Government schools of Himachal to emerge as the best in the country: Chief Minister

SHIMLA 25 May, 2026

• Interacts with students of CBSE School Chhota Shimla
• CM highlights important role of youth in Anti-Chitta campaign

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today interacted with students at the newly upgraded CBSE Government Senior Secondary School, Chhota Shimla. During the interaction, students asked a wide range of questions to the Chief Minister, who responded with openness.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government was introducing transformative changes in the education system and positive results would soon be visible. He said that his visit was not intended for delivering a formal speech, but to interact with students so that shortcomings in the system could be identified and addressed effectively. He added that the state government was working towards making government schools the best in the country so that students receive quality education in government institutions. He said that teachers in government schools are highly competent, hardworking and have been appointed through competitive examinations.
During the interaction, students asked questions ranging from the CBSE system to the Chief Minister’s personal experiences. Student Aarav Thakur asked about his favourite sport during school days. The Chief Minister replied that he actively participated in debate competitions and played hockey, cricket and handball. He added that he had also captained a handball team and also fond of trekking. He shared that his first trek was from Tapri to Reckong Peo.
Pointing out that the school currently does not have a Physics teacher and has only one Political Science teacher, a student requested that the vacant posts be filled at the earliest. Responding to this, the Chief Minister said that since the school has now been converted into a CBSE institution, all vacant posts would be filled before 30th June this year. He added that students would now have access to a wider range of subjects under the CBSE curriculum.
Divyansh, a Class XII student, asked whether marks or skills hold greater importance, considering that students today often score above 80 percent. The Chief Minister responded that while marks are important, students must also become skilled, confident and capable individuals.
Another student asked what role young people can play in the State Government’s campaign against drug abuse. The Chief Minister replied that the role of youth was extremely crucial in the anti-drug campaign. He explained that drug traffickers first lure young people into addiction and later involve them in trafficking activities. He urged students to report drug traffickers to the police and actively participate in spreading awareness about this menace. He also informed them that an Anti-Chitta Rally would be held in Shimla on June 5 and encouraged senior students to participate in it.
Radha, a Class VII student, asked about Chief Minister’s journey to become Chief Minister. In response, the Chief Minister said that when he was in Class X, a strike took place in his school, following which he became a Class Representative at the age of 17. During his law studies at Himachal Pradesh University, he became a Department Representative. He later served as a councillor in the Shimla Municipal Corporation and also held positions as President of the National Students’ Union of India and the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee. He recalled that while his brother and sister were employed, his parents often advised him to pursue a job instead of politics. He said that he initially aspired to contest from Shimla, but circumstances led to him receiving a ticket from the Nadaun Assembly constituency.
Sharing a mantra of success with the students, the Chief Minister said that discipline, dedication and the willingness to struggle are essential for achieving success in life. He added that success comes to those who persevere and work hard to achieve their goals.
Mayor MC Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Secretary Education Rakesh Kanwar, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli, members of the school staff and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.