Himachal Pradesh is set to transform its education system with a sweeping set of reforms announced by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
At the heart of these changes is a major overhaul of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs). This move is part of a broader strategy to address the state's troubling drop to 21st place nationally in education rankings, a decline Sukhu attributes to past mismanagement.
Speaking at a recent Education Department meeting, Sukhu stressed the urgency of these reforms. “We’re committed to turning things around and ensuring that our government schools offer top-notch education,” he said. The restructuring aims to improve the quality of education by making the administration and training systems more effective.
In response to concerns about the impact of recent school mergers on midday meal workers, Sukhu reassured that these employees will not lose their jobs. Instead, they will be reassigned to nearby schools, ensuring that their services continue while the education system undergoes these necessary changes.
Adding a global dimension to local education, the government is introducing foreign exposure trips for teachers. This initiative will allow educators to learn and implement the latest teaching techniques from around the world. Top-performing students, excelling in academics, sports, and other fields, will also have the chance to study abroad, gaining valuable experiences that they can bring back to their classrooms.
Sports are also receiving a boost under the new plan. The government is enhancing sports infrastructure in schools and organizing separate competitive events for younger students aged 6 to 11. This initiative aims to foster a love for sports from an early age and provide more opportunities for young athletes.
Additionally, Sukhu announced an increase in diet allowances for athletes. State-level competitors will now receive Rs. 400, while district and block-level participants will get Rs. 300 and Rs. 240, respectively. Athletes representing Himachal Pradesh at national events will receive Rs. 500. This increase is part of a broader effort to support athletes with better travel and diet facilities.
These reforms mark a significant step forward for Himachal Pradesh’s education system, promising better training for teachers, greater opportunities for students, and a renewed focus on quality and infrastructure.