Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh's Education Minister, Rohit Thakur, announced a partnership with UNESCO to improve quality and inclusive education in the state, highlighting government reforms and investments aimed at benefiting children in rural schools.Key Takeaways
- Collaboration with UNESCO to improve education.
- Focus on equitable and inclusive education.
- Literacy rate increased from 7% to 83% since 1971.
- 20% of budget allocated for education reforms.
- Establishment of Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools.
Shimla, Feb 21 (NationPress) The Education Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Rohit Thakur, announced on Friday that the state government is set to join forces with UNESCO to enhance the quality, equity, and inclusivity of education for all children in the region.
He mentioned that the government plans to formalize this partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UNESCO, which will explore various collaboration opportunities to elevate the education system.
During a meeting with a UNESCO delegation, the minister emphasized that education has consistently been a high priority for this mountainous state. This commitment is reflected in the current literacy rate, which exceeds 83 percent, a significant increase from a mere 7 percent at the time of the state’s formation in 1971.
“While the quality of education has seen some decline in the past, the government has implemented substantial reforms aimed at enhancing educational standards, and we are beginning to see promising outcomes, as indicated by the latest national assessments,” the minister stated.
He further noted that around 20 percent of the total budget has been earmarked for education, underscoring the government’s commitment to bringing about qualitative changes in this essential sector.
Thakur expressed a vision to ensure quality education is accessible to children attending government schools in rural areas.
“To support this vision, the government is methodically establishing Rajiv Gandhi Day-Boarding Schools in each Assembly constituency, equipped with all necessary modern facilities under one roof,” he elaborated.
The minister also highlighted that the state boasts the highest levels of learning, and educational reforms are being tailored to meet demand. He is optimistic that a long-term partnership with UNESCO will further bolster these initiatives.
Secretary of Education, Rakesh Kanwar, emphasized the importance of training the entire teaching staff and administration of an institution, rather than selecting individual teachers, to foster teamwork and achieve better outcomes.
He added that the state is equipped with good infrastructure, a high enrollment rate, and no gender disparity at the elementary level. Additionally, there is universal access, a robust educational ecosystem, and successful vocational and technical education programs across the state.
Over the past two years, the government has conducted a significant consolidation of schools, he noted. Programme Specialist and Chief of Education, Joyce Poan, remarked that UNESCO is a leader in educational training and is eager to partner with the government for a five-year initiative to train teachers in stages.
She mentioned that in addition to sharing experiences, exchange programs will be conducted up to the block level, enhancing the quality of education.
Special Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, Rajesh Sharma, provided an overview of education in the state, stating that with UNESCO's support, the state aims to transform schools into centers of innovation, sustainability, and excellence.
