"Making every possible effort to provide quality education": Himachal CM Sukhu

The remarks came while presiding over the annual function of Rajiv Gandhi Government College, Chaura Maidan, Shimla

He said that every section of the society must get its rightful share in the state's resources instead of squandering them in an unjustifiable manner on a few selected people merely for political benefits. "The state government was implementing several reforms for the welfare of the people of all sections of the society and would continue to take decisive steps in this direction in the coming times," the Chief Minister's Office said in an official statement.

The Chief Minister said that from the next academic session, the state government will "introduce co-education" in the government senior secondary schools at the district headquarter level to "bring qualitative changes" in the education system.

"The government was also establishing Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools in a phased manner in each Assembly constituency, and ten such schools were set to become operational in the next session. These institutions would be equipped with modern facilities like swimming pools, indoor stadiums, and enhanced sports infrastructure," CM Sukhu said, as per the release.

He said that the previous BJP government opened 900 institutions in the last six months of its tenure "solely for electoral gains" without making any budgetary provision, whereas the present government was prioritizing quality education to ensure students were "well-prepared" for future challenges.

"Students from the government educational institutions are second to none. I, myself, studied from the government school and have risen to the position of the Chief Minister. If I can achieve this, then any students from government schools can accomplish any goal in life. This is why the state government is enhancing facilities in government institutions and making every possible effort to provide quality education", said the Chief Minister.

Sukhu said that the "objective" of the state government was "not only to provide degrees but to ensure quality education" that instills confidence in students to "face" future challenges. He said that institutions with "low student enrollment or inadequate educational standards would be closed from the next academic session"

"To accommodate affected students, the seats in nearby well-functioning institutions would be "increased" and the government would also "bear" their commuting expenses," CM said, as per the release.

He assured that within the next five years, education system of the state would be "elevated" to global standards and there were "no financial constraints in achieving this goal". He said that the government was taking effective steps to "set up" a single Directorate for nursery to higher secondary levels with a view to reform the school education, the release said.

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the installation of central heating system in Rajiv Gandhi Government College, Chaura Maidan. He also announced to start the post graduate courses in Economics, Political Science and English in the college from next academic session. He felicitated the meritorious students of the college on the occasion.

MLAs Harish Janartha and Sanjay Awasthy, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, HP Youth Congress President Chhatar Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion. (ANI)