SHIMLA-26 Feb, 2026
Contribution towards Aapada Rahat Kosh
Chairman Himachal Pradesh Grameen Bank Rajinder Singh presented a cheque of Rs. 14.15 lakh to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today as one day salary of the employees of the bank towards Aapada Rahat Kosh. Earlier, the Bank had also contributed Rs. 19.80 lakh towards this Kosh.
The Chief Minister thanked for this noble gesture and urged the people to generously contribute as it goes a long way in helping the needy in the hour of distress.
Chairman, H.P. Buildings and Other Constructions Workers Welfare Board, Nardev Kanwar, Senior Manager of Bank Manjeet Singh Gathania were also present on the occasion.
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Education Minister chairs steering committee meeting of UNESCO 'HP FUTURES' project
- · Government committed to quality education despite challenges: Rohit Thakur
- Directs strict implementation of UNESCO recommendations
The Education Minister Rohit Thakur, today here chaired the third meeting Steering Committee of the HP FUTURES project organized by Samagra Shiksha to review progress made so far and to decide the roadmap for the next phase of education reforms in Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing the meeting, the Education Minister said that the agreement with UNESCO reflects the state government’s firm commitment to provide world-class quality education to students, despite the geographical constraints and frequent natural calamities faced by the hill state. He said that this partnership was a decisive step towards overcoming structural challenges and ensuring that children in even the remotest areas receive quality and equitable education.
The Minister said the HP FUTURES Project (launched in 2025) aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework 2023, aiming to build future-ready, inclusive and climate-resilient PM SHRI schools in Himachal Pradesh. The project was based on three pillars, Competency-Based Education, Value Education through Sports and Greening Education to move beyond rote learning and promote critical thinking, discipline, leadership, teamwork and environmental awareness, while equipping students with 21st-century skills.
He said that since the first Steering Committee Meeting in September 2025, consultations have been held with civil society organizations, Samagra Shiksha, SCERT and DIETs. Around 200 teachers have been trained in Value Education through Sports, including senior secondary physical education lecturers, while eco-clubs have been strengthened and student participation in sustainability activities has increased.
Rohit Thakur said that the reforms would begin in 12 PM SHRI schools, expand to all 99 and later be rolled out statewide. He stressed on stronger teacher training by DIETs, close coordination among HP Board, SCERT and DIETs and regular monitoring and review to ensure effective implementation and measurable outcomes.
He further said that the State Government was actively strengthening the education system through meaningful reforms and progressive policy formulation based on the recommendations and findings of the UNESCO team. He said that these recommendations must not remain confined to reports, but should translate into visible improvements in classroom teaching, learning outcomes and overall school functioning. Strict and time-bound implementation is essential and would be closely monitored.
Highlighting the financial realities, the Minister said that although only a small portion of mere three percent of the State budget was allocated to education, with a major share spent on salaries and pensions, the present Government was still undertaking productive and meaningful reforms in education sectors. He expressed confidence that with focused leadership, coordinated efforts and sustained collaboration with UNESCO, Himachal Pradesh would emerge as an education hub and a model state for others to follow.
Education Minister said that education remains a top priority of the present State Government and affirmed its commitment to building a robust, equitable and forward-looking education system that prepares every child in the state for future challenges with confidence and competence.
Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar also shared his valuable suggestions and recommendations.
During the meeting, UNESCO delegates also delivered a detailed presentation outlining their findings and recommendations from field visits conducted across various schools in the state.
Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, Director School Education Ashish Kohli, UNESCO delegates and other senior officers of education department were present during the meeting.
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Rajesh Dharmani chairs review meeting of Technical Education Department
Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani today here chaired a review meeting with the concerned Department and the Himachal Pradesh Technical Education Board, Dharamshala.
He said that the state government’s main aim was to ensure that youth have access to high-quality skill training and were empowered with industry-oriented, modern and future-ready skills.
To support this an Innovation fund of rupees two crore has been set up to promote youth innovations. This initiative would help strengthen the start-up ecosystem in the state. He said that the youth of Himachal were full of new ideas and effective steps were being taken to encourage them towards becoming entrepreneurs.
Sh. Dharmani said that a future-focused technical education system was being developed in line with global industrial demands. Keeping in mind emerging technologies and the changing global job market, students would be equipped with digital skills to prepare them for the future.
He further said that the government was laying emphasis on strengthening the rural economy. According to the needs of the state, new courses related to horticulture, natural farming and dairy technology were being introduced in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). He said that there was a vast potential for innovation in the biopharma sector in the state and he stressed the need to make the best use of opportunities in this field.
Rajesh Dharmani directed the Technical Education Board to design courses according to market demand. He said that strong industry linkages and apprenticeship programmes would be run to improve employability and promote entrepreneurship among young people. In addition, a new scholarship scheme would be introduced especially for girls.
The Minister said that hackathons and skill competitions were being organised in government and private technical institutions across the state. These events provide young people with a platform to showcase their talents. Grading of government and private ITIs and polytechnic institutions in the state was also being carried out.
He suggested that the success stories of successful entrepreneurs from the state should be included in academic curricula to inspire students. Trainees from government technical institutions were performing excellently at the national level.
The Minister said that the department was working in coordination with various institutions to enhance skills of the youth. HIMUDA would organise training programmes for students studying in technical institutions and resource persons from the Industries Department would motivate young people to set up their own enterprises.
He said that in this age of information technology, the department and the Board must ensure the best use of IT in their functioning. AI-related programmes should also be included in the curriculum. He said that the Board has launched a special grievance portal for students.