Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur chaired a high-level meeting today focused on revising the school curriculum to make it more relevant, engaging, and connected to the state’s unique identity. The new curriculum aims to integrate the rich heritage, literature, and historical contributions of Himachal Pradesh into the school education system.
The Minister emphasized the inclusion of local elements such as ancient temples, monasteries, forts, traditional architecture, dialects, folk arts, handicrafts, fairs and festivals, and freedom movements. He directed officials to contextualize NCERT textbooks (Classes 6–12) with references from Himachal to help children develop a sense of pride and belonging.
Highlighting the importance of showcasing local heroes, he stressed on including the life stories and contributions of freedom fighters and martyrs such as General Zorawar Singh, Wazir Ram Singh Pathania, Dr. Y.S. Parmar, Captain Vikram Batra, Major Somnath Sharma, and Captain Saurabh Kalia. These additions are intended not just to inspire students but also to assist them in preparing for competitive exams with a stronger foundation in local history.
In addition to cultural and historical elements, the Minister instructed that contemporary topics like disaster management, climate change, green energy, and sustainable development must be part of the curriculum. He suggested a practical and activity-based approach to disaster education to prepare students for real-life challenges.
Thakur also highlighted the need to lighten the academic load by removing irrelevant content and replacing it with more meaningful, experience-based learning through workshops, field visits, visual aids, and hands-on activities. He also advocated for the promotion of local languages and dialects.
To facilitate wider access, he directed the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to make all educational resources digitally accessible, including QR codes and online links via the department’s portal.
A key decision taken during the meeting was to constitute a Committee of Experts to work on the revised curriculum. This committee will review the NCERT textbooks in the context of Himachal, propose modifications, and develop supplementary material to ensure a balanced and locally relevant education. The committee is expected to be formally notified soon.
HPU Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahavir Singh, also present at the meeting, expressed the university’s commitment to curriculum reform and integrating heritage with modern subjects such as green energy, disaster management, and skill development.
Also present were Director of Higher Education Dr. Amarjeet K. Sharma, Project Director Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli, and senior officials from HPU, HPBOSE, and SCERT.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
