SHIMLA -9th April, 2026

Sharp surge in student enrollment in CBSE schools: CM

  • Directs to introduce three streams in all CBSE schools

The initiative to introduce CBSE pattern in 151 government schools across the state from the current academic session has generated widespread enthusiasm across Himachal Pradesh. These schools have witnessed a significant raise in student admissions which reflects the growing confidence in the initiative. Taking note of this encouraging response, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed that all these schools to introduce three academic streams Medical, Non-Medical and Commerce. He has also instructed the Education Department to take the necessary steps within the stipulated timeframe to ensure the delivery of quality education to students.

According to the Education Department, a substantial rise in student enrollment has been recorded in various schools following the implementation of the CBSE pattern. Government Senior Secondary School, Killar in Chamba district recorded a 90.24 percent increase, while Janjehli in Mandi district saw a 90.43 percent rise. Reckong Peo in Kinnaur registered a 50.50 percent increase, Nerwa in Shimla 52.22 percent and Ghanahatti 26.27 percent. Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti has recorded a 23.40 percent increase, Theog in Shimla 16.19 percent, Noradhar in Sirmaur 29.69 percent and Government Senior Secondary School, Chopal in Shimla 28.16 percent. Other locations have also reported a significant rise in student numbers.

The Chief Minister said that since the formation of the Congress government in the state, several key steps have been taken to improve the education sector. As a result, Himachal Pradesh has now reached the fifth position nationwide in terms of quality education, compared to 21st position in 2021. Furthermore, the state has achieved the distinction of becoming a fully literate state. The state government is taking concrete steps to provide quality education in the rural areas as well, he added.

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Delegation of Bar Association Theog meets Chief Minister

A delegation of the Bar Association Theog, led by Chairman B.S. Kashyap called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today.

During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Chief Minister of various issues and demands concerning the legal fraternity in Theog. They discussed related matters and sought the government’s support in addressing their professional demands.

The Chief Minister assured the delegation that the state government would sympathetically consider all their genuine demands.

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Reforms in Himcare Scheme payments to ensure transparency and efficiency: CM

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu presided over a meeting and reviewed various positive reforms being undertaken in the health sector.

During the meeting it was informed that several qualitative improvements have been made to further strengthen the Himcare Scheme. These reforms will ensure transparency in the scheme and help curb the possibility of corruption.

Under the Himcare Scheme, government hospitals will be paid the lower amount between the actual cost of treatment (including consumables) and the fixed package rate. Hospitals must submit bills of the actual expenses along with their claims. Expenditures such as registration fees, bed charges, nursing and boarding will not be included in such claims.

In addition, fees for surgeons, anesthetists, doctors and consultants, as well as charges for anesthesia, blood transfusion, oxygen, operation theatre use, surgical equipment, medicines and patient meals will not be the part of these reimbursement claims.

These expenses are already being borne separately under the Himcare Scheme and are also provided to government hospitals through budgetary allocations. Earlier, funds for similar components were being provided through two different mechanisms. After this rationalization, the funds allocated to government hospitals through the budget will no longer be included as part of Himcare package claims. Instead, the government will continue to provide funds for these components directly through the budget.

Approximately 4.33 lakh families are registered under the Himcare Scheme, which provides free medical treatment in empanelled government hospitals across the state.

The Chief Minister also issued directions to the department to ensure accessible, quality, and modern healthcare services for patients.

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