Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur has called for accelerated reforms to strengthen the education system across the state. On Thursday, he chaired a detailed review meeting with senior officials of the education department to discuss key issues and speed up ongoing changes.
During the meeting, the minister said that improving the quality of education and upgrading institutional facilities remain top priorities for the present state government. He stressed that students must have access to quality learning opportunities, regardless of where they live.
Thakur said that several steps have already been taken to improve the system. According to him, 39 separate boys’ and girls’ schools have recently been merged and converted into co-educational institutions. This move, he explained, will help in better use of infrastructure and teaching staff. Instead of running two schools with limited resources, a single combined institution can function more efficiently.
The minister also announced that 39 schools with zero enrolment will soon be de-notified. These are schools where no students are currently enrolled. Keeping such schools operational puts unnecessary pressure on resources and manpower, he said.
The minister acknowledged that school mergers may require some students to travel longer distances. To address this concern, he directed officials to ensure that students who need to travel more than two kilometres due to these changes are given transit allowance without delay. He said no child should suffer because of restructuring decisions.
Thakur also instructed officials to prepare a draft proposal for merging non-CBSE schools at the earliest. The aim, he said, is to further streamline the education system and remove duplication. By reorganising institutions, the government hopes to create stronger schools with better facilities, qualified staff, and improved academic outcomes.
In addition to school reforms, the minister turned his attention to higher education. He stated that colleges with enrolment below 100 students will also be merged. According to him, running very small colleges is not practical, as it stretches limited resources and staff. Merging such colleges can help ensure better faculty strength, improved infrastructure, and a wider range of courses for students.
Officials were told to carefully assess each case and ensure that students’ interests remain protected during the process. The minister said the goal is not to shut down institutions unnecessarily, but to create a more efficient and sustainable education structure.
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Apart from restructuring, Thakur emphasised the need to fill vacant teaching posts quickly. He warned that empty positions can disrupt academic activities and affect the quality of education. He directed the department to speed up recruitment processes so that schools and colleges do not face shortages of teachers.
In a significant decision, the minister ordered that the lower age limit of 23 years for teacher recruitment be waived. This step is expected to open opportunities for younger candidates who meet other eligibility criteria. Officials were asked to take necessary action in this regard at the earliest.
The meeting also discussed sports development in educational institutions. Thakur directed the immediate implementation of Cabinet decisions regarding new and upgraded sports hostels. He said these hostels must become functional without delay so that aspiring sportspersons can benefit from improved facilities.
The minister noted that sports play an important role in the overall development of students. By providing better training facilities and accommodation, the government hopes to encourage more young people to participate in sports and compete at higher levels.
Thakur said that education reforms must be seen as a continuous process. With changing times, the system must adapt to new challenges and expectations. He stressed that strengthening infrastructure, improving teacher availability, and ensuring effective resource use are essential for long-term success.
He also called on department officials to work with dedication and coordination. Clear planning, regular monitoring, and timely implementation of decisions are necessary to achieve the desired results, he added.
The government believes that merging underutilised institutions, filling vacancies, and upgrading facilities will help raise educational standards in Himachal Pradesh. However, the success of these reforms will depend on smooth execution and support from all stakeholders, including teachers, students, and parents.
As the state moves forward with these changes, the focus remains on creating a stronger, more efficient education system that can meet the needs of future generations.
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