Education Minister Rohit Thakur today chaired a detailed review meeting with Deputy Directors of School Education (Secondary, Elementary, and Quality Wing) to assess academic standards, administrative efficiency, and overall school performance across Himachal Pradesh. The Minister emphasized that Deputy Directors are directly responsible for effective policy implementation and measurable improvement in learning outcomes at the district level.
He instructed that all funds under Samagra Shiksha must be fully utilized in a time-bound, outcome-oriented manner by 31 March 2026, with clear accountability fixed at the Deputy Director level. He urged intensified field visits and frequent reporting to ensure resources translate into visible classroom improvements.
The Minister reviewed school rationalization, especially in merged schools. He directed that vacant buildings should be repurposed as digital learning centres, pre-primary sections, Mahila Mandals, skill labs, sports facilities, or community resource centers based on local needs. Administrative barriers between primary and secondary schools should be removed to optimize the use of laboratories, libraries, playgrounds, and teaching staff.
Rohit Thakur also examined the rationalization of Science and Commerce streams in Government Senior Secondary Schools, directing optimal deployment of faculty and infrastructure to ensure quality education in all regions.
Regarding board examinations, the Minister instructed that merged schools function as designated exam centres, with Principals accountable as Centre Coordinators. CCTV surveillance with live monitoring has been made mandatory in all exam halls, and previously identified black-spot centres will receive special attention. A robust digital mechanism for real-time departmental monitoring was also directed.
The Minister addressed delays by private schools in issuing School Leaving Certificates (SLCs) for CBSE admissions, directing Deputy Directors to resolve such cases within a fixed timeframe. Post-CBSE affiliation, sub-cadre eligibility, and pending recruitment issues were also reviewed for early resolution.
Other areas reviewed included inspection performance (April 2025–January 2026), MIS reporting, student health check-ups, distribution of Iron Folic Acid and deworming tablets, and monitoring of Mid-Day Meals under PM Poshan to strengthen grassroots accountability.
Highlighting holistic development, the Minister noted the state secured 48 national sports medals in 2025–26 with 121 winners, including 14 in the Under-14 category. Rs. 1.22 crore has been sanctioned for diet money for sportspersons, and phased expansion of sports hostels with structured monitoring was directed. Schools were urged to actively promote cultural activities, debates, science exhibitions, and other co-curricular programs.
The Minister said the Holistic Progress Card framework by NCERT is being piloted to support comprehensive assessment and reduce teacher workload. Induction training for newly promoted Principals was directed to enhance leadership and administrative efficiency.
He praised Vidya Samiksha Kendras for improving teacher attendance through digital monitoring and urged strengthening data analytics for better academic outcomes. Districts were encouraged to boost participation in “Abhyaas” practice modules for Board exams and replicate successful initiatives from Chamba.
Presentations were also given on PM SHRI Schools, digital attendance of teachers and students, and free JEE & NEET coaching programs. Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, Director School Education Ashish Kohli, Deputy Directors from all districts, and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
