Education Minister chairs steering committee meeting of UNESCO ‘HP FUTURES’ project

·     Government committed to quality education despite challenges: Rohit Thakur

·     Directs strict implementation of UNESCO recommendations

The Education Minister Rohit Thakur, today here chaired the third meeting Steering Committee of the HP FUTURES project organized by Samagra Shiksha to review progress made so far and to decide the roadmap for the next phase of education reforms in Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing the meeting, the Education Minister said that the agreement with UNESCO reflects the state government’s firm commitment to provide world-class quality education to students, despite the geographical constraints and frequent natural calamities faced by the hill state. He said that this partnership was a decisive step towards overcoming structural challenges and ensuring that children in even the remotest areas receive quality and equitable education.

The Minister said the HP FUTURES Project (launched in 2025) aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework 2023, aiming to build future-ready, inclusive and climate-resilient PM SHRI schools in Himachal Pradesh. The project was based on three pillars, Competency-Based Education, Value Education through Sports and Greening Education to move beyond rote learning and promote critical thinking, discipline, leadership, teamwork and environmental awareness, while equipping students with 21st-century skills.

He said that since the first Steering Committee Meeting in September 2025, consultations have been held with civil society organizations, Samagra Shiksha, SCERT and DIETs. Around 200 teachers have been trained in Value Education through Sports, including senior secondary physical education lecturers, while eco-clubs have been strengthened and student participation in sustainability activities has increased.

Rohit Thakur said that the reforms would begin in 12 PM SHRI schools, expand to all 99 and later be rolled out statewide. He stressed on stronger teacher training by DIETs, close coordination among HP Board, SCERT and DIETs and regular monitoring and review to ensure effective implementation and measurable outcomes.

He further said that the State Government was actively strengthening the education system through meaningful reforms and progressive policy formulation based on the recommendations and findings of the UNESCO team. He said that these recommendations must not remain confined to reports, but should translate into visible improvements in classroom teaching, learning outcomes and overall school functioning. Strict and time-bound implementation is essential and would be closely monitored.

Highlighting the financial realities, the Minister said that although only a small portion of mere three percent of the State budget was allocated to education, with a major share spent on salaries and pensions, the present Government was still undertaking productive and meaningful reforms in education sectors. He expressed confidence that with focused leadership, coordinated efforts and sustained collaboration with UNESCO, Himachal Pradesh would emerge as an education hub and a model state for others to follow.

Education Minister said that education remains a top priority of the present State Government and affirmed its commitment to building a robust, equitable and forward-looking education system that prepares every child in the state for future challenges with confidence and competence.

Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar also shared his valuable suggestions and recommendations.

During the meeting, UNESCO delegates also delivered a detailed presentation outlining their findings and recommendations from field visits conducted across various schools in the state.

Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, Director School Education Ashish Kohli, UNESCO delegates and other senior officers of education department were present during the meeting.