Governor reviews works under Central schemes

While presiding over the review meeting of works under various Centrally sponsored schemes in Solan, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today said officers, employees and locals did a commendable relief and rescue work during the recent rain disaster in state. Owing to this, the state was fast emerging from the disaster and moving on the path of development again, he said.

Speaking on the ill-effects of drug addiction, the Governor said people would have to come forward and join hands with the government to root out the drug menace. He stressed the need to create awareness about the evil on the village-level. "Since Solan is considered a hub of education, the district and police administration should be more active and vigilant in keeping an eye on the drug peddlers. They should create awareness among the youth on drug abuse, he added."

Shukla said, "The industrial belt of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh has been transformed into the pharmaceutical hub of the state. The quality of medicines being produced here should meet global standards."

He instructed the Solan Deputy Commissioner to monitor the quality control of the medicines being produced in this hub and also stressed on tightening the noose around drug peddlers.

The Governor further directed the Public Works Department to refurbish the roads damaged during the torrential rains at the earliest as Solan district was the gateway to Himachal. He directed the officials to complete works under the various Centrally sponsored schemes within the stipulated time for timely receipt of funds. It was informed at the meeting that more than 90 per cent of the works under various Centrally sponsored schemes had been completed in the district.

DC Manmohan Sharma gave detailed information about the progress of various schemes being implemented in the district. Solan SP Gaurav Singh, Solan Municipal Corporation Commissioner Zaffar Iqbal and senior officials of various departments were among those present at the meeting.

Governor visits Agriculture University Palampur: Expresses satisfaction over functioning of Zero Budget Organic Farming

Governor Acharya Devvrat today visited Agriculture University Palampur in district Kangra and during his continuous three hour visit on foot to different Centers of the University; he took stocks of various activities being run by the University and also gave direction to the concerned scientists to improve the quality. He interacted with the scientists and got important inputs about their research activities.

The Governor visited Zero Budget Organic Farm working under department of organic agriculture. He expressed satisfaction, the university was doing natural farming under his mission and demonstration farms of natural farming were fully prepared. He was happy to see that the yield of natural farming was much better than organic farming, which showed that natural farming was safe and ensure better results.

He directed Deputy Commissioner C.P.Verma to convene a meeting of University scientists with the officers of university and horticulture at district level so that they could work in close coordination for the betterment of the farmers.

He also visited seed production farm of the university and asked the concerned authorities to preserve traditional seeds of the area.

He also visited Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex working under Veterinary Collage at Holta. He interacted with the veterinary doctors. Head of TVCC Dr. Pankaj Sud briefed about the clinical examination of animals and treatment. He also explained about the new innovation for transfer of technology and said that more than 80 percent animals cured after treatment in the centre.

The Governor said that the process of artificial insemination adopted was not up to the mark and the experts should train them to minimize the spreading of infection from one animal to another. He added that it was important for saving the Indian breed cow.

He also visited Sperm Station of HP Livestock Development Board. Dr. Sandeep Jasyal  Additional Director briefed about the activities of the centre. The Governor directed them to rear Indian Bull as they were much better than the foreign breed so far as production was concerned.

Dr. Ashok Saryal Vice Chancellor, Agriculture University, Palampur, Head of the departments, scientists, Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Gandhi and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

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Governor urges to adopt Indian culture and ethics

