- Chief Minister interacts with students of CBSE School Nerwa
- CM says, MLAs have to face an exam every five years
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today interacted with students of Government Senior Secondary School Nerwa, in Shimla district which has recently been brought under the CBSE curriculum. Addressing the students, the Chief Minister said that he had come to speak directly with them. He said that the State Government has converted more than 150 schools into CBSE curriculum-based institutions and added that interacting with students provides an opportunity to him to understand their problems and learn from them in order to bring improvements.
The Chief Minister said that after the school was affiliated to CBSE, student enrolment has increased significantly. Therefore, the state government has permitted the school to operate in two shifts. He further said that a new school building would be constructed at Nerwa at a cost of Rs. 5 crore and would be completed within two years. He said that the state government was continuously working to strengthen the education sector and visible improvements would be visible in the coming years.
During the interaction, students asked questions on school-related issues as well as several other subjects. Sara Negi, a Class XI student, asked the Chief Minister why people call him a “warrior”. Responding to the question, he said that he too comes from an ordinary family background and has struggled throughout life. He said that challenges were a part of life, and failures were inevitable at times. However, when one continues striving hard despite repeated setbacks and eventually achieves the goal, that person emerges victorious. He advised students never to feel discouraged by failures.
Jessica, a Class XII student, asked about his biggest goal for the State. The Chief Minister replied that making Himachal Pradesh self-reliant was his foremost priority. He said that the State was fighting for its rights and that CBSE schools were being introduced even in rural areas so that children studying in villages also receive quality education.
Student Anushka requested on-job training opportunities for IT students on the lines of vocational courses. The Chief Minister said that the suggestion would be considered.
Class X student Viheen Chauhan asked why there is no examination for becoming an MLA. The Chief Minister replied that while teachers prepare students for examinations, no one prepares a person for the “examination” of becoming an MLA. He said that this examination takes place every five years and the people decide the fate of contesting candidates. When citizens use their vote wisely, the right leadership emerges. Responding to this, student Vaibhav said that he would definitely contest elections one day.
Class XII student Neha asked how children studying in villages could receive education at par with cities. The Chief Minister said that opening CBSE schools was the first step in this direction. He added that the state government was appointing teachers and strengthening educational infrastructure in the rural areas.
The Chief Minister also asked students whether any of them brought mobile phones to school. All the students responded in the negative, drawing laughter across the pandal.
Class XI student Vaibhav Chauhan raised the issue of traffic congestion in towns, saying students face difficulties because of jams. The Chief Minister assured that a bypass road would be constructed.
Aditi Sood suggested that schools should also teach foreign languages. The Chief Minister said that the state government was making efforts to provide opportunities for learning foreign languages after Class XII. He added that the government was also helping youth to secure employment abroad, and many young people face difficulties in getting jobs due to lack of knowledge of foreign languages. Therefore, efforts were being made to introduce foreign language education.
Some students also raised the issue of cleanliness in schools. The Chief Minister said that good toilet facilities were being developed in schools and if there were any complaints, students could approach the Principal.
The Chief Minister also had lunch with the school children.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the school and interacted with students personally. After being brought under the CBSE system, enrolment at Nerwa School has increased considerably. While the school had 959 students last year, the number of students has increased by 341 in the current academic session, reaching 1300 students.
Congress leaders Rajneesh Kimta and Vinod Zinta, HPMC Vice Chairman Surender Sharma, State Food Commission Chairman S.P. Katyal, Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, Members of the school staff and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
