In a significant announcement aimed at revamping the state's educational framework and boosting sustainable agriculture, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu outlined a series of new government initiatives on Sunday. The announcements were made during his one-day visit to the Nadaun assembly constituency in Hamirpur district.
Education Overhaul: CBSE Focus and Special Instructors
Chief Minister Sukhu declared that the state government is set to introduce major changes in the education policy. A key reform involves the appointment of special instructors for English and Mathematics in government schools that are being brought under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. The recruitment process for these specialized teachers will commence shortly.
Highlighting a local example, Sukhu stated that the government school in Amlehar gram panchayat has been granted CBSE status. He also provided an update on the Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding School, confirming that construction is progressing rapidly and classes are scheduled to begin from the next academic year.
To provide greater flexibility and choice to students, the CM revealed that multiple subjects will be introduced in four selected schools across the state, including the one in Amlehar. This initiative is designed to allow children to pursue subjects aligned with their interests.
Boosting Farmers and Renewable Energy
Shifting focus to agriculture and rural economy, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appealed to farmers to adopt natural farming practices. He assured them of strong government support, stating that the state is offering high procurement prices for crops grown through this method. As an incentive, the government is purchasing naturally farmed turmeric at a rate of Rs 90 per kilogram.
The Chief Minister elaborated on the potential earnings, noting that farmers can generate an income of up to Rs 3 lakh by cultivating turmeric on just 5 kanals of land.
In a parallel push for clean energy and youth employment, Sukhu announced subsidies for setting up solar power plants on barren land. He explained that young entrepreneurs could achieve a net annual profit of up to Rs 3 lakh by establishing a solar plant on 4 kanals of land.
Infrastructure and Development Projects Inaugurated
During his visit, the Chief Minister inaugurated several development projects. In his ancestral village of Bhawran in Amlehar gram panchayat, he opened a Gugga Dham and a park, constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 60 lakh.
Earlier in the day, in Pakhrol village of Guna gram panchayat, he inaugurated the Shri Vaikunth Dham and another park, built for around Rs 25 lakh. He also took time to listen to the grievances of local residents in the area.
Sukhu further informed that about Rs 100 crore is being invested in various drinking water schemes within the Nadaun assembly constituency. To ensure safe water supply, the administration is employing advanced purification techniques. State-of-the-art UV technology and the ozonation process are being used instead of traditional bleaching powder to provide pure drinking water to residents.
In Nadaun town, the CM paid tribute to a freedom fighter by unveiling the renovated statue and memorial of Inderpal at Inderpal Chowk. The beautification work was recently completed by the municipal council.
These comprehensive announcements by CM Sukhu signal a focused push by the Himachal Pradesh government towards improving educational quality, supporting agricultural sustainability, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing local infrastructure.
