He directed the department to prepare an action plan for their optimum utilization in the larger public interest, adding that wastage of public funds merely on construction was unacceptable.
Photo: SNS
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said providing quality technical education to students within the state remains the main focus of the present government to equip them with market-relevant skills and enhance employability.
While reviewing the functioning of the Technical Education Department here on Tuesday, the Chief Minister expressed concern over several vacant buildings, stating that seven such structures constructed at a cost of Rs. 126.45 crore between 2018 and 2023 were lying unused.
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He directed the department to prepare an action plan for their optimum utilization in the larger public interest, adding that wastage of public funds merely on construction was unacceptable.
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The Chief Minister directed the department to grade Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Polytechnic Colleges based on student enrolment, overall performance, and available facilities. He said that the government was committed to strengthening the Technical Education Department to provide quality education and assured that all vacant posts in technical institutions would be filled soon.
Emphasizing the need to align technical education with emerging employment opportunities, Sh. Sukhu said that the State was introducing new-age courses in its institutions to prepare youth for future industries. He expressed satisfaction over the introduction of an M.Tech (EV-Tech) course at Hydro Engineering College, Bandla in Bilaspur district, with an intake of 30 students.
He said the government was actively promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the State, adding that the ‘State Innovation and Start-Up Policy-2025’ was being finalized to encourage young entrepreneurs.
The Chief Minister also informed that the government was considering setting up a Digital University of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Skill and Vocational Studies at Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district, for which 258 bighas of land had been identified.
He also reviewed the functioning of the Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam and the Himachal Pradesh Takniki Shiksha Board, issuing necessary directions to bring further improvements in their functioning.
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