Himachal CM Focuses on Education and Sports: Felicitates Students, Announces Infrastructure Support

Himachal CM Focuses on Education and Sports: Felicitates Students, Announces Infrastructure Support

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, during a one-day visit to Solan, felicitated the meritorious students of Government Senior Secondary School, Kothi Deora Ghatti. In a bid to enhance educational opportunities, the CM announced several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and promoting sports activities across the state.

One of the key announcements was the introduction of commerce classes at the Government Senior Secondary School in Kothi Deora Ghatti. Kabaddi players from the school would also receive essential sports kits to boost their participation in sports. To accelerate the development of educational infrastructure, the Chief Minister pledged that the state government would allocate funds to complete the construction of schools where at least 60% of the work has been completed. These projects are targeted for completion within the next two years.

Reflecting on the importance of sports in education, CM Sukhu revealed that the government has increased the diet money for athletes participating in state, district, and block-level competitions. State-level participants will now receive Rs. 400, district-level participants Rs. 300, and block-level participants Rs. 240. Athletes competing outside the state will benefit from increased diet money of Rs. 500. Additionally, travel facilities for players attending out-of-state events have been enhanced, and tournaments for under-14 athletes will now be organized at both district and state levels.

In an effort to address the declining quality of education, the Chief Minister highlighted that Himachal Pradesh had slipped to the 18th position in the national quality education rankings. To tackle this issue, the government has been working on comprehensive reforms over the past 20 months. A significant initiative includes the phased introduction of Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools in rural areas across every assembly constituency. These schools will be equipped with modern amenities such as smart classrooms, audio-visual teaching aids, and sports facilities. Schools have also been given the autonomy to select their own smart uniforms, adding a touch of modernization.

The government has taken strong measures to streamline the educational system by closing 99 primary schools with zero student enrollment. Schools with less than five students are being merged to optimize resources and improve efficiency. The introduction of futuristic courses in educational institutions is another step towards ensuring students receive a high-quality education that aligns with modern demands. While acknowledging that these stringent measures may cause initial discontent, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that these reforms would yield long-term positive results.

Sharing a personal anecdote, CM Sukhu reminisced about his own days as a student in a government school, where he faced challenges while studying in modest conditions. This experience, he said, has reinforced his commitment to improving the quality of education for future generations. He emphasized the importance of children’s health and education, assuring that the government is taking concrete steps to address the declining enrollment in government schools.

In a groundbreaking initiative, the state government has already sent 200 teachers on an exposure visit to Singapore. This program, designed to expand the horizons of educators, will be extended to include students next year, making it a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state.

During the event, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil praised the Chief Minister’s focus on uplifting the underprivileged. He commended the government’s decision to adopt 6,000 orphaned children in the state as “Children of the State” and to provide them with education, living arrangements, and opportunities for self-reliance. Dr. Shandil also mentioned the construction of the Sukh Ashray Complex in Luthan, Kangra district, as a reflection of the government’s dedication to social welfare.

With these measures, the Himachal Pradesh government aims to revitalize education and sports in the state, while ensuring that the underprivileged are given the support they need to thrive.

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