Himachal Pradesh (HP) government is contemplating to introduce regulatory mechanism for schools on the lines of HP Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission, which is a statutory body for colleges and universities.

“We are studying the whole phenomenon. The draft is almost ready. We will place it before cabinet for discussion,” Education minister, Suresh Bhardwaj told media persons on Wednesday, replying to a media query on ‘dummy admissions’ in schools for senior secondary students.The minister said HP had done well in the education sector in entire country, but a point of worry was that the gross enrolment rate in schools was showing a drop.

“We have the best of teachers in government schools, there is mid-day meal scheme and uniform is also given free. Even then the enrolment is showing a decline. We are examining the reasons and will take corrective steps,” Bhardwaj said.He said the education department wanted to promote research in Universities. “We have 24 varsities in the state, but the research work is not being done. I have written to all the ministers that if any department wants to do any kind of empirical study, the education department will facilitate through Universities.”

The education minister said the government is extending the optional course of functional literacy to all the 12 districts from Classes X to XII in schools with the help of Central government.
“The course was earlier being taught in four districts,” Bhardwaj informed that Human Resource Development (HRD) minister, Prakash Javdekar held a video conference of the education ministers across the country on Tuesday morning regarding the Prime Minister’s programme of addressing students and parents on stress on 16 February.

“PM, Narendra Modi has written a book on the stress on students and their parents and he will address them on the issue. The PM will address all the 29 crore students in the country from Classes VI to X and of colleges and Universities. The main programme is being held in Talkatora stadium,” he said.

Bhardwaj said in HP, seven lakh students and their parents will participate in the programme, which will reach them through live telecast by Doordarshan.  “It will be an interactive programme and the students can also send their questions on the website. The PM will pick some of them for answer.”