Himachal Pradesh’s education infrastructure has suffered a severe blow this monsoon, with more than 1,320 schools and colleges ravaged by torrential rains, cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods — inflicting losses estimated at ₹122 crore, officials said recently.

Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior officers of the education department, Education Minister Rohit Thakur expressed grave concern over the widespread damage and urged officials to accelerate restoration efforts across the state’s worst-hit districts.

Thakur directed that Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) funds be deployed “judiciously,” prioritizing institutions with over 75% structural damage. He mandated that utilization reports be submitted within five days, cautioning that unspent funds would be diverted to schools in urgent need.

The minister also pushed for speedy recruitment, ordering that all sanctioned teaching posts be immediately forwarded to the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog and the Public Service Commission to fill vacancies without delay. Promotions, too, came under scrutiny — with Thakur warning that Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) failing to join their new postings on time would have their promotions revoked in favor of the next eligible candidate.

In a move to strengthen teaching quality, Thakur called on deputy directors to identify and share innovative classroom practices from across districts and to intensify school inspections to boost standards and accountability.

The minister also reviewed the Dr. Y S Parmar Vidyarthi Rin Yojna, directing officials to ensure that all eligible students receive education loans at a 1% interest rate for higher studies.

A detailed presentation showcased the department’s achievements, reforms, and initiatives from January 2023 till date, underscoring both the progress and the challenges ahead as Himachal Pradesh works to rebuild its education system from the wreckage of one of its harshest monsoons in recent memory.