SHIMLA : Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged universities established in Himachal Pradesh to promote research projects that address the state’s actual and emerging needs. He was speaking in an academic conclave session on ‘Institutional Contribution of the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission and Private Universities, Future Priorities and Collaborative Working Mechanism, followed by an interaction with students in Solan district, today.
The conclave was organized by the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission in collaboration with all private universities in the state.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that meaningful research by universities in areas such as climate change, water conservation, disaster management, sustainable tourism, renewable energy, horticulture, healthcare and the environment could play an important role in safeguarding the interests of the state. He emphasized the need to strengthen opportunities for innovation across various sectors.
He said that private universities have an important role to play in this direction. The state government, private universities are not merely educational institutions but important partners in the overall higher education system. He said that collaboration between industry and educational institutions is essential for expanding education and preparing young people for future requirements. He said that universities must develop and regularly update their curricula in line with the needs of industry so that young people can access better employment and self-employment opportunities. He urged universities to keep their courses updated in view of emerging employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister said that private universities should work collectively towards faculty development, research collaboration, student exchanges, start-ups and international partnerships. He said that the state government is working towards providing better curricula, laboratories, research facilities, and stronger links with industry and employment opportunities at the national and international levels. To achieve this objective, the education infrastructure in the state is being comprehensively upgraded, from the primary to the highest level of education. He said that emphasis is being laid on expanding access to education, improving quality and enhancing students’ skills.
Sh. Sukhu said that the efforts of the state government had resulted in several positive achievements in the field of education in Himachal. The state has now risen to fifth place in terms of quality education, compared with 21st place in 2021. He said that the strong school education is the foundation of a secure future. The state government is working towards establishing well-equipped Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools, as well as bringing government schools under the CBSE system. The CBSE curriculum has already been introduced in 156 schools across the state, while 100 government schools will be affiliated with CBSE next year.
He said that private universities are important partners in the state government’s efforts to develop the state as a comprehensive education hub. He urged them to promote skill-based and industry-linked programmes in areas such as horticulture, food processing, agricultural technology, tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, forestry and healthcare. He said that such programmes, designed in accordance with the state’s geographical conditions, could contribute meaningfully towards strengthening the economy.
During interaction with students from private universities, the Chief Minister called upon them to develop a mindset focused on achieving self-reliance through effective utilization and management of water resources in the state. He also spoke about the government’s efforts to develop Himachal Pradesh as an education hub, increase milk production, promote natural farming and strengthen the rural economy through solar power generation on barren land. He also highlighted the steps taken by the state government to completely curb incidents such as question-paper leaks.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited an exhibition showcasing research projects and patents developed by various private universities.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil highlighted the importance of private universities on the occasion. He urged students to set clear goals in life, work hard to achieve them and always strive to serve the interests of the nation.
Member of the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission, Vijay Pal Singh, welcomed the Chief Minister and shared detailed information about the functioning of the Commission and the theme of the conference.
Rajya Sabha MP Anurag Sharma, MLA Sanjay Awasthi and Vinod Sultanpuri, Himachal Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Chairman Nardev Singh Kanwar, Himachal Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation Vice-Chairman Anurag Sharma, senior Congress leader Surender Sethi, APMC Solan Chairman Roshan Thakur, senior office-bearers of the Congress party, Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, Deputy Commissioner Manmohan Sharma, Member of the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission Lalit Chaudhary, senior officers, vice-chancellors, pro-vice-chancellors and promoters of various private universities, students and other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.