Focus on Sports, Jobs, and Reform: Education Minister’s Review Meeting Directives
Education Minister Rohit Thakur today presided over a comprehensive review meeting of the Education Department and issued clear directions on strengthening sports hostels, expediting recruitment processes and accelerating key academic reforms. He underlined that quality education, along with encouragement for sports, is essential for the holistic development of students.
The Education Minister said that sports hostels play an important role in nurturing talent and sought a brief report on the issues being faced by them, with particular reference to Majra Sports Hostel. He directed that these hostels be strengthened with better infrastructure, boarding and lodging facilities, nutritious diet, medical support and transport arrangements. He also stressed the need to address issues related to coaches to ensure proper guidance and continuity in training. He appreciated the performance of Himachal’s sportspersons who are bringing recognition to the State at national and international levels.
He further directed that talent in schools and colleges should be identified at an early stage and provided academic support so that students are able to pursue education along with sports without difficulty. Better coordination between educational institutions and sports hostels was emphasised.
Reviewing administrative and recruitment matters, the Education Minister examined the status of SMC/Computer Teacher LDR and PGTs/DPEs LDR cases and directed that the LDR be conducted on 22 February after completing all necessary preparations. Recruitment proposals for Assistant Professors were reviewed and instructions were issued to expedite the process and forward the cases to the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission at the earliest.
Proposals regarding merger and consolidation of schools and colleges, including the merger of boys’ and girls’ institutions, were discussed in detail. Rohit Thakur directed that all such decisions must be taken strictly in the interest of students, keeping accessibility, safety, academic continuity and learning outcomes in focus. He also instructed the Department to ensure timely transport facilities for students affected due to mergers or rationalisation.
On academic initiatives, the Education Minister directed that the introduction of Horticulture and Forestry as optional subjects in schools be fast-tracked from the upcoming academic session. He reviewed the status of tablet distribution and instructed that the remaining tablets be distributed at the earliest to support digital learning.
The introduction of four-year B.Ed., BP.Ed. and other professional courses in colleges after notification was also reviewed. The Education Minister directed the Department to expedite the process so that these courses become operational from the forthcoming academic session.
Regarding the recruitment of NTT teachers, he directed that appointment letters be issued immediately to all eligible selected candidates, while the remaining vacancies should be filled through alternative and accelerated recruitment mechanisms.
Other directions issued during the meeting included fixing timelines for college rankings, reviewing the status of previous announcements, finalising the date for the meeting of Deputy Directors and ensuring effective implementation of departmental schemes. The Education Minister also directed the Department to submit detailed proposals for the upcoming Budget Session, focusing on academic infrastructure, sports facilities, student welfare and talent development.
Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, Project Director Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, Director Higher Education Amarjit, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli and other senior officers of the department were present in the meeting.
