Bridging the gap: Himachal supports teaching needs of Ladakh

In a meaningful step towards strengthening education in the Himalayan region, the Himachal Pradesh Government has pledged support to Ladakh by offering structured training programmes for school teachers and principals, focusing on both academic qualification and institutional leadership.

The decision emerged from a high-level meeting held in Leh, where Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur met with senior officials of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC). During the discussion, LAHDC leadership expressed concern over the lack of formal BEd qualifications among a significant number of teachers in Ladakh — a gap that has been directly affecting the region’s educational standards.

Responding to the issue, Minister Thakur assured the Council that Himachal Pradesh would provide necessary academic support. He proposed that Ladakhi teachers be enrolled in distance education programmes run by Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) to attain their formal teaching credentials. “I will personally take up the matter with the HPU Vice-Chancellor,” the minister said, adding that the Director of Higher Education would also be directed to expedite the proposal as a priority.

The meeting also touched upon the need for school leadership development. The Council sought Himachal Pradesh’s assistance in facilitating principal and headmaster training through Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

“The state has already trained its school heads through IIM-led programmes under the Samagra Shiksha initiative,” the minister noted. “We’ve agreed to share our training framework and extend logistical support to help Ladakh implement a similar programme.”