Revamping Education: Himachal Pradesh's Bold Moves

Himachal Pradesh has closed 1,200 schools in the last two and a half years. Education Minister Rohit Thakur cites zero enrollments and merges as reasons. The state government is appointing teachers and addressing staffing gaps, significantly improving school performance as highlighted by a national report.

In a pressing move, Himachal Pradesh's Education Minister Rohit Thakur announced the closure of 1,200 schools over the past two and a half years. A substantial number, 450, were shuttered due to zero enrollments, while others merged amidst falling attendance rates.

The government is determined to enhance the educational framework, initiating the regularization of 778 part-time water carriers and sanctioning 15,000 teaching positions, including 3,900 in primary education alone. Moreover, 200 acting principals' roles were solidified, alongside 483 assistant professor hires in higher education.

Amidst these changes, the state boasts remarkable student reading skills, as acknowledged in the 'Annual Status of Education Report' 2025. Himachal Pradesh is being lauded as the nation's leader in school education, showcasing significant progress post the recent governance shift.

(With inputs from agencies.)