SHIMLA -24 Feb, 2026

Government to establish skill-based, vocational and industry-oriented University in Chamba: CM

Transforming education through digital excellence as part of 'Vyavastha Parivartan'

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, today here said that the State government has recently approved to establish 'Global Skills & Digital University' in District Chamba. He said that the establishment of this university would be a major step towards strengthening quality higher education, digital and skill development in the State.

The Chief Minister said that the University would be set up at Mohal Chalera, Tehsil Sihunta, District Chamba, with a clear focus on skill-based, vocational and industry-oriented education. He said that this decision aims to enhance employability, promote entrepreneurship, encourage innovation and implement “learn while earn” models to benefit the youth of the state.

He said that the institution would offer certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes under a credit-based and National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)-aligned framework, incorporating online, blended and experiential learning modes in line with modern educational practices.

The Chief Minister said that the state government was committed to provide accessible and quality higher education, especially in rural and underserved areas. The University’s jurisdiction shall extend across Himachal Pradesh, subject to fulfillment of all statutory and regulatory requirements.

The academic structure would comprise Schools of Healthcare & Allied Sciences, Management & Commerce, Information & Communication Technology Sciences, Hospitality & Culinary Arts, Engineering & Technology, Apparel & Textiles, Food Processing, Plastics & Petrochemicals, Fitness & Physical Education, Carpeting & Furniture, Drone Development & Applications, Environment & Disaster Management, Agriculture and Languages.

He said that this initiative reflects the state government’s vision of building a future-ready education ecosystem aligned with industry needs and global standards. The establishment of the University was expected to create new opportunities for education, skill development and employment, contributing significantly to the socio-economic growth of District Chamba and the State.

The Chief Minister further emphasized that special thrust would be laid on digital skills to prepare students for emerging technologies and the evolving global job market. The University would introduce programmes in artificial intelligence, data analytics, cyber-security, cloud computing, digital marketing, fintech and e-commerce, along with hands-on training through virtual labs and industry collaborations. This digital focus would ensure that students from even remote and rural areas of the State gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and become globally competitive professionals.

He said that strong industry linkages, apprenticeship programmes, incubation centres and placement support cells would be established to enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship among youth. Sector Skill Councils and leading industries would be engaged to design curriculum and provide on-the-job training opportunities, ensuring that students graduate with job-ready skills. The “learn while earn” model would further empower students financially while enabling them to gain practical experience alongside academic learning.

Highlighting the broader “Vyavastha parivartan” in the education sector, the Chief Minister said that the State government was working towards reforming governance, curriculum design and institutional accountability to make education more transparent, outcome-driven and student-centric.

He said that the Global Skills & Digital University would serve as a model institution in bringing transformative change, bridging the gap between education and employment while promoting innovation, inclusivity and sustainable development.