Scripting a scientific future: Himachal CM Sukhu backs innovation, green energy & edu reform

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu felicitated the winners of the science quiz, mathematical olympiad, innovative science model, science skill, essay writing and slogan writing competitions during the closing ceremony of the two-day 32nd Himachal Pradesh State-Level Children’s Science Congress, held at Dhaliara Government College in Kangra district on Wednesday.

Advertisement

Approximately 600 students and teachers from 12 districts participated in the programme. Highlighting the importance of fostering scientific temperament among children, the CM noted that while the Central Government had earlier provided Rs 2 crore annually for such initiatives, that funding has now been halted. However, the state government has stepped in to ensure that the lack of funds does not hinder programmes like the Children’s Science Congress.

“I can see that the children are confident and ready to face future challenges — a mindset nurtured by their teachers, who play an equally crucial role in shaping their futures,” said Sukhu. Emphasising environmental sustainability, the CM reiterated his government’s commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a green energy state by March 31, 2026 — a target set in the first budget of the Congress government. “We’ve introduced electric vehicles and around 350 e-buses will soon be inducted into the HRTC fleet, which will eventually transition entirely to electric vehicles,” he said. Sukhu added that Himachal is also set to become a pioneer in the production of green hydrogen, setting an example for the rest of the country.

Addressing the financial challenges of the state, Sukhu criticised the previous BJP government for distributing freebies worth Rs 5,000 crore before elections and constructing Rs 1,000 crore worth of buildings that now lie vacant. “I assure the people that my government will not allow the state’s wealth to be misused. We’ve already generated additional revenue of Rs 3,000 crore in just two years through strict financial discipline,” he asserted.

On the education front, the CM announced major reforms. By next year, 100 government schools will adopt the CBSE pattern. He lamented the decline in school enrolment during the BJP regime, attributing it to neglect of the education sector. To reverse the trend, Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools are being opened in a phased manner across every Assembly constituency, many of which will become operational next year.

To address the shortage of teachers, the state government is set to recruit 967 Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT) and Post Graduate Teachers (PGT) in the near future. Additionally, 1,000 Junior Basic Teacher (JBT) posts are being filled.