Himachal Pradesh has significantly elevated its standing in national quality education rankings, moving from 21st position in 2021 to the fifth spot, according to Education Minister Rohit Thakur. The state has also achieved the first rank nationally in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) for 2025.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Education Minister made these remarks on Friday while addressing the 21st Foundation Day celebrations of the Vijay Group of Institutions in Bagla, located within the Balh Assembly constituency of Mandi district. He was the chief guest at the event and took the opportunity to honour students who had excelled in various academic and co-curricular fields.
During his address, Minister Thakur congratulated the institution on completing two decades of its service. He emphasized that education serves as the most robust foundation for societal advancement and acts as a potent instrument for fostering positive transformations in the lives of individuals. He articulated that the true measure of an educational institution’s success should not be solely based on its physical infrastructure, but more importantly on the intellectual growth, moral character, instilled values, and the tangible achievements of its students.
The Minister further elaborated on the state’s commendable progress in the education sector. He highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s leading performance in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) for 2025, where it secured the top national position. Additionally, the state’s participation in PARAKH-2024 demonstrated superior foundational language and learning competencies among its students when compared to the national average. This indicates a strong grasp of basic literacy and numeracy skills across the student population.
Further substantiating the state’s educational strides, Minister Thakur pointed out the improvement in the Performance Grading Index, where Himachal Pradesh advanced from 13th to sixth position. The state has also attained a remarkable literacy rate of 99.55 per cent, a milestone that has earned it recognition as a fully literate state. This achievement underscores a widespread commitment to education and literacy within the state’s population.
The state government, as stated by the minister, is actively promoting and supporting meritorious students through various scholarship programs. To further enhance the quality of education and expose educators to contemporary pedagogical approaches, opportunities are being provided for both students and teachers to participate in educational visits abroad. These trips are designed to facilitate learning about modern teaching methodologies and the latest advancements in emerging technologies, thereby fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Addressing the students directly, Minister Thakur urged them to aspire to ambitious goals and to uphold a strong sense of discipline. He advised them to always respect their parents and teachers, to value their time diligently, and to cultivate qualities such as humility and a profound sense of social responsibility. These virtues, he suggested, are crucial for both personal growth and contributing positively to society.
The Minister also commended the Vijay Group of Institutions for achieving NAAC accreditation, a significant recognition of its academic standards. He subsequently laid the foundation stone for the institution’s proposed new school building and participated in a tree-planting drive on the campus by planting a sapling, symbolizing growth and environmental consciousness. The celebration was further enriched by a cultural program presented by the students.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including several elected public representatives, senior government officials, members of the institution’s management committee, faculty members, and a large contingent of students. Their presence highlighted the collective support and recognition of the institution’s contributions to the educational landscape of the region.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
