Govt plans to introduce B.Ed after Class XII: CM

The state government is contemplating to introduce B.Ed course immediately after Class XII, said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at the annual prize distribution ceremony in St. Bede’s College here today. He emphasised the importance of preparing students for future challenges and said that the government had introduced several new age courses such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data storage to equip the youth with future-ready skills.

The Chief Minister said that the government had introduced significant changes in the education sector and for the first time, government school students and teachers were being sent to Singapore and Cambodia to learn modern teaching methodologies. He pointed out that due to the wrong policies of the previous BJP government that Himachal had slipped to the 21st position in the country in terms of educational quality.

“I had visited St. Bede’s College 40 years ago to participate in a debate competition. It is a prestigious institution that has maintained its reputation over the years. My political journey began at the age of 17 years when I was elected the class representative at Government College, Sanjauli. This early experience paved the way for my election as a municipal councillor and later as an MLA,” he said, recalling his students days.

Sukhu said that the government had launched an anti-drug campaign and would take strong measures to curb the menace. “The government is making every possible effort to protect the youth from falling prey to drugs and is promoting sports activities to keep the youth engaged,” he added.

He said that to enhance educational infrastructure, the government was establishing Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools in every Assembly constituency in a phased manner, which would focus on both academics and personality development along with providing nutritious meals.

The Chief Minister announced Rs 5 lakh for outstanding students of the college and reiterated the government’s commitment to women empowerment. Earlier, college principal Sister Molly Abraham welcomed the Chief Minister and read out the annual report. MLAs Harish Janartha and Sanjay Awasthi were present on the occasion.