New academic session starts as Himachal govt schools set to introduce English as medium of learning from Class 1; plan also underway to cut off days by 40
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TNR Desk
The new academic session in winter-closing schools of Himachal Pradesh commenced from Monday (February 12, 2024). In a significant move aimed at enhancing the quality of education, the state government has mandated the introduction of English-medium instruction from Class 1 in government schools.
The directive, issued by Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, will come into effect immediately. The decision to introduce English as the medium of instruction in primary classes reflects the government’s commitment to revitalise the education sector and uplift the standard of learning in Himachal Pradesh.
The decision to transition to English-medium instruction follows a comprehensive assessment of the education sector, prompted by a decline in Himachal Pradesh’s ranking, which plummeted from second to 17th place in recent years. The government has undertaken a series of reforms in response to the Performing Grading Index 2021-22 report, focusing on addressing key challenges such as the proliferation of schools in close proximity, rote learning practices and incomplete data submission.
Rakesh Kanwar emphasised the importance of starting regular classes from the onset of the new session. He highlighted the department’s initiative to address student deficiencies by extending the academic year until December 31 last year, facilitating additional learning opportunities beyond the traditional academic calendar.
Under the aegis of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the government will conduct training programme for Junior Basic Training (JBT) teachers through District Institutes of Education and Training (DIET). These programmes will focus on equipping teachers with the necessary skills to effectively deliver lessons in English medium, aligning with the state’s educational objectives.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to augment the number of academic days in schools, with plans to increase the current count of 180 days to 220. The Education Department has submitted a proposal to the government for approval, indicating its commitment to elevating the status of education in Himachal Pradesh.
In recognition of excellence in education, approximately 1,500 schools are slated to receive the prestigious designation of ‘Chief Minister Centres of Excellence’. This initiative, which is in its final stages, seeks to acknowledge institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance and contribute to advancing the educational landscape in the state.
