Himachal to Introduce Horticulture as Vocational Subject in Schools

Himachal Pradesh’s Education Minister Rohit Thakur has announced that horticulture will soon be offered as a vocational subject in schools affiliated with the state board. The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education has been asked to prepare and submit the curriculum within the next two weeks. I’m writing about this because it is not just

I’m writing about this because it is not just another education policy update — it’s a move that directly connects students to the real economy and heritage of the state. Horticulture is the backbone of Himachal’s rural livelihood, with apple orchards, stone fruits, and floriculture sustaining thousands of families. By including it as a vocational subject in schools, students will get hands-on knowledge, practical skills, and a possible career path right from a young age. This initiative could encourage self-employment, promote entrepreneurship, and help preserve traditional practices that are slowly losing ground. It also shows a growing understanding that education must prepare students for both jobs and life skills, especially in regions where agriculture and allied sectors are central to survival and growth.

Context and Announcement

The announcement was made during a review meeting of education programmes in the state. The minister directed the state board to design a curriculum that would be relevant to the needs of the region and could be implemented in both rural and semi-urban schools. The plan includes consultation with experts from horticulture universities and the agriculture department to ensure the syllabus is practical and skill-oriented.

Why Horticulture in Schools Makes Sense

Aligns with Local Economy – Himachal Pradesh is known for its apple belt and other horticulture-based produce like plums, apricots, and cherries. Introducing horticulture as a subject will prepare students to take forward these family-run businesses.

Career and Livelihood Focus – Students will gain skills that can help them find jobs in the horticulture sector, start their own ventures, or work in allied industries such as food processing and packaging.

Boost to Agricultural Heritage – The move could help revive interest among youth in orchard management, crop diversification, and sustainable farming practices.

Curriculum and Implementation

The proposed syllabus will likely include topics like soil preparation, plant breeding, pest management, post-harvest techniques, greenhouse operations, and marketing of produce. Practical training, field visits, and seasonal projects are expected to be part of the programme. Specialised teachers with horticulture degrees will be appointed, and existing teachers may receive training to handle the subject effectively. Collaboration with local farmers for practical exposure is also being considered.

Expected Timeline

Step	Timeline
Curriculum preparation	Within 2 weeks
Teacher recruitment	After curriculum approval
Subject rollout	Targeted for academic year 2025–26

Wider Education Initiatives

Alongside horticulture, the education department is working to revive academic subjects like public administration in colleges. The review meeting also discussed the progress of Rajiv Gandhi Model Day Boarding Schools and Atal Adarsh Vidyalayas, plans for library improvements, and measures to address infrastructure damage caused by recent heavy rains.

Why Delhi’s New School Fee Bill Puts Education Before Profit

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has unveiled the ‘Delhi School Education Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees Bill, 2025’, making it clear that education is not meant to be a commercial venture. I’m writing about this because education affects every family in Delhi—and when school fees rise without checks, it becomes a burden that

I’m writing about this because education affects every family in Delhi—and when school fees rise without checks, it becomes a burden that many parents struggle to bear. This new legislation stands out as a public stand with parents, not institutions. It brings much-needed transparency and oversight to private school fee hikes, a topic that’s been fraught with unregulated increases for years. For families, educators, and policymakers, this signals a shift toward fairness and accountability in education. Highlighting the key features of the bill and its impact helps all of us understand how schools should truly serve students, not profits.

What the Bill Brings to the Table

Transparent Fee Approvals: Now, all unaided private schools—wherever they are located—must get government approval before raising fees. Previously, only those on government-allocated land were covered.
Regulatory Mechanism: A three-tier system of committees will assess and approve fee hikes, ensuring they’re justified, fair, and transparent.
Penalties for Violations: Schools that bypass the process or charge arbitrary hikes will face strict penalties, reinforcing accountability.

A Departure from Past Practices

Delhi’s AAP government had little success with enforcing fee regulation despite court rulings. Now, the BJP administration has chosen to back parents directly. CM Gupta noted that this is the first time a state government has formally stood alongside parents in this fight.

What It Means for Parents and Schools

Stakeholder	What Changes
Parents	Greater predictability and fairness in school fees
Schools	Mandated justification for fee increases
Students	Better access to education without financial strain

Schools will now need to justify every fee increment clearly and in writing. Parents must be informed well in advance, avoiding sudden financial surprises.