Expedite repair works of damaged educational institutions in Himachal, orders Education Minister Rohit Thakur

Expressing concern over the damage caused to educational institutions during recent natural calamities, Education Minister Rohit Thakur today directed that repair works be expedited because the weather is favourable. The minister today presided over a review meeting with senior officers of the Education Department to assess the progress of various government schemes, recruitment process and infrastructural restoration works across the state. A detailed presentation highlighting the achievements, reforms and initiatives of the Education Department from January 2023 till date was also given during the meeting.

Thakur said over 1,320 educational institutions were damaged during the monsoon season, causing losses of about Rs 122 crore. He instructed that Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) funds be used judiciously, prioritising schools which have sustained over 75 per cent damage. He also directed that utilisation reports be submitted within five days.

Thakur directed that all sanctioned posts be immediately sent to the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog and Public Service Commission so that the recruitment process could be initiated without delay and vacancies in schools filled up at the earliest.

“The availability of teaching staff at all levels is crucial to maintain the quality of education and ensuring that students do not suffer due to vacancies,” he said. Discussing the proposal for opening new primary schools, Thakur instructed that all codal formalities be completed early so that the proposal could be put up before the Cabinet.

He directed officers to complete formalities for the Kendriya Vidyalayas at Kotkhai and Paonta Sahib to enable them to start functioning soon.