Govt to revamp school curriculum, focus on state’s rich history, heritage
Himachal Pradesh is set to revise its school curriculum to include a greater focus on the state’s history, culture and heritage. Chairing a high-level meeting to discuss the changes, Education Minister Rohit Thakur directed department officials to design a curriculum that showcases ancient temples, monasteries, forts, heritage sites, traditional architecture, dialects, folk arts, handicrafts, fairs, festivals and historic movements of the state.
A committee of experts would soon be constituted to develop the revised curriculum. It would review existing NCERT textbooks, contextualise them for Himachal Pradesh and prepare supplementary material to offer a balanced and locally relevant education.
The minister emphasised textbooks for Class VI to XII must include references that help students develop a sense of pride and belonging to the state.
He stressed the importance of spotlighting freedom fighters such as General Zorawar Singh, Wazir Ram Singh Pathania, and Dr YS Parmar, as well as martyrs including Captain Vikram Batra, Major Somnath Sharma and Captain Saurabh Kalia.
“Such inclusions would strengthen students’ connection with the state and also prepare them for competitive examinations,” Thakur said.
Contemporary issues such as disaster management, climate change, green energy and sustainable development would also be integrated into the new curriculum. “Disaster education must be practical and activity-based to equip children to respond effectively to real-life challenges,” he noted.
The minister underscored curriculum changes should enhance learning without adding to the academic burden. He recommended replacing irrelevant chapters with meaningful content and promoting hands-on learning through workshops, field visits, visual aids and practical exercises instead of rote memorisation. He also called for the promotion of local
languages.
Thakur instructed the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to provide open access to educational resources via its website and portal, using QR codes and digital links for
easier access.
Sharing his views at the meeting, the Himachal Pradesh University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mahavir Singh said the university was working to improve learning opportunities by blending Himachal’s cultural heritage with modern subjects such as disaster management, green energy and skill development.
The meeting was attended by Director of Higher Education Dr Amarjeet K. Sharma, Project Director Samagra Shiksha Rajesh Sharma, Director of School Education Ashish Kohli and senior officials from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education and the SCERT.
Himachal Tribune