DHARAMSHALA – Himachal Pradesh has fully restored the affiliations of 292 schools , Education Minister Rohit Thakur confirmed Thursday in the state Assembly. The affiliations, previously under temporary suspension, were reinstated following the completion of required administrative formalities by the institutions. Simultaneously, the state government has initiated steps to secure affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for approximately 100 government senior secondary schools across Himachal Pradesh.
292 School Affiliations Reinstated
Minister Thakur, responding to a question from BJP MLA Rakesh Jamwal, emphasized that the Himachal Pradesh School Education Board (HPBOSE) never revoked any institution’s affiliation. The suspension was temporary, solely due to the non-completion of specific administrative procedures. Once these formalities were addressed by the affected 292 schools, their affiliations with the state board were immediately restored, ensuring continuity in their educational operations.
100 Government Schools Seek CBSE Affiliation
A major educational reform includes the state government’s push for CBSE affiliation for 100 government senior secondary schools. This strategic move aims to elevate teaching and learning standards. The minister stated that integrating CBSE-affiliated government schools will help curb the “arbitrariness” often associated with private school practices. This initiative intends to provide a competitive and quality-driven alternative within the public education system.
Student Benefits and Quality Education Focus
Students attending these government schools, including those transitioning to CBSE affiliation, will continue to receive existing government benefits. These include free uniforms , books , and other essential facilities. This commitment ensures that educational advancements do not place an additional financial burden on families. The initiative underscores the state’s dedication to providing equitable access to high-quality education, particularly in rural areas.
New Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools Initiative
Further plans for educational development include the establishment of Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools . These schools are designed to create a student-centred and quality-based learning environment. The objective is to inject positive energy into the state’s school education system, fostering an atmosphere conducive to improved academic outcomes. This initiative seeks to make the overall education system more competitive and responsive to student needs.
HP Board’s Independent Function and Curriculum
Despite the push for CBSE affiliation, the Himachal Pradesh School Education Board will maintain its independent functioning. Education Minister Thakur reaffirmed its role as a key educational body. The HPBOSE curriculum is based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) guidelines, mirroring the foundation of the CBSE curriculum. This shared foundational approach ensures consistency in educational standards across different boards within the state.
Vision for Educational Excellence and Development
The state government’s overarching vision involves developing HPBOSE-affiliated schools into centres of excellence . This comprehensive strategy, combining board reinstatements, CBSE affiliations, and new day boarding schools, represents a significant push to enhance educational quality across Himachal Pradesh. The goal is to build a robust, competitive, and student-focused education system that caters to the evolving needs of its young population.