Stating that education is on top of the priority list of the incumbent state government, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said various far-reaching decisions are being taken to provide quality education to the students so that they could compete with other students in keeping new the trends in the education sector.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said this while presiding over the annual prize distribution function of his alma mater GSSS Chotta Shimla here on Tuesday. On the occasion, he announced Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools which will be opened in the state to provide modern learning facilities for students.

He said the state government aims to change the entire education system in the coming ten years, and the first budget of his government will focus on streamlining the education system.

Teachers will also be trained with professional courses in order to provide best education to the students, he added.

Pointing out that times are changing, the chief minister said the state government intends to bring Himachal Pradesh into the category of modern states with special focus on education in the budget. The government will introduce new courses and modern education in the state so that students could take education according to their interest.

The chief minister motivated the students to achieve their goals through hard work and strong will. He emphasised that hard work and commitment are key to success.

As regards students of government schools, he said they need to get disheartened as government teachers are competent enough to shape their career.

Expressing the sense of nostalgia on visiting his old school, the chief minister praised the cultural programme presented on the occasion. He announced Rs 2 lakh to the students who presented the programme. He also announced smart classes with digital displays and facility of online and offline studies at the school.

The school will have a digital library and digital office and admission will be available both online and offline, he added.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced Rs. 50 lakh for Chhota Shimla School to transform it into a smart school and added that all the announcements would be implemented within two months.

Speaking on the occasion, state Education Minister Rohit Thakur said it is a matter of pride for the students of GSSS Chota Shimla that one of the students of their school has become the chief minister of the state, through his hard work and dedication.

Thakur said job-oriented courses will commence in the technical education institutions of the state, as there is a need to increase the skilled manpower.  He emphasised the crucial role that teachers had to play in increasing the skilled manpower and highlighted the need to support them in their efforts.