NEW DELHI: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state government is considering introducing a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) course immediately after the 12th standard.
He made the statement while addressing the annual prize distribution ceremony at St. Bedeโs College, Shimla, on Thursday.
St. Bedeโs เคเคคเฅเคคเคฐ เคญเคพเคฐเคค เคเคพ เคชเฅเคฐเคคเคฟเคทเฅเค เคฟเคค เคเฅเคฒเฅเค เคนเฅเฅค
เคฎเฅเคเฅ เคเฅเคถเฅ เคนเฅ เคเคฟ เคเค เคญเฅ เคฏเคน เคเฅเคฒเฅเค เค เคชเคจเฅ เคเฅเคฃเคตเคคเฅเคคเคพ เคเคฐ เคฎเคนเคคเฅเคคเคพ เคฌเคจเคพเค เคนเฅเค เคนเฅเฅค pic.twitter.com/Vaem5vO4Jf
โ Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) March 6, 2025
However, Sandeep Aggarwal, Ex-Associate at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and Editor-in-Chief of KhabarNext, shared his perspective on the Himachal CMโs announcement, stating, โI believe that a minimum qualification of a bachelorโs degree (B.A.) is necessary to perform well in any field related to education. Up until intermediate, there remains a certain level of teenage immaturity.
He further remarked, โIt is during graduation that we face real challenges and truly understand the meaning of education. Therefore, I do not support this decision. Graduation not only teaches us from books but also imparts life lessons, and a good teacher shapes not only the knowledge of students but their entire personality.โ
Emphasizing the need to prepare students for future challenges, Sukhu highlighted the introduction of new-age courses such as AI and Data Storage to equip the youth with industry-relevant skills.
He also announced a grant of โน5 lakh for outstanding college students and reiterated the governmentโs commitment to womenโs empowerment.
He noted that Himachal Pradesh is the first state in India to increase the marriage age for girls to 21 years.
Expressing concern over rising drug abuse, the Chief Minister stated that the government has launched a strong anti-drug campaign and will implement stricter measures to combat the issue.
He assured efforts to shield youth from addiction while promoting sports, announcing increased prize money for international competitions and enhanced diet allowances for athletes.
โPreviously, Under-17 and Under-19 players received a diet money of โน150 for State-level competitions and โน250 for National-level competitions.
The present government has increased these amounts to โน400 and โน500, respectively. Similarly, for Under-14 players, the diet money for State-level competitions has been raised from โน120 to โน250, and for National-level events, from โน250 to โน400.
Additionally, players travelling for competitions outside the state will be provided AC three-tier rail fare facility for distances up to 200 km and economy-class airfare for distances beyond 200 km,โ he said.
Highlighting education and healthcare reforms, he mentioned that the government has initiated exposure visits for government school students to Singapore and Cambodia, and sent teachers abroad to learn modern teaching techniques.
To enhance educational infrastructure, Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools are being established in each assembly constituency in phases, focusing on academics, personality development, and nutrition.
On healthcare, Sukhu revealed that โน1,800 crore has been allocated to upgrade medical colleges and hospitals with advanced technology and modern equipment, addressing issues caused by outdated diagnostic tools.
Recalling his student days, he said, โI visited St. Bedeโs College 40 years ago to participate in a debate competition. It is a prestigious institution that has maintained its reputation over the years. My political journey began at the age of 17 years when I was elected as a Class Representative at Government College, Sanjauli. This early experience paved the way for my election as a Municipal Councilor and later as an MLA.โ
Speaking on climate change, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of preserving Himachal Pradeshโs cultural and natural heritage, especially after the state faced severe natural disasters in 2023, impacting 23,000 families.
He reaffirmed the governmentโs vision to make Himachal a Green Energy State.
During the event, Sukhu felicitated meritorious students and applauded their achievements.
