Dhaliara (Kangra), Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today emphasized his government’s commitment to science education, green innovation, and quality schooling during the valedictory session of the 32nd Himachal Pradesh State-Level Children’s Science Congress. Held at Government College Dhaliara, this two-day event drew participation from around 600 young innovators and educators across all 12 districts of the state.
The Chief Minister felicitated winners of competitions including Science Quiz, Mathematical Olympiad, Innovative Science Models, Science Skills, Essay Writing, and Slogan Writing, praising the young participants as the intellectual foundation of a progressive Himachal Pradesh. “These young minds reflect confidence, curiosity, and readiness to face future challenges, a testament to the guidance of our dedicated educators,” he said.
Addressing a critical issue, CM Sukhu revealed that despite the Central Government withdrawing its ₹2 crore financial support for the promotion of science among schoolchildren, the State Government has stepped in to ensure such valuable scientific forums continue uninterrupted. He assured that “lack of funding will never be an obstacle to nurturing scientific spirit among children in Himachal Pradesh.”
Highlighting the state’s vision for environmental leadership, CM Sukhu reiterated his government’s commitment to transforming Himachal into a Green Energy State by March 31, 2026. He said that the Congress-led government, through its first budget, has laid the foundation for sustainable progress. Measures include the introduction of electric mobility with 350 electric buses soon to be deployed under HRTC, and a long-term plan to convert the entire fleet into e-vehicles. The state is also moving rapidly towards becoming a national pioneer in Green Hydrogen production, he added.
On the economic front, the Chief Minister took a strong stance against fiscal mismanagement by the previous BJP government, accusing it of politically motivated freebie distribution worth ₹5,000 crore and constructing unutilized buildings worth ₹1,000 crore. Sukhu stated that his government, through fiscal prudence and administrative discipline, has managed to generate an additional ₹3,000 crore in revenue in just two years. “We are making bold decisions not for political gains but to secure the future of Himachal Pradesh,” he emphasized.
In the domain of education, CM Sukhu announced a transformative step to implement the CBSE curriculum in 100 government schools by next year. He criticized the previous regime for neglecting education, citing a drastic fall in school enrollments. In response, the Congress government has initiated a plan to open Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools in every assembly constituency, with many of these set to start by next year.
To address the critical shortage of teaching staff, the government is recruiting 967 TGTs and PGTs, along with 1,000 JBT teachers, aiming to uplift the quality and reach of public education across Himachal.
Fulfilling a major electoral promise, CM Sukhu highlighted the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for 1.36 lakh state employees, ensuring dignity and security post-retirement. He clarified that despite resistance and financial limitations imposed by the Central Government, his administration is steadfast in its commitment and will not switch to the New Pension Scheme (NPS), referred to as UPS in Central directives.
The event also featured a welcome address by D.C. Rana, Member Secretary of HIMCOSTE (Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology & Environment), who briefed the audience on the council’s initiatives in promoting scientific learning and innovation at the grassroots level.
Today’s ceremony marked not just the conclusion of a scientific congregation but a renewed pledge by the state government to foster a culture of innovation, environmental responsibility, and academic excellence in Himachal Pradesh. As young scientists received their awards, they carried with them not only medals but a vision — one where science, education, and sustainability lead the way.
This is a web-generated premium news feature.
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