While addressing the concluding session of two day long State level Sanskrit Teachers ‘Vimarsh’ Conference at Solan today, Governor Acharya Devvrat said that we must adopt modernism along with conserving our traditional values and rich culture for ensuring overall development.
He said that India’s rich repository of culture, literature and scriptures were solely available in Sanskrit language and this language was the essence of Indian culture and life. Indian Philosophy was known for its positivity and time had come to make world aware about it. He called upon Sanskrit scholars to prepare a road map to re-establish Sanskrit language.
The Governor said that Sanskrit was the mother of all the languages and grammars of various languages had proved it beyond doubt that in present time of technology, Sanskrit was the best. He said that in pre-independence era, Indian culture and Sanskrit language was destroyed in a planned manner. He said that traditional Indian educational system was based on ‘Gurukuls’ and sustained efforts were made to finish these so that Indians could be made to suffer in absence of proper knowledge about Indian customs and traditions.
He exhorted the students to adopt traditional Indian system and to preserve the Indian culture. He also asked them to make Sanskrit popular amongst masses.
Earlier, the Governor felicitated President of Manishi Mandal Dr. Kumar Singh Sisodia and Dr. Vatslam of Sanskrit College Dohgi of district Una. He also released a book titled ‘Bhartiya Darshan’ authored by Dr. Hari Dutt Sharma.
Dr. Mast Ram Sharma, Secretary, State Sanskrit Academy briefed about two day conference.
Sanskrit scholars from all Sanskrit colleges of the State were present on the occasion.

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International Shivratri Fair Concludes

Governor Acharya Devvrat while presiding over the concluding ceremony of the week-long International Shivratri Fair today at Mandi said that fairs and festivals of Himachal Pradesh were unique in their own way and were means for celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the State. He said that rich colours of tradition witnessed during these festivals should be preserved for posterity as they affirm our identity as a great State and Nation.

Acharya Devvrat said that culture and its heritage reflect and shape values, beliefs, and aspirations besides defining our national identity. He said that we should be aware of our culture and traditions and added that it was our responsibility to keep them alive for our coming generations, so that they can take pride in their glorious past and have the same opportunities to learn about their own roots as we have.

The Governor said that these fairs and festivals provide new energy to the mankind and we should actively participate in these festivals besides helping the suffering humanity with selflessness. He said that it was the responsibility of every individual to eradicate social evils from the society. He appealed the youth to respect our rich culture and take it forward.  He also urged them to refrain from drug abuses and contribute in nation rebuilding.  He asked them to participate in cleanliness drive to make the environment pollution free for better life.

Earlier, Acharya Devvrat paid obeisance at Madhorai Temple and also participated in the Jaleb Shobha Yatra. He also participated in ‘Bhoj’ organized for the ‘kardars’ of deities.
The Governor also visited the exhibition put up by different Government departments and other organizations. He evinced keen interests in the exhibits displayed.
Mr Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner, Mandi and Chairman Mela Committee welcomed the Governor.
Present among others on the occasion were Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Mr Anil Sharma, MLAs Mr Mahender Singh, Mr Jai Ram Thakur and Mr Vinod Kumar, Chairperson Zila Parishad Smt. Champa Thakur, Vice Chairman, Nagar Parishad Mr Vishal Thakur, Divisoinal Commissioner Mr Devesh Kumar, Inspector General of Police Mr Ajay Yadav, Superintendent of Police Mr Prem Thakur, Councilors of Nagar Parishad Mandi, representatives of PRIs, senior district officers and other prominent persons of the town.

Governor appeals to save girl child

Governor Acharya Devvrat has taken a new initiative by visiting the families where female child was born and distributed gifts to the newly born. He visited Behna panchayat of Behl Constituency in District Mandi and Malori village in Bharon Panchayat near Mandi, today and congratulated the families of the girl child. The objective behind the initiative was to change the mindset of the people about the birth of girl child and sensitize them about the importance of women in the society.

On the occasion, he said the district administration had taken important initiative to check female foeticide and launched “Meri Ladli” campaign after the success of “ Beti Bachao, Beti Padao” programme in order to encourage the society to promote girl child. He honoured five girls of Bahna and two girls of Malori village during his visit.  He also announced Rs 2 lakh to the district administration for successful implementation of “ Meri Ladli” programme in the district. He said that this programme should be started throughout the state.

He also launched cleanliness drive jointly organised by Mahila Mandal and Gram panchayat Bahna at Bahna .

While addressing the gathering at Bahna panchayat, the Governor said women were the strongest power and female foeticide the biggest evil. He said that women show new direction to the society.

