Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed senior officers across Himachal Pradesh to actively and effectively implement the ‘Apna Vidyalaya – Himachal School Adoption Programme’ to strengthen the quality of education in government schools. The directions were issued during a virtual meeting with Deputy Commissioners late Friday evening.
Under the initiative, district- and sub-divisional-level officers are required to adopt government schools and work as mentors to improve academic standards and overall school functioning. The Chief Minister instructed that an updated and comprehensive list of all schools adopted under the programme be submitted to the state government by January 5, 2026.
CM Sukhu said that Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and other senior officers must adopt at least four schools each. These officers, designated as school “patrons”, are expected to visit their adopted schools at least once a month, interact with students, provide career guidance, and help prepare them for competitive examinations. He also directed Deputy Commissioners to conduct surprise inspections to ensure effective implementation.
The Chief Minister emphasized that these officers should work in close coordination with teachers and School Management Committees to enhance academic performance and improve the overall learning environment. He informed that so far 4,231 schools have been adopted under the programme, including 1,950 primary schools, 59 middle schools, 664 high schools and 1,558 senior secondary schools.
Highlighting the broader objectives of the initiative, CM Sukhu said the programme aims to provide sustained mentorship and guidance to students who may otherwise lack access to such support. He added that Deputy Commissioners would act as a vital link between school administrations and the state government, ensuring optimal utilization of budgetary provisions for educational development.
Beyond academics, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of addressing social issues through school engagement. He directed officers to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse and to instill values related to nationalism, constitutional principles and legal awareness.
During the meeting, CM Sukhu also instructed officers to submit detailed reports on illegal properties linked to drug traffickers in their respective districts. He ordered strict and time-bound action against those involved in drug trafficking, including seizure of illegal properties and demolition of unauthorized constructions. Government employees found involved in drug-related activities, he said, should face stringent action.
Additionally, the Chief Minister directed all departmental secretaries to expedite development works that are nearly 80 percent complete, assuring adequate funding. He also emphasized prioritizing approvals related to forest land to speed up development projects. The meeting also reviewed the selection process of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, with directions to Deputy Commissioners to submit detailed reports. Senior officers of the state government were present during the virtual meeting.
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