Rohit Thakur directs promoted lecturers to join by 18th September to ensure uninterrupted studies
Education Minister Rohit Thakur today chaired a review meeting with senior officers and Deputy Directors of School Education (Higher, Elementary and Quality Wing), where he discussed and reviewed the implementation of reforms and schemes along with various issues pertaining to the state’s education sector.
We are ensuring uninterrupted studies and quality education remains the foremost priority of the present State Government, but the recent natural calamities have posed a serious challenge to this commitment. The Minister expressed deep concern over the extensive damage caused to schools by heavy rains, due to which, as of now 1,125 educational institutions have been affected and resulted in estimated losses of Rs. 59.5 crores He said that in 2023, Rs. 51.13 crore was released for disaster-related repairs in 646 schools, while in 2025 (till September) Rs. 13.22 crore has been disbursed for 77 schools, with Mandi district receiving the highest share of 16.19 crore from 2023 to Sept 2025. Stressing the urgency of the situation, he directed that restoration work must be carried out on priority so that student’s academic activities were not hampered.
He directed that funds received under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) be utilized judiciously, with priority to schools sustaining more than 75 percent damage. Reports on fund utilization must be submitted within five days, failing which unutilized amounts would be diverted to other institutions in urgent need. He also directed that the government would provide rent for temporary accommodation of damaged schools to ensure uninterrupted education, and the Education Board would issue duplicate certificates with no fee to students whose documents were destroyed in the disaster.
The Minister directed that lecturers who have not joined by 18th September would forfeit their promotions and the opportunity would be given to the next eligible candidates. He said that discipline and accountabilityare non-negotiable in the department. He made it clear that indiscipline and absenteeism would not be tolerated and Deputy Directors must submit proper leave applications at the Directorate level. He further directed Deputy Directors to take strict action against those found negligent in their duties, making it clear that lapses in accountability would not be ignored.
He also reviewed the pending inquiries in sensitive cases related to Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, (POCSO), NDPS Act and financial irregularities. He said that the State Government has a firm Zero Tolerance policy towards such offences. He said that investigations must be expedited, responsibility fixed at every level and exemplary action taken to send a clear message that misconduct, corruption or dereliction of duty would not be tolerated in the Education Department.
The Education Minister said that regular inspections in the field were the backbone of accountability and directed Deputy Directors to visit schools frequently, with their reports to be reviewed in every meeting. He said that they were responsible for protecting school assets, selecting safe sites for new buildings and managing staff effectively.
Rohit Thakur also reviewed the rationalization of teachers as per student enrolment. He directed that in every constituency, at least three to four schools must have the option of all academic streams with adequate staff and unnecessary deputations should be cancelled. He expressed concern over the declining enrolment in science streams and directed that facilities must be improved to encourage more students to opt for science.
Director of School Education Ashish Kohli said that discipline and proper implementation of reforms were crucial for strengthening the department. He directed Deputy Directors to monitor schools regularly and ensure effective implementation schemes.
Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, Secretary HPBOSE Maj. Vishal, senior officers and all Deputy Directors were present in the meeting.
