Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 20: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has congratulated the state on securing the sixth position in the country in providing quality school education, as per the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 report released by the Ministry of Education.
According to the report, Himachal Pradesh has jumped seven places from 13th to 6th position. Among the states category, it has secured the third position. The CM said that Himachal Pradesh has been placed in the prestigious 'Prachesta-2' category, which is a matter of pride for the state.
Congratulating teachers, officers, employees of the Education Department, and students, Sukhu said that this achievement is the result of their collective efforts. He attributed the success to various reforms introduced by the present Congress government in the education sector, with a focus on quality education, teacher training, and expansion of school facilities.
The Chief Minister criticized the previous BJP government, stating that it mainly focused on opening schools without adequate budget or staff, whereas the Congress government is focusing on quality education so that students in villages can also receive better educational opportunities. He said the state government wants to prepare children for future challenges and ensure they are confident and capable.
Soon after coming to power, the present Congress government undertook several reforms to provide quality education. English medium education has been started from Class 1 in all government schools. School resources are being managed more efficiently, and at least one Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding School is being opened in every Assembly constituency to provide quality education closer to students' homes.
Sukhu further said that teachers are being sent abroad on exposure visits to study international education systems and implement better practices. Meritorious students have also been sent on foreign educational tours. The government is filling teaching posts on a priority basis to avoid a shortage of teachers.
The CM said that 156 schools in the state are being affiliated with the CBSE curriculum, where classes in Arts, Science, and Commerce streams have been made available. Adequate teachers and non-teaching staff will be appointed in these institutions to ensure the best academic environment.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening the education system and bringing qualitative improvements so that students of Himachal Pradesh do not have to move outside the state for better education.
