Statewide Association Convenes in Hamirpur, Presents Charter of Demands to Government
By Vishal Rana, Hamirpur
In a powerful demonstration of collective resolve, the Himachal Pradesh Private School Management Welfare Association convened a crucial state-level meeting at Him Academy Public School in Vikas Nagar, Hamirpur, on Sunday. The gathering, drawing school directors and administrators from across the state, served as a unified platform to address systemic challenges and present a consolidated charter of demands to the state government for a more transparent and equitable educational landscape.
The meeting, presided over by Association President Pankaj Lakhanpal with State President Jagjit Singh Thakur as the chief guest and noted educationist R.C. Lakhanpal as the special guest, began with traditional ceremonies. The proceedings quickly moved to substantive discussions, resulting in several key resolutions.
Foremost among the demands is the call for immediate governmental intervention to resolve bureaucratic delays in issuing Fire Safety Certificates and distributing laptops to students. The association also strongly advocated for standardizing the evaluation process for classes 3, 5, and 8 across all educational blocks, criticizing the current inconsistent methodologies. To ease administrative burdens, proposals included extending school bus permit validity to 20 years and eliminating the repetitive submission of documents for CBSE affiliation renewals.
Further resolutions pressed for a uniform statewide policy on educational excursions, the creation of more opportunities for meritorious students, and a formal prohibition on charging extra fees for sports competitions. The body also reached a consensus that the re-evaluation of results for classes 5 and 8 should be conducted at the school level itself. Productive discussions were held on operational improvements, including the creation of multi-tasking staff positions within schools.
In his address, Chief Guest Jagjit Singh Thakur emphasized solidarity, stating, “This association is the strong thread that binds all our schools together, enabling us to speak as one powerful voice for the betterment of education.” Representatives from Shimla, Mandi, Una, and other districts reinforced this sentiment, highlighting the universal need for quality, transparency, and consistent policies.
The association extended commendations to Him Academy Public School for hosting the event and acknowledged its ‘Bal Vatika’ kindergarten initiative. Concluding with a firm commitment, the association pledged to persistently and effectively advocate before the state government and relevant departments. “We stand united in our resolve to safeguard the interests of private schools and will work tirelessly to foster a streamlined, supportive, and high-quality educational ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh,” the body declared.