Schools and Colleges in state to remain closed till 7th September

Education Minister Rohit Thakur today presided over a review meeting with senior officers of the Higher and School Education Departments to assess the situation caused by continuous heavy rainfall across the state.

    He said that the State has been experiencing persistent heavy to very heavy rainfall for the past several days, leading to landslides, falling of trees, road blockages and damage to public infrastructure, including educational institutions. Nearly 743 schools and colleges have been affected, with estimated losses amounting to about         Rs. 50 crore.

In view of the prevailing inclement weather and to ensure the safety of students and staff, it has been decided that all Government and Private Schools and Colleges, including DIETs, shall remain closed till 7th September 2025. Teachers and administrative staff have also been exempted from attending institutions during this period. However, the Heads of Institutions have been directed to ensure that classes were conducted online wherever possible and to remain vigilant in safeguarding school property and records.

The Minister directed that funds received under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) be utilized prudently, with added priority to institutions sustaining more than 75 percent damage. He stressed the importance of regular physical monitoring to ensure quality repair and restoration works.

During the meeting, the Minister also reviewed preparations for the Teacher’s Day function scheduled for 5th September, where outstanding teachers would be honoured for their contribution for providing quality education. He further discussed arrangements for the International Literacy Day function on 8th September, 2025 a historic occasion when Himachal would be declared a fully literate state. The Minister said this achievement marks the glorious journey of the state government’s commitment towards education, continuous efforts of teachers and active participation of the community in spreading literacy. He said that if adverse weather conditions persist, the event would be organized in a symbolic manner to celebrate this proud milestone.

Other key agenda items included the promotion matters of School and College cadres, review of Rajiv Gandhi Model Day Boarding Schools, introduction of new subjects such as Fine Arts, Psychology, and Public Administration, as well as the inclusion of Horticulture as a vocational subject. He further directed that the transfer and deputation of teachers should be strictly on a need basis, ensuring that academic work in schools is not hampered. A comprehensive list of teachers on deputation was also to be compiled for better monitoring. Issues related to sports hostels were also reviewed and directions were given to explore the recruitment of more coaches, noting that Himachal has immense sporting talent which must be nurtured.

The Minister also reviewed the pending promotion matters. Officers apprised him that the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for the College Principal cadre has been scheduled for 4th September and that all formalities have been completed. He was further informed that other promotion processes are also being expedited and will be taken up shortly.

The Minister wished that the Education Department would continue its dedicated efforts to bring excellence in its work towards making Himachal Pradesh one of the top-performing states in education across the country.
Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar also gave his valuable suggestions for strengthening the quality education in state.

Director of Higher Education Dr. Amarjeet K. Sharma presented the vote of thanks, while Director of School Education Ashish Kohli outlined the key priorities and challenges of the department. Project Director Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma and others Senior officers of the Department were also present in the meeting.