPS Sohan Lal Thakur, officials from the Sundernagar Block Congress Committee, sub-divisional administrative officers, and representatives from the education department.