SHIMLA, April 14: — Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu flagged off a delegation of 70 teachers to Singapore as part of a state-backed educational tour aimed at enhancing teaching standards through global exposure and advanced training.
At the send-off ceremony, Sukhu said the initiative reflects his government’s commitment to building a world-class education system in Himachal Pradesh. “Travel broadens knowledge and enhances experience,” he noted, adding that international training would play a pivotal role in transforming Himachal into a model state for quality education.
The teachers will receive training at the renowned Principals Academy in Singapore, under a government agreement designed to boost professional development. “This programme will help sharpen skills and reshape classroom methodologies. Students will be the ultimate beneficiaries,” the CM said.
Sukhu stated that reforms introduced over the past two years are yielding measurable outcomes. Citing the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) released in January 2025, he mentioned, “Himachal’s students demonstrated the highest reading proficiency in India.” He added that internal surveys also reflect significant improvements in learning levels.
The chief minister announced plans to revise school curricula and introduce general knowledge as a subject, noting that the state would soon adopt a new policy to support holistic student development. “Alongside administrative reforms, we are innovating—such as streamlining teacher transfers—to improve education quality,” he said.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur said that 267 teachers had already been sent to Singapore under the initiative. “This isn’t just an overseas trip—it’s a visionary step that will bring fundamental improvements to the teaching-learning process,” he said.
Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar briefed the gathering on the goals of the training programme, while State Project Director for Samagra Shiksha, Rajesh Sharma, shared insights into ongoing innovations under the centrally sponsored scheme.
