SHIMLA: The state-level committee on employment generation and resource mobilisation, in its report submitted to the government, has painted a grim picture of the education system in government schools of Himachal Pradesh According to the report, over the last 10 years, enrolment of students in government schools has fallen drastically, which shows declining standard of education in government schools. Having lost faith in government schools, parents are sending their children to private schools. Therefore, the number of private schools as well as enrollment in these schools has increased tremendously, the report said.The government, led by chief minister Virbhadra Singh , appointed the state-level committee on employment generation and resource mobilisation through a notification issued on May 19, 2014. The panel was headed by former MLA Harshwardhan Chauhan.The report said the number of government schools is increasing by the day but the strength of students in these schools is declining. It recommended restriction on the number of schools being opened and advised that new schools should be opened strictly according to the norms fixed by the government. Besides, the panel recommended closure of schools where enrolment is very low."It has also been observed that the majority of teachers are openly participating in party politics and most of the time remain engaged in manipulating their transfers to towns and adjoining areas, and the results in these schools where such teachers are posted is very poor," report said.The report suggested suitable action against the principal and staff of schools where results are poor. Conversely, it suggested incentives such as promotions and desired posting for staff in schools where results are good.The committee also recommended change in the uniform in government schools on the grounds that it is old fashioned. Introduction of an attractive dress in government schools, on the lines of private schools, would encourage children to join government schools, the panel said.To address the problem of teacher absenteeism and to make them accountable, a mechanism for biometric attendance should be made compulsory for teachers, especially in government senior secondary schools, the panel said. It has been observed that the rationalisation has been done in the month of September and should be done at the starting of the academic session.The report also pointed out that there is a huge deficit in existing faculty in various higher education institutions and recommended private investment in higher education. The report observed that various trades in ITI 's are old and outdated and new trades should be introduced as per the present industrial requirement.

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