Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Makes Big Decisions on Schools and More
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has decided to close 89 Government Primary Schools and 10 Middle Schools that have zero enrolment. Additionally, Government Primary Schools within a 2-kilometre radius and Government Middle Schools within a 3-kilometre radius with five or fewer students will be merged.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur emphasized the need for these changes, stating, “Our focus is on optimizing resources to provide quality education. Schools with zero enrollment are not serving their purpose, and merging schools with low enrollment ensures better utilization of our educational infrastructure.”
The Cabinet also approved annual transfers for teaching staff, to be conducted only after the academic session ends. All teachers, including Head Teachers, Centre Head Teachers, Headmasters, and Principals, will engage in teaching students. Morning assemblies featuring the national anthem and the daily unfurling of the national flag at High and Senior Secondary Schools have been mandated. Physical education will become a compulsory daily period, and training in CPR and First Aid will be provided in collaboration with the Health and Ayush Departments.
The Cabinet has recommended that the Governor convene the Monsoon session of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha from August 27 to September 9, 2024, at Shimla, consisting of 10 sittings. Industry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan highlighted the importance of this session, stating, “The Monsoon session is crucial for discussing and addressing the pressing issues faced by the state. We aim to ensure productive and meaningful deliberations.”
Among other decisions, the Cabinet sanctioned the creation of Police District Dehra with its headquarters at Dehra, along with the creation and filling up of 39 posts of different categories. Police Posts Dadasiba and Majheen will be upgraded to Police Stations, and new Police Posts at Jwalamukhi City and Moin have been established.
The Cabinet also approved the procurement of apple, kinnow, malta, orange, and mango fruits under the Market Intervention Scheme at Rs. 12 per kg, with the procurement rate for galgal set at Rs 10 per kg. The procurement periods have been specified for each fruit.
Additional administrative decisions include the creation of SDPO offices, new police stations, and various posts across multiple districts. The Cabinet also approved filling up several posts in different departments, including Public Works, Jal Shakti Vibhag, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Department of Treasuries, Accounts, and Lotteries.
Furthermore, the Cabinet has constituted three sub-committees to examine specific issues. One sub-committee, chaired by Industries Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan, will focus on arbitration and court matters. Chauhan remarked, “We are committed to resolving legal issues efficiently to promote industrial growth and development in the state.”
The Cabinet also approved the extension of the MoU with Alliance Air Aviation Limited for operating flights between Shimla and Dharamshala seven days a week from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan while briefing the media on the cabinet decisions said that these decisions reflect the government’s efforts to streamline operations, enhance administrative efficiency, and address the needs of the state’s populace.
Doubts Revealed
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India, known for its beautiful mountains and scenic landscapes.
Cabinet -: A Cabinet is a group of top leaders in the government who make important decisions. They are usually ministers in charge of different areas like education, health, and finance.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state, similar to a principal in a school but for the whole state.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu -: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the current Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, leading the state’s government.
Government Primary Schools -: These are schools run by the government for young children, usually from classes 1 to 5.
Middle Schools -: Middle Schools are for older children, usually from classes 6 to 8.
Enrolment -: Enrolment means the number of students who have registered to attend a school.
Merged -: Merged means combining two or more schools into one.
Annual transfers -: Annual transfers mean moving teachers from one school to another once every year.
Physical education -: Physical education is a subject in school where students do exercises and play sports to stay healthy.
CPR training -: CPR training teaches people how to help someone who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating.
Monsoon session -: The Monsoon session is a period when the state assembly meets to discuss and make laws, usually during the rainy season.
Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha -: The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha is the legislative assembly where elected representatives meet to make laws for the state.
Police districts and posts -: Police districts and posts are areas and stations where police officers work to keep people safe.
Market Intervention Scheme -: The Market Intervention Scheme is a government program to help farmers by buying their fruits and vegetables at a fair price.