Acharya Devvrat urged the women to come forward and involve themselves in such social awareness programmes like Meri Ladli. He said that there were minimal cases of dowry in the State but to maintain gender ratio it was important to initiate such activities in the society. He also urged the women folk to contribute towards environment protection to make the ambiance clean.

He appreciated the efforts of district administration in this direction.

Earlier, the Governor also witnessed drama show-“ Akrosh”  at Gandhi Bhawan, Mandi which was inspired by “ Meri Ladli” programme.  He lauded the artists for their dramatic presentation and said that they were  contributing in spreading awareness in eradicating the social abuse from the society. He stressed the need for organizing such programmes in education institutions also.

The Governor also honoured Arusha Sharma of Mandi who was the winner of “Miss Himachal’, beauty contest- 2016.

Governor launches ‘Swachh Himachal - Padhai bhi, Safai bhi’ campaign

Governor Acharya Devvrat today launched the ‘Swachh Himachal – Padhai bhi, Safai bhi’ campaign initiated by HPCA and supported by Amway at historic Ridge, Shimla in the presence of Mr Anurag Thakur, President HPCA & MP Hamirpur and Mr Gursharan Singh Cheema, Vice President, Amway India.

While launching the ‘Swachh Himachal’ campaign, the  Governor said, “I am happy to be a part of this esteem initiative called ‘Swachh Himachal – Padhai bhi, Safai bhi’. I would like to congratulate organizers, students, teachers and everybody else associated with this noble campaign. I will personally take interest in pursuing this campaign with the help of the youth of State. In the past seven months, I have undertaken initiatives to safeguard the students from drugs and intoxicants. Swachh Himachal campaign is also on the same lines as it promotes health and cleanliness. I would personally invite each individual to associate with this cause and make a difference in the way we live.”

The Governor said that Himachal was known for its salubrious climate and pristine beauty and it was essential to preserve the beauty of the hill state, which is possible if all sections of society were involved. He said that sincere efforts should be made so that Himachal would be known for cleanliness. He added that school children could play an important role in this direction and motivate the people to involve them for such social cause.

Acharya Devvrat said that he had initiated various steps for the betterment and welfare of the society. Among these were, to save youth from drugs, Gau Palan, promotion of organic farming, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao  besides promoting environment of harmony. He said that cleanliness and environmental protection were the important parts of these initiatives and gave a clarion call to promote these initiatives for the welfare of the society.

He said lakhs of tourists visits Himachal Pradesh every year and to promote tourism, towns and cities should be kept clean, he added. He quoted the example of Switzerland where around three crore tourists visit the country every year and main reason was the clean environment and their citizens were taking the responsibility of cleanliness.

Earlier, the Governor also initiated cleanliness campaign along with Raj Bhawan officers near Auckland House School, Shimla to generate awareness among people and motivate them to keep the surroundings clean.

The Governor also released the Swachhta brochure in the presence of over 1000 students and teachers from various educational institutions.

Also joining the campaign, Mayank Dagar, the star left arm spinner of U-19 World Cup team, pledged to promote ‘Swachh Himachal – Padhai bhi, Safai bhi’ initiative.  

The campaign aims at creating awareness and understanding among the youth about the benefits of leading a clean, green and healthy lifestyle. This campaign will be driven throughout the state, across 12 districts both in urban and rural areas. The initiative will be primarily led by youth hailing from school, colleges, universities, educational institutes such as ITI’s, technical universities, Yuva Kendra, Mahila Mandal, etc.  Ten students from each school will be appointed as Swachh Captains, other students as Swachh Ambassadors and two teachers per school as Swachh Coach. To motivate and sensitize the youth, various opportunities will be offered such as interactive session and cricket clinics with renowned Indian cricketers, chance to watch live matches at the stadium, etc. The Swachh Captains and Swachh Coach will get a check-list to conduct the cleanliness drive starting with their institute/university and then their local neighborhoods. The objective is to showcase Himachal's beauty as India's cleanest and greenest state.

