CHANDIGARH: 5 May 2026 : The Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, chaired a high-level review meeting of the Education Department to assess the status and institutional performance of School, Higher and Technical Education in the Union Territory and to outline key priorities for strengthening the education ecosystem.

At the outset, the Secretary Education, Ms. Prerna Puri, IAS along with the Director School Education, Shri Nitish Singla, PCS and Director Higher|Technical Education, Ms. Palika Arora, PCS presented a comprehensive overview highlighting key achievements, ongoing initiatives, infrastructure development, implementation of NEP 2020 and progress in skill development across schools, colleges and technical institutions.

A major highlight of the review was Chandigarh’s exceptional performance in the education sector, particularly its high Gross Enrolment Ratio, strong Gender Parity Index and consistent national rankings of institutions, reflecting the sustained efforts of the department towards achieving quality and inclusive education.

During the meeting, a detailed review of various school-level initiatives was undertaken, including UDAAN and SHIKHAR (free coaching programmes), SAATHI (mental well-being initiative), Adopt-a-School programme, Olympic Values Education Programme and the progress on distribution of free textbooks for Classes IX–XII. The Chief Secretary directed that skill-based courses be introduced across all Government schools to enhance employability and align education with emerging industry requirements, in continuation of the department’s efforts to expand vocational education in schools. He further directed that all Government schools be equipped with smart classrooms to promote digital learning and modern teaching practices.

Taking note of vacancies in teaching positions, the Chief Secretary instructed that the process for regular recruitment of teachers be expedited to ensure optimal student-teacher ratios and improved academic outcomes. It was apprised that recruitment for TGT and JBT posts is currently under process and steps are being taken to fill vacant positions. He also directed the introduction of a comprehensive Child Tracking System to map children in the age group of 3 to 18 years and ensure that no child drops out of the education system.

The Chief Secretary stressed the need for ITIs, Polytechnics and Degree Colleges to actively identify and establish collaborations with industry partners to enhance practical training, apprenticeships and placement opportunities. He specifically directed that every technical institute must establish collaborations with a minimum of 2–3 industries to strengthen industry-academia linkages.

In addition, the Chief Secretary directed the department to identify and discontinue obsolete courses in ITIs that no longer meet current industry requirements, and to reorient academic offerings towards emerging and high-demand sectors. He further directed that new age courses in emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles and other advanced technologies be introduced in a time-bound manner.

To support this transition, emphasis was laid on modernization of infrastructure in technical institutions, including upgradation of laboratories, integration of digital learning tools and improvement of campus facilities to create a conducive environment for quality technical education and innovation.

Regarding Higher Education, the Chief Secretary directed that State Higher Education Councils must meet regularly and adhere to timelines to ensure effective governance and policy implementation.

The Chief Secretary also emphasized that all educational institutions in Chandigarh should be developed as Institutes of Excellence through continuous quality improvement, strengthening of research, innovation and academic standards. He directed that infrastructure upgradation works across schools, colleges and technical institutions be taken up on priority and completed within stipulated timelines. He further stressed the importance of teacher rationalization, improvement in learning outcomes and regular monitoring of initiatives to ensure effective implementation.

Reiterating the Administration’s commitment to providing inclusive, equitable and quality education, the Chief Secretary called for a coordinated and time-bound approach to implement these directions to create a future-ready education system in Chandigarh.