In a decisive move to uphold educational standards, the Himachal Pradesh School Education Board (HPSEB) has cancelled the recognition of 294 private schools for failing to adhere to its prescribed curriculum guidelines. This sweeping action came after an inquiry revealed that these schools were teaching from textbooks published by private publishers rather than using the board-approved material.
The decision has impacted nearly 21% of the 1,400 private schools affiliated with the Board for Classes 9 to 12, highlighting the scale of non-compliance and the Board’s commitment to enforcing uniformity and transparency in education across the state.
Scale and Reasons Behind the Cancellation
The enquiry, led by the HPSEB, found that the affected schools had violated their contractual requirement to follow the board-prescribed syllabus and textbooks. Dr (Major) Vishal Sharma, Secretary of the Board, emphasised that adherence to the curriculum and use of approved books are mandatory conditions set at the time of recognition.
He noted, “Clear instructions had been issued earlier. These schools breached the terms of their recognition by using unapproved textbooks,” directly impacting students’ educational quality and fairness across the system. Schools found responsible were required to submit purchase bills for the textbooks supplied, confirming the use of unapproved sources. This thorough documentation and inspection exposed large-scale academic irregularities among the private education sector.
Broader Educational Context and Government Reforms
This cancellation is part of wider reforms instituted by the current Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Himachal government. Over the past three years, more than 1,500 schools, many established during the previous BJP administration, have been closed due to low enrolment and poor educational standards.
Alongside this stringent enforcement of curriculum compliance, the state announced plans to bring 100 schools under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This move aims to align state education with national standards and improve academic outcomes, reflecting the government’s commitment to systematic quality improvement and better accountability for institutions serving Himachal’s youth.
Innovative Reforms
Beyond the crackdown on private schools, Himachal Pradesh is undergoing a comprehensive education transformation aimed at enhancing quality, equity, and future readiness. The government’s vision includes launching Rajiv Gandhi Day Boarding Schools and Schools of Excellence across the state, which combine academic rigor with holistic development such as sports, arts, and skill-building.
Early education reforms introduce English from Grade 1 to boost language skills, while clustering schools encourages resource-sharing and peer learning. Additionally, technology integration through smart attendance apps and digital libraries is modernizing classrooms.
These reforms emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and competency-based assessments, seeking to create an inclusive, outcome-focused education system that prepares students for a competitive world beyond textbooks.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While the Board’s crackdown sends a strong message on maintaining academic integrity, it also raises questions about balancing strict enforcement with safeguarding student welfare. The sudden cancellation affects thousands of students, potentially disrupting their education and future plans.
The Logical Indian believes that educational reforms should marry discipline with empathy, ensuring students are supported through transitions and institutions adhere to standards without compromising access to quality learning.