On the occasion, Mr Anurag Thakur, President HPCA and Member of Parliament Hamirpur, commenting on the initiative said he is thankful to the Governor Acharya Devvrat for sparing his valuable time and extending support towards Swachh Himachal - Padhai bhi, Safai bhi campaign. With this campaign we aim to involve youth and other stakeholders in the local community and work collaboratively towards the betterment of the society. We wish to preserve the beauty of our State and make it environmentally sustainable and keep the surroundings clean and green not only for the residents but also for the tourists. If the campaign is executed effectively, it is bound to benefit the State, he added.

Mr Gursharan Singh Cheema, Vice President, Amway India, Students from various schools and colleges, representatives of various NGOs and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.

Governor participates in cleanliness campaign at IGMC

Keeping up the commitment to his agenda of Cleanliness Awareness, Governor Acharya Devvrat today participated in a Cleanliness Campaign held under Swatch Bharat Abhiyan at Indira Gandhi Medical College Campus here today.

Immediately after taking over as Governor of the State, he stressed upon launching vigorous cleanliness campaign across the state. While translating the same into action today, Governor himself took a broom and cleaned certain parts of IGMC campus and Cancer Hospital along with Raj bhawan Officers and Staff.

He said that he would participate in this campaign further also across the State to bring in awareness among the  people and to motivate them to keep surroundings clean. He said that it was essential to preserve the beauty of the hill State which was possible only with the involvement of all sections of the society. He said that lakhs of tourists visit the State every year and in order to promote tourism also towns cities and all tourist spots should be kept clean.

He also took round of all wards and met the patients and wished them speedy recovery. He directed the authorities to take effective steps for monitoring cleanliness in the campus besides the quality of diet provided to the patients. He directed the Deputy Commissioner and PWD authorities to develop a small park and providing seating arrangement to patients attendants by fixing benches.  He also asked the authorities to open a ' Jan Aushadhi Kendra ' inside the Cancer Hospital premises itself so that patients and attendants need not go far for getting medicines etc.

Secretary to Governor Sh Pushpendra Rajput, Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Malhotra, Dr Ramesh Senior Medical Superintendent IGMC, Officers of Rajbhawan and Staff of IGMC were present.

Governor urges media to preserve Pahari Culture & Dev Sanskriti

Governor Acharya Devvrat urged the media to contribute towards preservation of Pahari culture and unique Dev Sanskriti of the State. He was speaking in the 17th Foundation Day Celebration of the weekly newspaper Shoolini Samachar at Solan today.

 Acharya Devvrat said that the culture and traditions of Himachal Pradesh were very unique in their own way and the State had preserved them over the years. He urged the media to project the same through their writings so that people from other parts of the country and abroad could get a glimpse of the rich traditions and natural beauty of the State. This would boost the tourism industry thereby strengthening the economy of the people, he added.

 The Governor also called upon the media to support in launching crusade against all kinds of social evils through awareness campaigns. He expressed concern over the increasing problem of drug abuse especially among youth who had an important responsibility as future citizens of the country. He also urged the media to come forward to participate in cleanliness and environment protection awareness campaigns which were extremely important for a hill state like Himachal Pradesh whose economy was dependent on tourism industry. He said that in order to preserve the hills and keep the towns clean mass awareness should be generated and only media had reach upto the remotest corner of the state.

He stressed upon rearing various breeds of cow in order to strengthen the rural economy and added that major chunk of population resided in villages. He also emphasized upon promoting organic agriculture for healthy life. He said that he would meet eminent citizens at district level and would tour the whole state in order to formulate strategy for promotion of organic agriculture, cleanliness drive, awareness campaigns against drug abuse etc.

Acharya Devvrat lauded the role of media in the society in upholding the rights of citizens and making them aware. He said that media has played an important role in strengthening democracy in the country and was truly the fourth pillar of democracy. He congratulated the founder of weekly newspaper Shoolini Samachar  Amarnath Bansal for preserving ethics of journalism and contribution towards the society.

