Rajiv Kumar
IPR,Director
· More than 850 Schools in state attain excellence status
The state government has always believed that education is the true foundation of a progressive society. With this vision the government is making continuous efforts to provide quality education to every child in the state. Over the last few years, the government has brought in significant reforms to transform the education system and create better opportunities for students. From improving basic facilities in schools to introducing modern subjects and digital learning tools, the government is working on every front to ensure that children receive education that prepares them for a bright future.
In line with the New Education Policy, the government is working on starting contemporary subjects such as artificial intelligence and data science in schools which is helpful in making students ready for future challenges. To help children improve their language skills from an early age, english medium teaching has been started from Class 1 in all the government run schools. These timely steps have begun to show results. In the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2025, Himachal Pradesh achieved an impressive 5th position, a remarkable jump from the 21st rank in 2021. Similarly, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2025 rated Himachal’s children as having the best reading levels in the entire country. On most indicators of school education, Himachal Pradesh has stood among the best-performing states in India.
To further strengthen the schooling system, the government has started setting up Rajiv Gandhi Government Model Day-Boarding Schools in every Assembly Constituency. These schools are being equipped with all modern technologies, smart classrooms, libraries and sports facilities to ensure overall development of students. The construction of such schools has already started in Kangra and Hamirpur districts. Apart from this, a large number of government schools have been upgraded. A total of 500 primary, 100 high, and 200 senior secondary schools, along with 48 degree colleges and two Sanskrit colleges have been declared as Schools of Excellence. These institutions are being provided with sufficient teachers, good infrastructure, laboratories and other necessary resources.
The government has also recognized that teachers play the most crucial role in shaping the future of children. For this reason, a historic agreement was signed with Singapore’s famous Principals Academy to provide world-class training to teachers. Under this programme, 334 teachers and 50 meritorious students visited Singapore during the 2024-25 academic session for exposure visit. Additionally, 342 teachers and students were sent to different states of India for educational visits. To motivate students to perform well, the government has distributed free tablets to over 10,500 high-achieving students of Classes 10 and 12.
Not only is the government focusing on school education, but it is also supporting students who wish to pursue higher education. The Dr. Y.S Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojana has been launched, under which students can avail education loans up to Rs. 20 lakh at just one percent interest rate for studying in India or abroad. The government has also introduced a Cluster System at the school level, allowing students from nearby schools to share better facilities like science laboratories, playgrounds and libraries.
Education is being closely linked to health and well-being. The Mukhyamantri Baal Poshtik Ahaar Yojana is being implemented in over 15,000 schools to provide nutritious meals to 5.35 lakh children from nursery to Class 8. For this, the government has allocated a budget of Rs.12.75 crore, which is ensuring that children stay healthy while learning.
The state government is also working on promoting modern skill development among the youth, besides improving traditional education. Technical institutions have started offering vocational courses in areas like Artificial Intelligence, Drone Operation, Machine Learning and Data Science to make students job-ready. At the same time, the use of digital technology in schools has increased rapidly. Smart classrooms and e-learning platforms have been introduced widely and daily attendance of teachers is now monitored digitally through the Vidya Samiksha Kendra to ensure accountability. To enhance students’ general knowledge and confidence, the government has started the practice of reading daily news during morning assemblies.
Through these determined efforts, Himachal Pradesh has taken big strides towards building an education system that focuses on quality, modern skills and inclusive growth. The government’s vision is not only to educate children but also to equip them with the knowledge, confidence and skills to succeed in life. Himachal Pradesh is today emerging as a model for other states. This shows how strong political will, sincere policies and a commitment to education can truly brighten the future of a children in state.
