Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed senior officers of all districts to actively implement the ‘Apna Vidyalaya–Himachal School Adoption Programme’ during a virtual meeting with Deputy Commissioners late Friday evening.
Under this initiative, officers at the district and sub-divisional levels are required to adopt government schools with the objective of improving the quality of education and overall school activities.
He instructed that a complete list of schools adopted under the programme across the state be submitted to the government by January 5, 2026.
The Chief Minister said that under the programme, Deputy Commissioners, along with other high-ranking officials like Superintendents of Police and Sub-Divisional Magistrates, are mandated to adopt at least four schools to serve as ‘mentors’ and ‘patrons’.
These officers will interact with students every month, and Deputy Commissioners will also conduct surprise inspections of the adopted schools. “The government expects these officers to visit their adopted schools at least once a month to interact with the youth, offering career counseling and preparing them for competitive examinations,” said Sukhu.
These officers, referred to as school patrons, will work in coordination with teachers and School Management Committees to enhance academic standards and overall school quality. So far, 4,231 schools have been adopted under the programme, including 1,950 primary schools, 59 middle schools, 664 high schools and 1,558 senior secondary schools.
Sukhu stated that the primary objective of these adoptions was to provide consistent guidance and high-level mentorship to students who may otherwise lack access to such resources. From an operational standpoint, the Deputy Commissioners will act as a bridge between the local school management and the state government and can ensure that the state’s budget for educational upgrades is utilised effectively.
Beyond academics, the Chief Minister placed heavy emphasis on using these visits to tackle pressing social issues, specifically instructing officers to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse and to instil a strong sense of national values and legal awareness.
He also directed officers to submit detailed reports on illegal properties linked to drug traffickers in all districts. He emphasised strict action against those involved in drug trafficking, directing that illegal properties be seized and unauthorised constructions demolished. He further instructed that government employees found involved in drug-related activities should face strict and time-bound action.
The Chief Minister directed all departmental secretaries to ensure the early completion of development works that are nearly 80 per cent complete, assuring that adequate funds would be provided for this purpose. He also instructed that approvals related to forest land be given priority to accelerate development works. In addition, he reviewed details related to the selection of Below Poverty Line families and directed Deputy Commissioners to submit comprehensive information in this regard.
Senior officers of the state government were also present on the occasion.
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