He said that the Vidya Samiksha Kendra represents an important milestone in this transformative journey. (Image: @SukhuSukhvinder)Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Saturday said that the use of mobile phones by students in schools will be banned in government schools from the next academic session. Teachers, however, would be permitted to keep their mobile phones in staff rooms or in their bags.
“From the next academic session, there will be a complete ban on students carrying mobile phones within school premises from pre-nursery to Class 12. Teachers would be permitted to keep their mobile phones in staff rooms or in their bags. The government was working with determination to ensure quality education. The school curriculum would be enriched with music, culture and future-oriented subjects,” Sukhu said while inaugurating the newly established state-of-the-art facilities at the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha, including the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK), Education Gallery, Programme Management Studio Conference Area, New Conference Hall and a modern Central Heating System in Shimla.
During the event, the CM interacted with school students and gained insights into their learning processes and educational experiences. Several new technology-driven initiatives and state-of-the-art facilities were also launched on the occasion.
While addressing the gathering, the CM said that these advanced facilities would not only enhance administrative and academic efficiency but would also mark the beginning of a new era of digital education governance in Himachal Pradesh. He said that this initiative reflects the visionary approach of the present state government and it would place education at the core of overall development.
He said that the Vidya Samiksha Kendra represents an important milestone in this transformative journey. Himachal has emerged as one of the leading states to adopt an integrated digital platform that provides real-time data related to teaching, learning outcomes, student assessment, attendance, resource management and school administration. Innovative initiatives such as ‘Abhyas Himachal’, geospatial technology-based smart attendance systems and ‘Nipun Pragati’ were ensuring scientific analysis of the learning levels of the children. He said that learning gaps are now being identified through data-driven insights rather than assumptions, making the education system more transparent, accountable and outcome-oriented.
MLAs Suresh Kumar and Sudershan Babloo, Director Education Ashish Kohli, Director Higher Education Dr Amarjeet Singh and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur attended the programme as the chief guest. Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, along with senior officers of Samagra Shiksha and the Education Department, too were present.
Director, Samagra Shiksha, Rajesh Sharma said that these initiatives would make the functioning of Samagra Shiksha more effective, transparent and modern.