Reaffirming education as the foremost priority of his government, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that a series of systemic reforms have significantly strengthened the state’s learning environment. He stated that the state has now achieved the 5th position nationally in quality education, a dramatic improvement from the 21st rank during the previous government’s tenure.
The Chief Minister made these remarks after inaugurating a newly built multipurpose indoor stadium at Kaliyara in Shahpur Assembly Constituency, Kangra. Constructed at a cost of Rs 3.36 crore, the facility includes courts for basketball and badminton along with a modern fitness centre, aimed at promoting sports and youth engagement in the region.
Emphasizing the government’s transformative steps in school education, CM Sukhu reiterated the decision to convert 100 government senior secondary schools to the CBSE curriculum. The move, he said, will uplift rural education standards, better prepare students for competitive examinations and help build their self-confidence. Kaliyara school in Shahpur has already been approved for conversion, and will soon introduce science and commerce streams along with a uniform dress code. He added that mobile phones will be banned inside CBSE schools to ensure students remain focused on academics, sports and extracurricular activities.
Focusing on infrastructure boosts, the Chief Minister announced that Rs 460 crore has been released for the expansion of Kangra airport to enable the operation of larger aircraft. This, he said, will improve connectivity, increase tourist inflow and generate more employment opportunities for young people in the region. More funds will be released soon to expedite the project.
Health infrastructure remains the second major priority of the government. CM Sukhu informed that Rs 78 crore has been sanctioned to establish advanced laboratories at IGMC Shimla, Tanda Medical College and the Super Specialty Hospital at Chamiyana, ensuring better diagnostic accuracy and enhanced medical services for citizens.
Encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming, the Chief Minister highlighted that, for the first time, Himachal Pradesh has introduced minimum support prices for naturally grown wheat, maize and turmeric. This shift, he said, not only promotes healthier cultivation practices but also opens new employment avenues in the agriculture sector.
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil appreciated the Chief Minister’s leadership, referring to initiatives like the Sukh-Aashray complex at Luthan in Kangra. The facility houses destitute children, women and the elderly under the Mukhya Mantri Sukh-Aashray Yojna, with a capacity to accommodate 400 beneficiaries. He also urged communities to support the government’s campaign against drug abuse.
Deputy Chief Whip and local MLA Kewal Singh Pathania expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for prioritizing the expansion of Kangra airport, calling it a transformative step for the region’s economic future. He also praised the government’s focus on natural farming, calling it a promising model for the farming community.
Ayush Minister Yadvendra Goma, along with MLAs Suresh Kumar, Kamlesh Thakur and Anuradha Rana, were present at the event.
