SHIMLA -6^th March, 2025 Students seeking admission to Himachal Pradesh University Shimla will be required to sign an anti-drug pledge. The University administration will also raise awareness among parents through letters and emails.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla made these remarks while presiding over the 35^th Court meeting of Himachal Pradesh University today. He highlighted the need for collective efforts to restore the glory of the university and stressed the urgency of addressing the issue of drug abuse at the college level.

During the meeting, the Governor approved the annual reports for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23, as well as the annual accounts for 2018-19. Expressing concern over the absence of several members in the Court Meeting, he directed that his displeasure be conveyed to the concerned individuals.

The Governor emphasized that the primary responsibility of the University Court is to determine comprehensive policies and programmes for the institution and to propose standards and suggestions that ensure the university's growth and improvement. He expressed hope that the suggestions made by the members would significantly contribute to the university's progress.

Shri Shukla engaged in an in-depth discussion on various issues, including quality education and innovation, moral education and Indian culture, a drug-free Himachal, employment-oriented education and entrepreneurship, environmental conservation and sustainable development, digital education and technological empowerment, research and innovation, and sports and physical education. He also instructed the university administration to present annual reports and prepare annual accounts in a time bound manner.

The Governor urged all members, faculty, and the university administration to work with dedication, discipline, and a spirit of innovation. "The objective of our education system should not merely be to award degrees but to nurture citizens capable of serving society and the nation. Through education, we must realize the vision of a self-reliant India", he stated.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of HPU, Prof. S.P. Bansal, informed that all instructions and suggestions made during the previous meeting had been implemented. He briefed the Governor on the university's developmental activities, new initiatives, and achievements. He also apprised the Governor that the university currently has around 8,000 campus-based students and approximately 1,300 PhD. scholars. He also mentioned that the university has mobilized resources worth around rupees 123 crore from various sources and is actively working on research work and implementation of the National Education Policy.

The meeting also witnessed valuable suggestions from the Deputy Chief Whip, Kewal Singh Pathania, and MLA Suresh Kumar. The Registrar, Dr. Virender Sharma, conducted the proceedings of the meeting.

The Secretary to the Governor, Chander Prakash Verma, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajinder Verma, and other members of the University Court were also present at the meeting.