Rs 2.74 crore boost to Chamba education infrastructure

Education Minister Rohit Thakur on Tuesday laid the foundation stones for development works worth Rs 2.74 crore in the Chamba Assembly constituency. The projects include the construction of a new school building at Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS) Parotha at an estimated cost of Rs 1.34 crore and a science block at GSSS-Saho to be built at a cost of Rs 1.40 crore.

Addressing the gathering, the minister said despite financial constraints, the state government had set new benchmarks in the education sector over the past three years. He said 7,000 posts had been filled in the Education Department, while the recruitment process for another 3,000 posts was underway following Cabinet approval. In addition, 4,000 posts had been filled on a batch-wise basis.

Owing to sustained government efforts, Thakur said, Himachal had risen to third position among 28 states in the education sector, as against the 21st position during the previous government’s tenure.

The minister directed senior officials of the Public Works Department to expedite the tendering process for the Parotha and Saho school buildings, ensure early commencement of construction and complete the works within about one and a half years.

Referring to the heavy losses caused by recent natural disasters in the state, Thakur said although adequate financial assistance had not been received from the Centre, the state government was making all possible efforts to provide relief to the affected people.

He also assured that demands, including the introduction of commerce classes at GSSS Saho, would be considered. The minister later heard public grievances and instructed the officials concerned to address them promptly.

Earlier, local MLA Neeraj Nayar welcomed the minister and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for prioritising the overall development of the Chamba constituency. District Congress president Surjeet Bharmouri, former MLA Tilak Raj Sharma and Deputy Director of School Education Vikas Mahajan were among those present on the occasion.