Over 700 Himachal Pradesh schools, colleges damaged due to rain: Education minister

Nearly 743 Himachal Pradesh schools and colleges have been affected, causing a loss of about Rs 50 crore, due to heavy rainfall, education minister Rohit Thakur said. The educational institutions are closed till September 7.

The education minister held a review meeting with senior officers of the higher and school education departments to assess the situation caused by continuous heavy rainfall across the state. He said that the state has been experiencing persistent heavy to very heavy rainfall for the past several days, leading to landslides, falling of trees, road blockages and damage to public infrastructure, including educational institutions.

In view of the prevailing inclement weather and to ensure the safety of students and staff, the HP government has decided to shut all government and private schools and colleges, including DIETs, till September 7. Teachers and administrative staff have also been exempted from attending institutions during this period. However, the heads of institutions have been directed to ensure that classes are conducted online wherever possible and to remain vigilant in safeguarding school property and records.

The minister also directed that funds received under the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) be utilized carefully, with more priority to institutions sustaining more than 75% damage. He stressed the importance of regular physical monitoring to ensure quality repair and restoration works.

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During the meeting, the minister also reviewed preparations for the teacher's day function scheduled for today, where outstanding teachers would be honoured for their contribution for providing quality education. He further discussed arrangements for the International Literacy Day function on September 8, when Himachal would be declared a fully literate state. He said that if adverse weather conditions persist, the event would be organized in a symbolic manner to celebrate this proud milestone.

Rohit Thakur also discussed promotion matters of school and college cadres, review of Rajiv Gandhi Model Day Boarding Schools, introduction of new subjects such as fine arts, psychology, and public administration, as well as the inclusion of horticulture as a vocational subject. He further directed that the transfer and deputation of teachers should be strictly on a need basis, ensuring that academic work in schools is not hampered.