Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini said that the State Government views education not merely as a means of obtaining degrees, but as a strong foundation for skill development, employment, innovation and nation-building.
He said the reforms being undertaken under Haryana Vision-2047 will equip the youth with the skills required for the future and help establish Haryana as a leading centre of education and skill development in the country.
The Chief Minister was presiding over a review meeting of the Technical Education Department and School Education Department regarding their upcoming roadmap and action plan under Haryana Vision-2047 at Haryana Civil Secretariat on Thursday.
During the meeting, the budget announcements related to both departments, the Chief Minister's announcements, and the progress of various ongoing schemes in the education sector were discussed in detail. During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Sh. A.K. Singh, Principal Secretary, Department of Future, Smt. Amneet P. Kumar, Director General, Technical Education Department, Dr. Prabhjot Singh, Director General, Secondary Education, Sh. Jitender Kumar, OSD to the Chief Minister and Director General, Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management (SJHIFM), Dr. Raj Nehru, along with other senior officers, were present.
He said the Government aims to make the education system more modern, quality-driven, employment-oriented and aligned with global standards so that the youth of the state are prepared to meet future opportunities and challenges.Reviewing the Technical Education Department, the Chief Minister emphasised the need to provide employment-oriented education and advanced skill training to students.
He said that 10 Industrial Model Townships (IMTs) are proposed to be developed in Haryana in the coming years.In view of this, it is essential to equip youth with advanced technology-based education and skill training in line with future industrial requirements.
He directed officers to align curricula with the present and future requirements of industries and to introduce short-term skill courses in consultation with industry stakeholders to enhance employability.He also directed officers to make continuous efforts to improve the quality, ranking and performance of ITIs, polytechnic institutes and higher educational institutions through regular evaluation and monitoring mechanisms.
*Polytechnic institutions to be made state-of-the-art*
The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of four new polytechnic colleges being established in the state. He directed officers to strengthen infrastructure, upgrade machinery and provide modern facilities in technical institutions to ensure students receive industry-relevant training.
*Discussion held on creating an inspiring academic environment and promoting startups*
The Chief Minister directed officers to ensure greenery, cleanliness and a conducive learning environment in educational institutions. He emphasised that campuses should be aesthetically designed to provide students with a positive and inspiring atmosphere.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of startups established through incubation centres.Success stories of startups established through incubation centres should be widely shared with students to encourage them to pursue entrepreneurship, he added.
*Focus on improving quality in school education*
During the review of the School Education Department, the Chief Minister directed officers to focus on improving educational quality and strengthening infrastructure. He directed the constitution of Vigilance Committees to monitor the quality of construction works, laboratories and other facilities in schools. These committees will conduct surprise inspections and interact with students to obtain feedback regarding educational standards and available facilities.
*Cleanliness period to be introduced in schools; participating students to receive certificates*
The Chief Minister reviewed the implementation of his earlier directions to dedicate one period every week to cleanliness and social awareness activities in schools. Education Department officers informed him that necessary directions have already been issued and that the Haryana State Song will also be sung during school assemblies.
The Chief Minister further directed that students actively participating in cleanliness drives and social awareness activities be awarded certificates in recognition of their contribution.He also directed that procurement and tender processes related to schools be completed within 7 to 14 days and emphasised that all schools should have adequate desks and essential infrastructure facilities.
He also directed officers to strengthen boundary walls, sanitation facilities, beautification works and other basic infrastructure in schools. During the meeting, officers informed that 1,065 labs are being established in the state with the support of the Central Government.
The Chief Minister directed the department to work towards increasing the number of laboratories to 2,000, enabling a larger number of students to benefit from digital learning facilities.He further directed that every government school must have adequate Safai Karamchari (sanitation staff) and security arrangements.
The required manpower may be engaged through Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL), wherever necessary. He also directed coordination with the Gram Panchayat and ULBs to procure dustbins for schools and maintain proper sanitation.
*Super-100 Plus Programme and New Centre to be Established*
The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the NIPUN Haryana Mission, the Super-100 Scheme and the tracking system for school dropouts. To provide better opportunities to students preparing for competitive examinations, he directed officers to launch the ‘Super-100 Plus’ programme and establish an additional dedicated centre under the initiative.
The programme provides high-quality free coaching to meritorious students studying in government schools and aims to ensure equal opportunities for students from economically weaker sections to succeed in competitive examinations.
Reviewing the health check-up camps being organised in schools, the Chief Minister directed that parents should be informed promptly if any disease or health-related issue is detected in a student so that timely treatment can be ensured.
Officers informed the Chief Minister during the meeting that 1,500 Special Teachers will soon be recruited in the state. Besides this, an MoU has been signed for teaching German language education to connect students with global opportunities, and work in this regard is progressing.