No. 922/2025-PUB 7th August 2025
· Horticulture to be introduced as vocational subject in Schools
Education Minister Rohit Thakur today chaired a review meeting with senior officers of the Education Department and the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) to assess the progress of various educational schemes and discuss key matters concerning the department.
The Minister reviewed the implementation of several important initiatives, including the Rajiv Gandhi Model Day Boarding Schools and Atal AdarshVidyalayas. He directed officials to expedite the recruitment process to ensure timely filling of vacancies in schools and colleges. He stated that the state government was committed to providing quality education and strengthening the educational framework at all levels.
A key decision taken during the meeting was the inclusion of Horticulture as a vocational subject in schools. He instructed HPBOSE to prepare a suitable curriculum for the subject and submit the proposal within two weeks. He also emphasized the need to revive important academic subjects, such as Public Administration, in colleges to offer students a broader choice of disciplines.
Addressing recruitment-related issues, the Minister said that all genuine demands of SMC teachers would be sympathetically considered and taken to the cabinet for appropriate action. He mentioned that the department has completed all formalities related to pending promotions and the matter of promotion of Principals has been forwarded to the HPPS Commission for necessary steps.
Sh. Rohit Thakur said that it was important to recognize the dedication and hard work of teachers, especially those posted in remote and tribal areas. He instructed officials to ensure early completion of NAAC assessments for colleges and to work towards setting up well-equipped libraries to promote academic excellence and learning resources for students.
He also expressed serious concern over the widespread damage to educational institutions caused by recent natural calamities. He said that around 510 institutions have been affected, with estimated losses amounting to Rs. 30 crore. He directed the concerned officials to utilize funds received under the PDNA (Post Disaster Needs Assessment) in a judicious manner, giving top priority to schools that have sustained more than 75 percent damage. He stressed that physical monitoring of reconstruction works should be carried out regularly to ensure timely and quality completion of repair and restoration efforts.
The Minister stressed the importance of engaging young minds in educational and creative activities. He proposed organizing a plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative near disaster-affected areas. He also directed officials to hold Bal Melas and science exhibitions for children under 12 years of age to provide them with new experiences and inspire curiosity at an early age.
The Education Minister during his recent visit to Delhi, he held discussions with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He apprised him of the damages caused to educational institutions in the State and urged the Centre to release the pending Rs. 180 crore under the RUSA scheme. He also requested additional financial support for the development of the education sector in the state. He said that the Union Minister has assured all possible help and appreciated the efforts of the Education Department, particularly the reforms that have led to Himachal Pradesh securing fifth position in PARAKH and NAS and setting an example for others to follow.
During the meeting, the Chairman of HPBOSE, Dr Rajesh, shared valuable inputs and highlighted the reforms introduced by the Board to improve transparency in the evaluation process and ensure better delivery of education.
Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, Director Higher Education Dr Amarjeet K Sharma, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli, Project Director Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, members of HPBOSE and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.
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