The Governor also honoured eminent persons from various fields for their contribution.

Dr. (Col.) Dhaniram Shandil Social Justice and Empowerment Minister said that media should focus upon developmental journalism in order to make people aware of the welfare and developmental schemes being implemented for their benefit. He said that media played an important role by acting as a bridge between people and government.

Journalist  C D Upreti, ABYP General Secretary Suresh Bansal, Nehru Yuva Kendra Ex Director  Jaipal Mallik, Ex Head of Philosophy Department, Kurukshetra University  Himmat Singh Sinha also spoke on the occasion.

Chief Editor, Shoolini Samachar Satish Bansal welcomed the Governor and other guests.

Manager, Shoolini Samachar G C Gupta proposed vote of thanks.

 MP  Virendra Kashyap, Dr Ashwini Kumar Former Governor of Nagaland, MLA Gobindram, Zila Parishad Chairperson MS. Sheela, Chairman Nagar Parishad  Kul Rakesh Pant, Ex MLA Ms. Krishna Mohini, Vice Chancelllor Shoolini University P K Khosla, President, Himotkarsh Kanwar Hari Singh, Journalists, prominent persons of town and officers of district administration were present among others on the occasion.

HPPSC Chairman presents Annual Report of the Commission to Governor

Chairman HP Public Service Commission, Sh K.S. Tomar called on Governor, Acharya Devvrat at Rajbhawan here today. He presented 43rd Annual Report on the working of H. P. Public Service Commission for the period of 1st April, 2013 to 31st March, 2014 to the Governor.
He also apprised the Governor about new initiatives being taken by the commission for improving its functioning which would yield the desired results.
Sh. K.S. Tomar apprised the Governor of the new innovation introduced by the Commission for the candidates for giving interview either in Hindi or English which helped the aspirants especially from rural areas who faced a lot of problem in communicating in English.
He said more than 80 percent candidates gave their preference to Hindi language and better communication skill created an equal playing field to the candidates belonging to urban as well as rural areas in the State.
Chairman brought to the notice of the Governor that Commission has decided to switch over from HAS pattern of written examination to IAS pattern which will be a revolutionary step.
Shri Tomar informed of UPSC now having one optional subject which will be applicable to HAS and Allied Services main written examinations w.e.f. 2016 batch. HPPSC has decided to abolish one optional subject of 300 Marks in Himachal Administrative Services (HAS) and Allied Services main examinations and substitute it by two papers of 150 marks each of general knowledge to give equal playing field to all candidates.
He informed that the General Studies paper would contain 33 percent of questions relating to Himachal General Knowledge (G.K.)
A committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Sh. J.C Sharma, Member HPPSC, which would involve in a dialogue with the educational experts to seek their advice regarding framing of syllabus. The newly constituted syllabus would be available on the site of HPPSC which would even be open for suggestions.
Shri Tomar informed the Governor about the success of the Toll Free service which has benefited thousands of the candidates specially belonging to rural areas in the State.

Chairman also brought to the notice of the Governor that several reforms like E Payment, installation of jammer at examination centres, Bar Code System to maintain secrecy, Optical Marker Reader (OMR) outer sheet for conventional examinations like HAS, HJS, etc. had been introduced recently.
He said that a modern and Model Library will be created in new block which will be first of its kind in the entire country and it shall help candidates to prepare for various competitive examinations like HAS, IAS etc. State government has sanctioned Rs 2.80 crore to construct the New Block, he added.
He said that the Governor also appreciated the initiatives of the Commission especially for providing optional languages for interview and hoped that it would go a long way in strengthening the commission besides facilitating the candidates preparing for various exams of the commission.
He said that the Governor also assured of full support for the initiatives by HPPSC.
The officials of the Commission were also present on the occasion.

Governor hosts ‘At Home’

Governor  Acharya Devvrat hosted ‘At Home’ to the elite of Shimla town on the occasion of Independence Day at Raj Bhawan today.  Chief Minister Mr Virbhadra Singh and Lady Governor Mrs. Darshna Devi were also present on the occasion.

