CM Sukhu inaugurated the newly constructed building of Government College, Panarsa, in Mandi district today. The state-of-the-art facility, built at a cost of ₹13.14 crore, marks another step toward strengthening higher education infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister highlighted that education remains a top priority for the state government. He stressed that establishing new institutions should not be limited to building infrastructure but must focus on providing quality education, instilling confidence, and preparing students to face future challenges.
The Chief Minister noted that extensive reforms in the education sector over the past three years have significantly improved Himachal Pradesh’s national ranking—from 21st to 5th in the field of education. The government has set up a separate Directorate of School Education to enhance the quality of learning from Classes 1 to 12 and introduced English-medium instruction from the first grade. Additionally, 100 schools based on the CBSE pattern are being established, with 40 already affiliated, to extend quality education to rural students.
At the higher education level, a separate Directorate has also been created to implement structural reforms. CM Sukhu emphasized that while some decisions may initially seem difficult, they are necessary to ensure long-term public benefit. He underlined the need to integrate technology into education to meet emerging global challenges.
Highlighting the government’s focus on early education, the Chief Minister mentioned that pre-primary classes have been introduced in 6,297 primary schools. Furthermore, Rajiv Gandhi Government Model Day-Boarding Schools are being set up in every assembly constituency, equipped with modern classrooms, libraries, and sports facilities to support holistic development.
To make higher education more accessible, the Dr. Y.S. Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana offers loans of up to ₹20 lakh at just 1% interest to students from economically weaker backgrounds pursuing education in India or abroad.
CM Sukhu also announced the introduction of B.Voc and B.C.A. programs on a self-financing basis at Panarsa College from the next academic session, aiming to promote employment-oriented education.
Former Minister Kaul Singh Thakur expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his commitment to the development of the Drang Assembly constituency and noted that the introduction of science classes at Panarsa College would help ease student pressure on Kullu College.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
