- Chief Minister presided over the educational conference held in Solan
- Universities should update their courses keeping in view the emerging employment opportunities.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has called upon the universities established in the state to promote research projects in accordance with the actual needs of Himachal. The Chief Minister was presiding over an academic conference session and interaction with students on the topic ‘Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission and Institutional Contribution of Private Universities, Future Priorities and Collaborative Methodology’ in Solan today.
This conference was organised by the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission in collaboration with all the private universities of the state.
Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said that climate change, water conservation, disaster management, sustainable tourism, renewable energy, horticulture, health, and the environment are areas where meaningful research by universities can prove crucial in protecting the state’s interests. He stressed the need to strengthen the potential for innovation in various fields.
He said that the role of private universities is crucial in this direction. For the state government, private universities are not merely educational institutions but important partners in the overall higher education system.
The Chief Minister stated that collaboration between industry and educational institutions is essential to expand education and prepare youth for future needs. He added that better employment and self-employment opportunities can be provided to youth only by tailoring university curricula to industry needs. He urged universities to continue updating their curricula to meet emerging employment opportunities.
Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu said that private universities should work together towards faculty development, research collaboration, student exchange, start-ups and international collaboration.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government is working to provide better curriculum, laboratories, research facilities, connections with industry, and national and international employment opportunities. To achieve this objective, the state’s education infrastructure, from primary to higher education levels, is being comprehensively upgraded. He stated that the state is emphasizing accessibility, quality, and skill development of students.
The Chief Minister said that due to the efforts of the state government, Himachal Pradesh has achieved many positive achievements in the field of education. Today, Himachal Pradesh has reached the 5th position in the field of quality education, whereas in the year 2021, the state was at the 21st position.
The Chief Minister said that school education is the foundation for a strong future. The state government is working to establish multi-facility Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools and connect government schools with the CBSE. The CBSE curriculum has already been introduced in 156 schools in the state, and 100 government schools will be affiliated with the CBSE next year.
Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu stated that private universities are important partners in the Himachal Pradesh government’s mission to transform the state into a hub of holistic education. He urged them to promote skill-based and industry-linked programs in areas such as horticulture, food processing, agricultural technology, tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, forestry, and health, so that courses tailored to Himachal’s geographical conditions can yield meaningful results in strengthening the economy.
While interacting with the students of private universities present on the occasion, the Chief Minister called upon them to develop a thinking towards self-reliance through water in the state.
On this occasion, while interacting with the students, he informed about making Himachal Pradesh an education hub, strengthening the rural economy through milk production, natural farming and solar power generation by using barren land and completely curbing incidents like question paper leakage through the efforts of the state government.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also visited the exhibition based on research and patent subjects organized by various private universities.
On this occasion, Dr. (Colonel) Dhaniram Shandil, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Social Justice and Empowerment, and Military Welfare, highlighted the value of private universities. He urged students to set goals in life, work hard, and always strive for the benefit of the country.
Vijay Pal Singh, member of Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission, welcomed the Chief Minister and provided detailed information on the working system of the Commission and today’s topic.