Chief Parliamentary Secretaries, Mr Nand Lal and Mr Rohit Thakur, MP Mr Virender Kashyap, MLAs,  Deputy Mayor, Municipal Corporation, Shimla, Mr Tikender Panwar,  Political Advisor to Chief Minister Mr Rangila Ram Rao, former Ministers,  Chief Secretary Mr P. Mitra,  Chairman, H.P. State Administrative Tribunal Justice Mr V.K. Sharma,  Director General of Police Mr Sanjay Kumar, Information Commissioner  Mr K.D. Batish, Vice Chancellor, H.P. University, Shimla, Prof. A.D.N. Bajpai,  Judges and former Judges of H.P. High Court,  Additional Chief Secretaries, Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of various Boards and Corporations, former MLAs,  freedom fighters, senior State Civil, Police and Military Officers, prominent citizens of the town and Ex-servicemen were present on the occasion among others.

Acharya Devvrat - Governor of Himachal Pradesh

Shri Devvrat was born on 18th January, 1959 and hails from Haryana. He has done Masters in Hindi and History from Punjab University Chandigarh and Kurukshetra University in 1984 and 1996 respectively. He has also done Doctor of Naturopathy and Yogic Science from All India Council for Naturopathy, New Delhi in 2002.

He is an educationist and has served for 34 years as Pracharya in Samprati Gurukul, Kurukshetra. He has been actively involved in social activities including environment protection, promotion of yoga , inculcating moral values among youth, protection of cow breeds, organic agriculture, promotion of girl education, ayurveda and naturopathy. He has worked for promoting values like patriotism and awareness of our rich culture in the society especially children and youth.

He has been conferred various awards for his distinguished services including Bharat Jyoti Award in 2003, American Medal of Honour in 2002, Janhit Shikshak Shree Award in 2009, Himotkarsh Rashtriya Ekatmakta Puraskar in 2006, Akshay Urja Samman in 2011.

He has authored books like Swasthya ka Anmol Marg - Prakritik Chikitsa (Hindi and English editions) , Gurukul Kurukshetra ka Gauravshali Itihaas besides editing magazines and translation works. He has rendered valuable services towards strengthening Gurukul.

Warm welcome accorded to Kalyan Singh at Shimla

Kalyan Singh, Governor of Rajasthan and Governor Designate Himachal Pradesh was accorded warm reception on his arrival at Shimla today.

Virbhadra Singh Chief Minister,  Prem Kumar Dhumal, Leader of Opposition, Smt. Vidya Stokes and  Thakur Singh Bharmouri Cabinet Ministers, MLAs,  Sanjay Chauhan, Mayor, Municipal Corporation, Shimla,  P Mitra, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretaries,  Sanjay Kumar, DGP, Vice Chancellors of Universities and senior officers of state Government received him at Raj Bhawan.

Kalyan Singh will take oath as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh  (Additional Charge) on 28th January at 11.30 am at Raj Bhawan.

The Chief Minister congratulated and welcomed him to Himachal Pradesh.

Kalyan Singh to take additional charge as HP Guv

Jaipur, Jan 27 (PTI) Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh will tomorrow assume additional charge as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh.

Courtsey: PTI

Read full story: http://www.ptinews.com/news/5619863_Kalyan-Singh-to-take-additional-charge-as-HP-Guv.html

Governor and Chief Minister felicitate people On Dussehra

Governor, Smt. Urmila Singh and Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh felicitated people of the State on the occasion of Vijay Dashmi. 

The Governor said that Dussehra festival was symbolic of victory of good over evil and hoped the festival would be celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the State. 

Chief Minister extended heartiest felicitation to the people of the State on the occasion and wished that the festival would bring happiness, peace and prosperity in the lives of the people of the State. 

