Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur chaired a meeting on Thursday to review the status of schools and colleges damaged due to the recent disaster in Mandi district.
Expressing serious concern over the massive damage caused to educational institutions, he directed officials to take immediate measures to restore and repair the affected schools and colleges to ensure that students’ studies continue without interruption. He said he would personally visit the disaster-affected areas in Mandi soon.
The Minister informed that 219 schools damaged in the disaster-hit areas of Mandi district have already been made functional. He further said efforts are also being made to shift schools which have developed huge cracks to the nearest vacant government buildings, Mahila Mandals, and community halls.
Rohit Thakur instructed officers to accelerate repair and restoration work on a war footing so that students’ education is not hampered.
He further directed them to explore more suitable vacant accommodations to ensure students have easy access to temporary schools without having to travel long distances. He stressed the need for physical monitoring of the restoration work by the departments concerned to ensure quality and timely completion.
The Minister also directed officials to use the funds received under the PDNA earlier and ensure they are used judiciously for the reconstruction of educational institutions in disaster-ravaged areas. He directed the officers to give top priority to those schools that have sustained over 75 per cent damage.
Rohit Thakur said that many schools and colleges were severely damaged due to faulty site selections, with some institutions constructed dangerously close to rivers and khuds. He stressed that, henceforth, the responsibility for site selection must rest with the Deputy Directors, and new schools must be constructed at safe places away from rivers and rivulets to ensure the safety of students and staff.
He expressed grief over the loss of precious lives and extended heartfelt condolences for the more than a dozen people who died in the disaster. He also expressed sympathy for the families whose loved ones are still missing.
The Minister appreciated the tireless efforts of all those engaged in relief and rehabilitation work during this challenging time.
Thakur also reviewed the progress of various educational schemes, including the Rajiv Gandhi Model Day Boarding Schools and Atal Adarsh Vidyalayas. He discussed the pending recruitment of teachers and directed officials to expedite the process to fill vacancies at the earliest.
He said that notices have already been issued to 320 non-performing teachers and lecturers and assured strict action. He stressed the importance of acknowledging the dedication of hardworking teachers, especially those serving in remote areas. He also directed the early completion of NAAC rankings for colleges and the establishment of well-equipped libraries.
During the meeting, Dr. Rukmini Banerji, CEO of Pratham Education Foundation, shared her insights and appreciated the continuous efforts of the Education Department, which have helped Himachal Pradesh achieve 5th rank in the ASER and PARAKH surveys. She noted that the ongoing educational reforms and the policies of the current state government have earned national-level recognition.
The Education Minister thanked Dr. Rukmini Banerji for her guidance and contribution to the field of education and expressed hope for her continued support in strengthening Himachal Pradesh's education sector.
Director of Higher Education Dr. Amarjeet K. Sharma, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli, Project Director of the State Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Rajesh Sharma, and other senior officers of the department were also present at the meeting.
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