Himachal Pradesh Now Ranks First in Education, Claims CM Sukhu

By A Staff Reporter

Shimla, March 10, 2025: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state has climbed to the top position in national education rankings, up from 21st place just two years ago. He attributed this improvement to key policy reforms introduced by his government.

Speaking in Shimla, CM Sukhu also criticized the previous BJP-led government, claiming it left Himachal in a deep financial crisis with a debt burden of ₹75,000 crore and additional liabilities of ₹10,000 crore.

"When we came to power, there was no quality education or quality of life. The BJP left the state in economic turmoil," he said.

Highlighting fiscal challenges, he noted that Himachal had received ₹32,000 crore as GST compensation cess from 2017 to 2022. However, post-GST implementation, state revenues from industries have sharply declined—dropping from ₹3,800 crore per year under VAT to just ₹200 crore under GST.

Despite financial constraints, Sukhu asserted that his administration is steering Himachal towards self-reliance (Atma Nirbhar Himachal Pradesh) through policy shifts aimed at boosting education, industry, and governance efficiency.

Responding to remarks from Union ministers about Himachal's dependence on central funds, Sukhu asserted, "We are not asking for favors, only for the rights granted to us by the Constitution."

The CM reiterated his government’s commitment to making Himachal a model state, emphasizing education-driven development and economic sustainability as core priorities.