Governor launches Iron Folic Acid Supplementation Programme

Smt. Urmila Singh, Governor who is on a two day tour to the tribal area of Lahaul and Spiti launched the Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFAS) Programme of Health department at Udaipur today. She distributed Iron folic tablets to students of 6th to 12th standards on the occasion. Governor also visited Sri Trilokinath and Sri Mrikuladevi temples and offered prayers. 

She was welcomed by the local Mahila Mandals in a traditional manner at both the places and honoured with a cap and shawl. Smt Singh appreciated the scenic beauty of the area and said that the Buddhist monasteries and temples of Lahaul Spiti attracted tourists from home and abroad and the area had vast potential for development of tourism. It was also the favourite destination of adventure lovers, she added. 

She said that the culture of the valley was unique in its own way and should be preserved. She stressed upon generating awareness regarding environment protection so that the natural beauty of the area could be protected.

Governor also presented a cheque of Rs. one lakh from State Red Cross Society Fund to Smt. Kesari Devi whose husband is suffering with cancer. 

Local MLA Shri Ravi Thakur welcomed the Governor on the occasion. 

Later, she also visited Jispa and enjoyed a colourful cultural programme presented by the children of Kendriya Vidyalaya and Government Senior Secondary School, Keylong.

Earlier, Governor was accorded a rousing reception at Udaipur helipad by the local MLA Shri Ravi Thakur, Deputy Commissioner Shri Bir Singh Thakur, Superintendent of Police Shri Sunil Kumar, officers of district administration and prominent people of the area.

Governor confers Awards upon 19 teachers on Teacher’s Day

Governor confers Awards upon 19 teachers on Teacher’s Day
( Click to Zoom )

State level Teachers day function was organized at Raj Bhawan today. Smt Urmila Singh, Governor presided over the function. Sh Virbhadra Singh Chief Minister was chief guest on the occasion. Governor presented National Awards comprising of a cash prize of Rs 60,000 along-with a set of books and shawl to three teachers besides State Awards comprising of a cash prize of Rs 40,000, silver medal, cap, shawl, a set of books and certificate to 16 teachers on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt Urmila Singh stressed upon educating the girl child in order to bring about women empowerment in its true sense in the society. She said that women were the pillars of the society and they should be empowered for building a strong nation. She said that students should be sensitized about this since childhood so that they grow up as aware and responsible citizens. 

Smt Urmila Singh said that ideal environment should be created in schools so that every student gets ample opportunity to grow according to his or her interest and ability. Teachers should explore the potential of students and facilitate learning opportunities beyond the classroom for their overall development, she added.

Governor said that teachers were the backbone of the society as they shaped the destiny of pupils and were nation builders in true sense. She said that they influence the minds of students and were looked upon as role models. She said that teachers prepared students for facing the challenges in life and their work was not confined to mere classroom. She said that teachers should inspire students by setting up examples through their good conduct and learning.

She lauded the Guru-Shishya Parampara which uphold the importance of teacher and instilled the values like respect for teacher as well as elders. She said that such rich traditions should be maintained in modern times also.

Governor and Chief Minister paid rich tributes to former President, Philosopher and Educationist Dr S. Radhakrishnan for his valuable contributions towards the cause of education and on whose birth anniversary Teachers Day is celebrated. Governor also released a souvenir on the occasion.

Shri Virbhadra Singh, Chief Minister said on the occasion that the state government had opened Primary schools within a radius of 1.5 or 2 km across the State so that students could get education nearer to their homes. He said that the present government had ordered to reopen all the schools closed by the previous government and added that the objective of state government of achieving the cent percent target of education was not possible unless children get school facility nearer to homes. He said that Himachal Pradesh being a hill state with tough topography and harsh weather conditions especially in winters, it was necessary to provide school facility in every area even if there were less students.

Government to strengthen primary and elementary education: CM

Chief Minister stressed upon strengthening education at primary and elementary levels so that potential of the students could be explored to the maximum at higher education level and their base was strong. He expressed concern over discontinuation of examination system up to Elementary level and added that promoting to next class on the basis of assessment could prove harmful to the students in the long run as it hampered the interest of students in studies. He further said that examinations were essential for evaluating the education standards of students at every level as it was good for both students and teachers.

