Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized that the primary aim of education is to unlock students’ potential and foster responsible citizenship during his address at Pinegrove School’s annual function in Dharampur, Solan. He noted that the State Government is implementing continuous reforms in the education system to promote the comprehensive development of students at all levels, announcing a 17 percent increase in the education budget for the financial year 2024-25 compared to the previous year.
To equip students for future challenges, the government has initiated English medium education in government schools starting from first grade. Additionally, Rajiv Gandhi Government Day Boarding Schools are being established in every assembly constituency to enhance overall student development.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the government is dedicated to nurturing educated and socially aware students. In a bid to promote environmental consciousness and water conservation, plans are in place to install rainwater harvesting systems and grid-connected ‘Roof Top Plants’ in day-boarding schools.
The Chief Minister unveiled the ambitious Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana, allocating Rs. 200 crore to support meritorious students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Under this initiative, eligible students seeking to study professional courses abroad will receive assistance.
To enrich village-level education, libraries are being established at the Gram Panchayat level, with 493 slated to open in the first phase. Furthermore, 850 educational institutions across the state are being developed into model centers of excellence.
Courses in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, and Drone Training are being introduced in technical institutions to enhance self-employment and job opportunities for youth. Employment fairs and campus interviews are also being organized to align job placements with students’ skills.
Aside from educational initiatives, the government is prioritizing the health of young people through the Mukhyamantri Bal Poshan Aahar Yojana, which provides nutritious meals to schoolchildren, benefitting 15,181 students up to the eighth grade.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the State Government is covering education and other expenses for 5,000 orphaned children under the Chief Minister Sukh Ashray Yojana and is committed to delivering quality education close to students’ homes.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu praised Himachal Pradesh’s serene environment as ideal for education and expressed the government’s commitment to transforming local educational institutions into premier centers of learning. He commended Pinegrove School’s management for their focus on student development.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister viewed an art, handloom, and photography exhibition showcasing students’ talents, which was complemented by an impressive display of gymnastics, parades, and band performances. Upon his arrival in Dharampur, he was warmly welcomed by local residents.
Notable attendees included Kasauli MLA Vinod Sultanpuri, Nalagarh MLA Hardeep Bawa, Chief Minister’s Political Advisor Sunil Sharma, former Army Chief General Manoj Pandey, and various dignitaries, teachers, students, and parents.