Himachal: Over 1,320 schools affected by calamity, minister directs swift restoration

shimla: more than 1,320 educational institutions in himachal pradesh were affected by heavy rains, landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods during the 2025 monsoon, causing an estimated rs 122 crore in losses, officials said on monday.education minister rohit thakur, presiding over a review meeting with senior department officials, directed immediate restoration of damaged schools, prioritising those with over 75% destruction. he instructed that post disaster needs assessment (pdna) funds be used judiciously, with utilisation reports submitted within five days, warning that unspent funds would be reallocated to urgent cases.the minister also emphasised speeding up recruitment, directing that all sanctioned posts be forwarded to the himachal pradesh rajya chayan aayog and public service commission for prompt filling of vacancies. promoted post graduate teachers (pgts) who fail to join within the specified timeframe will have their promotions revoked, he said.thakur reviewed pgt engagement in classes ix and x and asked deputy directors to share success stories and innovative teaching practices across districts. he also instructed enhancing school inspection targets to improve standards and accountability.on higher education support, he directed officials to ensure eligible students benefit from the dr ys parmar vidyarthi rin yojna, providing education loans at one per cent interest. the meeting also included a presentation highlighting the department's achievements, reforms, and initiatives since january 2023.