In a significant move to enhance the global competitiveness of students, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced plans to introduce foreign language courses at the college level. This initiative aims to equip students with international language skills and create better employment opportunities in global markets.
Education Minister Chairs Review Meeting
Education Minister Rohit Thakur chaired a review meeting of the Education Department in Shimla on Wednesday, where he outlined the government's vision. He emphasized that the introduction of foreign language courses would help students acquire skills necessary for the global job market.
Apprentice-Embedded Degree Programmes
Thakur also announced plans to introduce apprentice-embedded degree programmes for students who have completed their bachelor's degrees. Under this initiative, students will have the opportunity to work with various industries while receiving a stipend. This will enable them to enhance their skills and improve their employment prospects. The minister noted that the BVoc initiative had received an encouraging response from students, and in view of its success, the government plans to introduce four additional courses under the programme.
Increase in Honorarium for Education Staff
In accordance with the budget announcement, the government has increased the honorarium of SMC teachers, mid-day meal workers, water carriers, computer teachers, and multi-task workers working under the Education Department by Rs 500 per month. This move is expected to boost the morale of these essential staff members.
Accountability in Teacher Performance
Reviewing the performance of students in the HPBOSE examinations, the minister stressed the importance of teacher accountability. He stated that the annual increments of consistently poor-performing teachers could be withheld to ensure responsibility. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of regular biometric attendance, warning that salary deductions would be considered in cases of persistent non-compliance.
Recruitment and Appointments
Thakur informed that 1,131 categories of SMC teachers had been appointed through Limited Direct Recruitment (LDR). The LDR process for 714 PGT and 102 DPE posts would be conducted shortly, while the process for computer teachers would be taken up after necessary amendments to the R&P Rules. He directed departmental officials to expedite the recruitment process for thousands of vacant teaching posts that have been sent to the Rajya Chayan Aayog and the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.
These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to improving the quality of education and employment opportunities in the state.
