Minister inaugurates Rs 43L school building in Bakras
Industries, Parliamentary Affairs and Labour & Employment Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan inaugurated a newly constructed building at Government Senior Secondary School, Bakras, located in the Shillai Assembly Constituency of Sirmaur district. The building, constructed at a cost of Rs 43 lakh, was officially opened during his tour of the area.
Addressing the gathering, Chauhan emphasised the historical and educational significance of the school, which is one of the oldest institutions in the Jail Bhoj region. With over 300 students currently enrolled, the school plays a vital role in providing education to children from surrounding villages. He recalled that it was during his previous tenure that Bakras High School was upgraded to the 10+2 level. The new infrastructure, comprising two halls and three classrooms, is expected to significantly improve the learning environment for students.
Expressing his gratitude to Bluestar Company in Kala Amb for contributing funds under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the construction of two rooms, the minister underlined the importance of such partnerships in strengthening rural education infrastructure. He described schools as temples of learning, where students shape their futures, and reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities in remote areas.
Criticising the policies of the previous government, Chauhan said unplanned expansion of educational institutions without sufficient budget and staffing led to a decline in the quality of education across the state. He pointed out that teachers were transferred from existing schools to new ones, resulting in staff shortages in both. To address these issues, the current government has undertaken a series of reforms, including the recruitment of nearly 6,000 teachers across Himachal Pradesh. In the Shillai constituency alone, approximately 300 vacant teaching positions have been filled.
Chauhan asserted that the development witnessed in Shillai is a result of the Congress government’s dedicated efforts. He noted that most villages in the constituency are now connected by road, thanks to sustained infrastructure development. He revealed that more than Rs 250 crore has been sanctioned for various development works during his current term, including the construction of a 100-bed hospital in Shillai at a cost of Rs 19 crore and a mini-secretariat for Rs 16 crore. Other key projects include the construction of Rohnat College building, expansion of rest houses, new buildings for the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Kafota, and numerous drinking water and healthcare projects across the region.
The minister also said two 33 kV power substations are being established in Kafota and Panog, along with the installation of 125 electricity transformers to tackle low voltage issues in the area. He said these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance basic infrastructure, including roads, electricity, health services, and education.
In addition to inaugurating the school building, Chauhan announced further developmental works for Bakras and nearby areas. These include construction of four toilets and a stage at the school, budget for a boundary wall, and funding for building three rooms at Gundai High School. He also announced ?10 lakh for the Puraay Road, culvert and retaining wall construction on the Bhatouri Road, and ?4 lakh for the Uveta-Aryadi Road.
Reiterating his commitment to the holistic development of the Shillai Assembly Constituency, Chauhan said the government is implementing several projects to ensure that residents of the region benefit from improved infrastructure and better public services.
Himachal Tribune