Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur on Tuesday set September 18 as the deadline for promoted lecturers to join duty, warning that failure to do so would lead to forfeiture of their promotion.

He cautioned that indiscipline and absenteeism would not be tolerated, and directed Deputy Directors to ensure proper leave applications are submitted at the Directorate level. Strict action would be taken against negligent officials, according to a statement issued here.

Presiding over a review meeting of senior officers and Deputy Directors of School Education (Higher, Elementary and Quality Wing), Thakur said the government was committed to ensuring uninterrupted studies despite challenges posed by recent natural calamities.

Heavy rains damaged 1,125 schools, causing estimated losses of Rs 59.5 crore. Of this, Rs 51.13 crore has been released for restoration at 646 schools, while Rs 13.22 crore was allocated for 77 schools during the current monsoon season.

He directed that restoration work be prioritised, particularly for institutions with over 75 per cent damage, and asked for utilisation reports within five days, warning that unspent funds would be diverted. Rent would be provided for temporary accommodation of damaged schools, while duplicate certificates would be issued free to students whose documents were destroyed.

Reviewing pending inquiries related to POCSO, NDPS and financial irregularities, Thakur ordered faster probes and exemplary action. He also stressed regular inspections, rationalisation of teachers as per enrolment, adequate staffing for all academic streams in each constituency, and cancellation of unnecessary deputations.