Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj here today held video conferencing with Vice Chancellors and representatives of various private universities in the state. He said that the COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected the country's economy but the education sector as well. He said that securing the students is securing the future of the country. He emphasised on strengthening the education system and effective steps has been taken by the State Government in this direction. The state Government has started online classes, educational programs on Doordarshan and various other measures are also included in it.He said that private universities play a vital role in the education sector, due to which Himachal Pradesh has emerged as an education hub today. He said that the State Government was endeavouring to maintain the education system, keeping in view interests of private universities during COVID-19. He said that the online education has been proving beneficial in this period. Earlier, Vice-Chancellors and representatives of various private universities apprised the Education Minister about the measures and arrangements being made by the universities. They also apprised the Minister of the economic problems and discussed many other issues related to students.President of Himachal Pradesh Higher Education Council Dr. Sunil Gupta, Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institution Regulatory Commission Member Dr. SP Katyal and secretary Commission M.D. Sharma was also present on this occasion.