HP Education Minister says govt open to reviewing school reforms, backs zero tolerance against exam leaks
Shimla, July 31
Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur on Friday said the state government was open to reviewing recent education reforms if any shortcomings were identified, while reiterating a zero-tolerance approach towards examination malpractices and supporting further measures to make recruitment and competitive examinations more transparent.
Speaking to ANI in Shimla, Thakur said the government was considering concerns raised by stakeholders over changes introduced in the education sector and had constituted a committee to examine the issues.
"Education is the foundation of our society. We want all issues to be resolved through dialogue. If anyone feels that any reform is causing hardship, the government is prepared to examine it," Thakur said.
The minister said the Education Department had held several meetings with stakeholders, including one chaired by the Chief Minister, to discuss concerns related to recent reforms. He said the government had already implemented measures such as rationalisation, the cluster system and other structural changes, while teachers had made a significant contribution to improving educational outcomes.
He said the committee constituted by the government would meet on August 5 and submit its recommendations.
"The Chief Minister has made it clear that if the committee recommends withdrawing any decision, the government will consider it. After the committee submits its recommendations, further action will be taken if required," he said.
On the government's decision to involve schools in Independence Day celebrations, Thakur said the objective was to encourage students to participate in commemorating India's freedom movement.
"The purpose is to ensure that students celebrate this important national festival and understand the significance of our freedom struggle. At present, the decision applies to schools, while the government can consider extending it to other institutions in the future," he said.
Responding to a question on the recently passed anti-paper leak law and demands from some student organisations to abolish the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), Thakur said stronger coordination between the Centre and states was necessary to prevent examination irregularities.
"There has to be zero tolerance towards paper leaks. Although steps have been taken, much more remains to be done to make the system completely foolproof. Anyone involved in such offences should face strict action without protection of any kind," he said.
The minister said Himachal Pradesh had already introduced computer-based testing for competitive examinations as part of efforts to improve transparency.
"We shifted competitive examinations to a computer-based system. It is a positive step, but technology keeps evolving, and we must continue updating our systems to ensure they remain secure and transparent," he said.
Thakur said examination integrity required a coordinated national effort, noting that instances of paper leaks had affected competitive examinations across the country in recent years.
On the Centre's reported move regarding respect for the National Anthem and Vande Mataram, the minister said national symbols should always be treated with dignity and respect.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Zero tolerance for paper leaks is absolutely essential! My daughter is preparing for NEET and the anxiety of whether the exam will even happen properly is just too much. Computer-based testing is a good step, but they need to tighten the whole system. Students deserve fairness. 💯
Himachal has always been a pioneer in education - from the Shimla agreement to now leading on transparency. But I hope the committee doesn't just become another talking shop. We need concrete action within a timeline. The August 5 meeting should come with clear deliverables.
As someone who grew up in the hill stations of HP, it's heartening to see progressive educational leadership. The emphasis on involving students in Independence Day celebrations is particularly meaningful - we must never forget our roots and the sacrifices made for our freedom.
Respectfully, I appreciate the minister's openness, but we need to talk about the teacher shortage in remote areas of Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti. The rationalisation process has made things worse in some villages. The committee must address ground realities, not just policy papers.
Paper leak mafia ko khatam karna hi hoga! 💪 The fact that students across India are suffering because of a few corrupt elements is unacceptable. Glad HP is taking this seriously. Strict action against anyone involved, no matter who they are - this is the only way forward.
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