Vocational Trainers’ Demands Discussed, Honorarium Hike and Service Benefits Considered
Shimla, August 24, 2026: A meeting on the demands and service-related issues of vocational trainers in Himachal Pradesh was held at the State Assembly complex under the chairmanship of Education Minister Rohit Thakur.
The minister heard the demands raised by the Vocational Trainers Welfare Association and held a point-wise discussion with officials on their financial and administrative feasibility.
Key proposals discussed included an increase in honorarium, a 5% annual increment, additional state financial contribution, medical leave, study leave, paternity leave, child-care leave for women trainers and special leave.
Under the proposal, the honorarium of existing vocational trainers would be revised in line with provisions approved under PAB 2026-27, with an emphasis on a uniform honorarium structure within the prescribed Central limits. The demand for a 5% annual increase is proposed to be placed before the Government of India under PAB 2027-28.
A proposal was also discussed for an additional 20% state contribution towards vocational trainers’ remuneration over the existing 90:10 Centre-State funding arrangement under Samagra Shiksha.
Other proposals include increasing medical leave from six to 10 days, providing up to one year of unpaid study leave to enable trainers to update their skills, and extending up to 15 days of paternity leave to eligible male trainers. The feasibility of child-care leave for women trainers and special leave will also be examined.
The meeting also discussed strengthening vocational education within mainstream schooling in line with the National Education Policy 2020.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur said vocational education was an important component of the state’s education system and that vocational trainers played a key role in providing students with employment-oriented and skill-based education. He assured that service-related issues would be examined according to rules and that appropriate steps would be taken towards practical solutions.
Samagra Shiksha State Project Director Rajesh Sharma, Director School Education Ashish Kohli, Vocational Teacher Association president Praveen Mekta, secretary Vijay Sharma and other officials were present.
The association thanked the Education Minister for considering its demands. The department clarified that most decisions discussed in the meeting are currently at the proposal, examination or approval stage, and the provisions will be implemented only after the required government or PAB approvals.
Samagra Sikhsha