Shri Virbhadra Singh emphasized the need of instilling moral values besides teaching the importance of patriotism, nationalism, discipline among students so that they grew up as good citizens. He said they should be made aware of our constitution and principles laid in it. He said that during his previous tenure the preamble of Indian constitution was printed and displayed in schools and government offices. He ordered that they should be displayed again in all the educational institutions, libraries and government offices if already not been displayed. The State had achieved cent percent target of enrolment in elementary education and efforts were on to achieve the target of more than 60 percent enrolment in higher education. 

He said that presently more than 15,000 educational institutions were functioning in the State in government sector. The State Government had made a provision of Rs. 3836 crore for education sector for current year which was 18 percent of the total budget. He said that Netbooks would be given free of cost to 5,000 meritorious students of 10th and 12th class this year under Rajiv Gandhi Digital Student Yojna. To encourage meritorious students in the State, the Government had taken decision to give cash incentive of Rs. 75,000 to any student of Himachal Pradesh who got admission in prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs and AIIMs. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that State Government was providing free travelling facility to all government school students in HRTC buses. He said that sincere efforts were being made to improving the quality of education in the State. The Government had taken decision of rationalization to fill the vacant posts of teachers in far-flung and hard areas of the State. He said that emphasis had been given on imparting training to the teachers. He said that efforts were being made to strengthen the basic infrastructure in the schools and making teaching child centric and activity based. 

Sh R.D.Dhiman, Principal Secretary Education welcomed the Governor and Chief Minister and detailed about the activities of the department.

Sh Dinkar Burathoki, Director Higher Education proposed vote of thanks.

A colourful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.

Forest Minister Sh Thakur Singh Bharmouri, Excise and Taxation Minister Sh Prakash Chaudhry, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Education Sh Neeraj Bharti, Secretary to Governor Smt Anita Tegta, Sh Ashok Sharma Director Elementary Education, Awardee teachers, officers of state government and education department were present among others on the occasion.



List of Awardees :

• Shri Pradeep Singh, Lecturer, Mathematics, GSSS (Boys) Una,
• Shri Nek Ram, Shashtri, GSSS (Girls), Jogindernagar 
• Ms. Devika Rani, CHT GPS, Kinnu, District Una were honoured with National Awards for their outstanding services in the field of education. 

The State level Awards were given to -

• Shri Om Prakash Kaistha, Principal, GSSS, Jaidevi, District Mandi, 
• Shri Suresh Kumar Gautam, Headmaster, GHS, Talyahar, District Mandi, 
• Shri Krishan Chand, Lecturer, GSSS, Galore, District Hamirpur, 
• Shri Raj Kumar Kanwar, DPE, GSSS, Mawa Kaholan, District, Una, 
• Shri Ram Krishan, TGT, GSSS, Karsog, District Mandi, 
• Shri Nand Lal Sharma, TGT, GSSS, Gada Kufri, District Shimla, 
• Dr. Manohar Lal Awasthi, TGT, GHS, Menjha, District Kangra, 
• Shri Mohinder Singh, PET, GSSS, Delgi, District Solan, 
• Shri Mela Ram, PET, GSSS(Boys), Solan, 
• Smt. Neena Thakur Shastri, GMS, Pukhri, District Chamba, 
• Shri Yugal Kishore Gupta, JBT (CHT), GPS, Chhakoh, District Bilaspur, 
• Smt. Krishna Devi, JBT, GPS, Tawan (Balh), District Mandi, 
• Smt. Sita Devi, JBT (CHT), GPS, Takrela, District Bilaspur, 
• Shri Chuni Lal Sharma, JBT (CHT), GPS Rampur Bushar, District Shimla 
• Smt. Chandrawati, JBT (CHT), GPS, New Colony Jail Road, Mandi, District Mandi.