Over 150 Himachal govt schools to implement CBSE curriculum next session

The Central Board of Secondary Education has granted affiliation to 151 government schools in Himachal Pradesh, which will implement the CBSE curriculum starting with the next academic session, Education Minister Rohit Thakur said on March 13.

During a meeting with senior education officials, Thakur also reviewed digital learning initiatives and school infrastructure projects.

According to an official statement, 7,635 tablets will be distributed to meritorious students by the end of the month to enhance digital education and improve access to modern learning resources in government schools.

Noting challenges faced by students due to school mergers, de-notifications, and rationalization, the minister directed the department to provide transport facilities for affected students, especially in remote and tribal districts such as Kinnaur, Chamba, and Lahaul-Spiti.

He emphasized that all decisions regarding school rationalization must prioritize student welfare and instructed the department to re-notify schools at Nagrota and Jwalamukhi.

Officials were also tasked with identifying schools where horticulture could be introduced as a vocational subject to promote skill-based education.

Thakur highlighted that the state has received dual category recognition from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training, and the subject will be rolled out in phases with sufficient teaching staff.

On recruitment matters, the minister was informed that 1,427 candidates appeared in the Lecturer Direct Recruitment examination, with results expected soon.

He said the Finance Department has approved filling 870 teaching posts and urged officials to accelerate recruitment, particularly in science and commerce streams, while submitting details of pending cases for early appointments.

Reviewing school infrastructure, Thakur noted that ₹13.91 crore has been released to 219 schools under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment, with 782 repair and construction works completed. He instructed officials to ensure timely completion of remaining projects.

To strengthen higher education, the minister said college rankings in the state will be finalized on March 17 to raise academic standards.

He also directed officials to expedite formalities for establishing new Kendriya Vidyalayas so they can become operational in the next academic session.

Thakur further instructed the department to simplify admission procedures and ensure a transparent system for issuing certificates, aiming to prevent inconvenience to students and parents during transfers between institutions.