In a significant move, the Himachal Pradesh cabinet has decided to close 99 government schools due to zero enrollment. Among these, 89 are primary schools, and 10 are middle schools. The decision was made during the cabinet’s recent meeting, where several other important measures were also approved to optimize resources and improve the quality of education in the state.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur explained that the closure of schools with no students and the consolidation of schools with minimal enrollments are aimed at enhancing resource utilization. “Schools with zero students do not serve their intended purpose,” Thakur stated. “By consolidating primary schools within a 2-kilometer radius and middle schools within a 3-kilometer radius, we can make better use of educational facilities and provide a higher quality of education.”
The cabinet also approved the implementation of annual teacher transfers to take place at the end of the academic year. This measure is designed to ensure minimal disruption to the educational process. Additionally, the cabinet mandated that all educational heads, including head teachers, principals, and directors, will be actively involved in teaching. This initiative aims to improve the overall educational experience and ensure that administrative leaders remain connected to the classroom environment.
To instill discipline and promote national pride, the cabinet has mandated daily morning assemblies featuring the national anthem and flag hoisting at all secondary schools. Physical education classes will become a daily requirement, ensuring students receive regular physical activity. The cabinet also plans to provide training in resuscitation and first aid in collaboration with the ministries of Health and Ayush. This training will equip students with essential life-saving skills and promote overall health and well-being.
In addition to educational reforms, the cabinet made several significant administrative decisions. Dehra in Kangra will be established as a police district, and police posts in Dadasiba and Majheen will be upgraded to police stations. To support these upgrades, new positions across various categories will be created and filled.
Further, the cabinet approved the establishment of a public works circle in Dehra and a public works department in Jwalamukhi, Kangra. These new entities will be supported by corresponding staffing increases. Additionally, plans for a new Jal Shakti Vibhag department in Dharampur and a sub-division in Parwanoo, Solan, were approved, along with the necessary staffing.
The Himachal Pradesh cabinet’s recent decisions reflect a comprehensive approach to improving education and administration in the state. By closing schools with zero enrollment and consolidating those with minimal students, the government aims to optimize resources and enhance the quality of education.
The implementation of daily physical education classes and training in resuscitation and first aid underscores the government’s commitment to the well-being of students. The establishment of new administrative departments and upgrades to existing ones further demonstrate a focus on efficient governance and resource management. These measures are expected to have a positive impact on the state’s educational and administrative landscape, ensuring better service delivery and improved outcomes for the people of Himachal Pradesh.
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