Received the award for excellent work in the field of education under Samagra Shiksha
Shimla
IFS officer Rajesh Sharma, Director of Samagra Shiksha, has received a big honor at the national level for doing remarkable work in the field of education under the Samagra Shiksha program of Himachal Pradesh. The Times of India Group honored him with the ET Leadership Excellence Award-North 2025 in New Delhi. Famous actor Anupam Kher was present in the program as the chief guest.
Under the leadership of 2000 batch IFS officer Rajesh Sharma, Himachal Pradesh has achieved many major achievements in the field of education under Samagra Shiksha. The state jumped from 21st position in the national survey of Parakh to the top 5 in 2024. Apart from this, the state achieved almost full enrollment and recorded the lowest dropout rate in the country in government schools.
Apart from this, Himachal Pradesh has been successful in ensuring 100% fund utilisation under STARS, PM Shri and Samagra Shiksha schemes. Himachal Pradesh partnered with world renowned educational institutions UNESCO, Cambridge University and Singapore’s Principal Academy to improve the field of education. At the same time, in collaboration with IIT and IIM, teachers of government schools were given training. Due to which there is continuous improvement in the field of education in the state.
Under Samagra Shiksha in Himachal Pradesh, tablet-based diagnostic assessment was started for 50,000 students in the state, apart from this, a data-based education system was developed at Vidya Review Center. His academic qualifications include a degree in forestry from Indian Forest College, MBA from MDI Gurgaon and international modules from George Mason University. Training in Japan, UK and Singapore has given him global experience.
During his tenure, ICT developed in schools. Digital classes reduced the gap between urban and rural areas. School management committees were activated. Institutions were strengthened by decentralisation leadership.
After receiving the award at the national level, Rajesh Sharma expressed his gratitude to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. He said that the Chief Minister gave him the opportunity to work in Samagra Shiksha. Along with this, he also thanked Education Minister Rohit Thakur for his constant guidance and apart from him, he also thanked Union School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar for his encouragement and Himachal Pradesh School Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar for his constant support. Along with this, he also thanked the teachers, students and the entire team of Samagra Shiksha of the state, with whose cooperation this achievement was possible.
Before becoming the State Project Director in 2023, Sharma held many important positions. He has served as Regional Passport Officer, Managing Director of Himachal Pradesh Skill Mission, Chief Conservator of Forests and Director of Youth Services and Sports.
