"Era of data science and AI has come": Himachal CM Sukhu highlights initiatives undertaken to boost education

Jol Sappar (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 10 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted initiatives undertaken by the state government to improve the education sector on Thursday.
Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukkhu, addressed a gathering at Trisha College of Education in Jol Sappar, stressing the importance of self-confidence and disciplined study habits among students.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state government's commitment to improving educational standards, particularly through data-driven approaches.
He mentioned the integration of technology-based education, including data science, data learning, and artificial intelligence, with courses already initiated at ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes).
"The state government is bringing qualitative improvement to the level of education. The emphasis is being laid on data-based education. Now education has become technology-based. The era of data science, data learning, artificial intelligence has come. The government has also started these courses in ITI," Sukhu said.
Reflecting on the educational landscape upon his government's inception, Sukkhu acknowledged the shortcomings in quality education delivery.
He revealed concerns over students' English proficiency and announced the introduction of English-medium education from the primary level across all government schools, with budgetary provisions allocated for the purpose.
"15 months ago, when our government came into power, it was found in a presentation on education that the state had lagged considerably behind in quality education. While there was expansion in education, instead of progressing, it was continuously regressing. A fifth-grade student couldn't read a second-grade book. Children had fear regarding English, considering this subject extremely difficult. Observing this, our government is planning to introduce the English medium in the first grade in all government schools starting with the current academic session. Provision has been made in the budget for this. Government school teachers are being encouraged to be confident and diligent, for which the government is organising exposure tours for teachers abroad.," Sukhu stated.
The inauguration of a cleanliness campaign-themed magazine at Trisha College marked the occasion, where CM Sukkhu was felicitated by the college chairman, NK Sharma.
The magazine's content was based on a cleanliness drive conducted in 24 schools and surrounding villages from October 2, 2023, to November 17, 2023, as reported by the college.
The event witnessed the presence of political figures such as Dr Pushpinder Verma from the Congress party, councillor Harsh Kalia, and Sangita Katoch from the Mahila Congress, alongside dignitaries like Moti Joshi, the appointed director of Kangra Bank.