Keeping in view the demand for the technically qualified manpower, Technical Education has got impetus in Himachal Pradesh in recent years. Thanks to the rapid industrial expansion and spurt in Information Technology related activities in the State. The favourable atmosphere, uninterrupted power supply, pollution free environment of the State and the infrastructure provided by the State Government has made Himachal Pradesh, a haven for entrepreneurs. The State Government has ventured beyond the spectra of the conventional core curriculum and is paying special attention to upgrading the skills and ensuring professionally sound man-power available in the State. Technical Education is one of the vital sectors being developed on priority basis by the Government. To achieve the tangible results, the budget for Technical Education has been enhanced by 77.89% last year.

 

             The last two years have witnessed a revolution of sorts in the education sector in the State. The classes at prestigious IIT Mandi have already started from last academic session. Furthermore, National Institute of Fashion Technology at Cheb in Kangra district which holds the distinction of being first such institute in the North India has also started functioning last year.

 

             The State Government is making sincere efforts to make Himachal Pradesh the 'knowledge hub' of the country. The endeavours of the State Government in

providing qualitative educational facilities have started yielding remarkable outcome. Himachal Pradesh has emerged as the 'Best State' of the country in education in a survey conducted by a prestigious magazine of the country.

 

          To ensure quality education to the students nearer to their homes, the State Government has granted approval for opening of 16 universities in the private sector in the State. Besides one Technical University, 8 Engineering colleges, 8 Pharmacy colleges, 15 Polytechnic colleges in private sector and one Polytechnic college have been opened in Government sector. Keeping in view the importance of professional and job oriented courses; the State Government is emphatically developing the 'Atal Shiksha Kunj' established in Kalu Jhanda in Baddi area of Solan district where educational institutions of repute are being encouraged to develop it as a world class 'Education Hub'. Rs. 62 crore is being spent on setting up 5 Polytechnic Institutions in Kinnaur, Sirmaur, Bilaspur, Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti districts.

 

        Taking a leap forward in boosting the professional education facilities in the State, the Government plans to open Hydro Engineering College at Bilaspur in a joint venture of National Hydro Power Corporation and National Thermal Power Corporation. The Institute of Engineering and Technology at Pragtinagar will be opened in the near future with the assistance of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam. To further diversify and enrich the educational continuum for the students, the Government has also approved the introduction of two new courses in B.Tech in Government Engineering College Sundernagar from academic session 2010-11.

                          Giving fillip to the quality and performance based educational institutions; the State Government has upgraded 11 Industrial Training Institutes to

'Centre of Excellence' by spending an amount to the tune of Rs 32.50 crore. Moreover, 27 Industrial Training Institutes have also been upgraded in public-private participation by spending a whopping sum of Rs 50 crore.  Besides, meeting educational demands of the students, the Government is also extending a helping hand in assisting trainees in finding employment after the successful completion of the professional courses. Employment Cells have been established in all vocational training institutions. 39 Industrial Training Institutes have been brought under 'Modular Employable Scheme' with a budgetary provision of Rs 233 lakh.

 

                      The concerted efforts of the State Government in the field of technical education will achieve the twin objectives –availability of skilled technical manpower for the investors setting up units in the State and ensuring employment to the youth in the State.

Issued by: 

Director,

Information & Public Relations,

Himachal Pradesh, Shimla-2