SHIMLA: In a major decision, the Himachal Pradesh government is learnt to be exploring the option of downgrading schools and colleges with low student enrolment.
Senior secondary schools with fewer than 25 students would be converted into high schools while high schools with fewer than 20 students would be downgraded to middle schools, said sources.
Similarly, middle schools with less than 10 students would be converted into primary schools and primary schools with fewer than 10 students would be merged with nearby institutes. Colleges with inadequate student strength may also be integrated with nearby colleges, said the sources.
The matter is learnt to have been taken up during an education department review meeting held at the Secretariat in Shimla under the chairmanship of Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur.
Cabinet approval must before implementation
The Education Minister is learnt to have directed officials to prepare a detailed proposal for these changes, which will be presented before the Cabinet for approval. The new policies will come into effect following the Cabinet’s green signal.
Thakur further instructed officials to draft a proposal for the creation of a single education directorate overseeing classes from pre-primary to Class 12.
Another separate directorate will be established for higher education institutions. This structural reorganisation aims to streamline administrative functions and improve efficiency in policy implementation.
Admissions to start in newly established Atal Adarsh Schools
The state government has completed the construction of two Atal Adarsh Vidyalayas in Mandi district’s Dharampur and Nachan constituencies. These schools will start admitting students in the upcoming academic session. Admission will be granted based on an entrance examination, ensuring quality education for selected students.
The Education Minister has asked for a comprehensive report on the discussions to be submitted soon. The meeting was attended by Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Rajesh Sharma, Director of Elementary Education Ashish Kohli and other senior officials.
