Education in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh was under the direct control of the British colonial rule in the mid 19th century. Also, the state was the summer capital of India during the British colonial rule. Hence, the standard of education provided in the state has reached to a considerably high level. The state has several highly reputed educational institutions for higher studies.
The Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) and the National Institute of Technology (NIT), NIT Hamirpur are some of the pioneer institutions located in the state. The University Grants Commission or (UGC) has allocated Rs 4.5 crore to Himachal Pradesh University in the 10th plan which is an increase of nearly 70% over the ninth one.cite web
url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030629/himachal.htm
title = UGC 10th plan
accessdate = 2007-03-16
last = Dua
first = H.K.
work = The Tribune Trust, 2006
publisher = The Tribune House]
Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry has gained a unique distinction not only in the nation but also in whole of Asia for imparting teaching, research and extension education in horticulture, forestry and allied disciplines.
In 2002, Government of Himachal Pradesh allowed the Jaypee Group to open first private university of the state namely Jaypee University of Information Technology. In April. 2008 two new private universities namely Eternal university and Chitkara University were established. The government is working constantly to prepare various plans in order to strengthen the education system of Himachal. The state government has decided to start up with 3 major nursing colleges to develop the health system in the state.cite web
url = http://www.himachaleducation.net/EducationProfile/ Education profile of Himachal
title = Educational Profile of Himachal Pradesh
accessdate = 2007-03-16
last =
first =
work = General Overview of Education in Himachal
publisher = Pragati Infosoft Pvt. Ltd.]
Himachal has one of the highest literacy rates in India. Hamirpur District is among the top districts in the country for literacy. Education rates among women are quite encouraging in the state.
Himachal Pradesh is home to many educational institutions offering a wide variety of courses. There are five universities, two medical colleges, four dental colleges and two engineering colleges in the state. There are over 10,000 primary schools, 1,000 secondary schools and more than 1,300 high schools in Himachal.cite web
url = http://himachal.nic.in/educ/ Himachal Govt. Website
title = Factual source on Education in Himachal
accessdate = 2007-03-16
last =
first =
work =
publisher = Government of India] In meeting the constitutional obligation to make primary education compulsory, Himachal has now became the first state in India to make elementary education accessible to every child in the state.cite web
url = http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030629/himachal.htm
title = Educational updates- Himachal
accessdate = 2007-03-16
last = Dua
first = H.K.
work = The Tribune Trust, 2006
publisher = The Tribune House]
Himachal Pradesh government is also very keen to transform this state into an education hub.In March 2008, Government of India made an announcement stating that as part of the 11th five year plan, an Indian Institute of Technology will be established in this state.

Universities

Public Universities

*Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla
*Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Distt. Solan
*CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalya, Palampur, Distt. Kangra
*National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur Private universities

*Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Distt. Solan
*Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Distt. Sirmour
*Chitkara University, Barotiwala, Distt. Solan
*Arny University, Indora, Distt. Kangra

Engineering Institutions

The state of Himachal Pradesh is a late starter in establishing engineering institute as compared to other states of India. National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur (then "Regional Engineering College, Hamirpur") was the first institute established in 1986. IITT college of Engineering, Kala Amb was the second institute established in the 20^th century.The remaining institutes were established in 21^st century. Needless to say that none of these institutions have achieved academic maturity as yet. Though some institutions (notably National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur) are striving hard to be centers of excellence, but the results are not that encouraging. People of Himachal Pradesh nurture a desire to make this state a Switzerland of India because this state has near similar topography however it lacks Swiss industrial prowess at present. It is hoped that manpower trained at these institutions shall support the industries in the region and some budding entrepreneurs will emerge who will transform the entire landscape of the state.

Following is the list of institute:("Year of establishment given in parenthesis")

Universities / University departments:

*National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, (1986)
*Jaypee University of Information Technology,Waknaghat (2002)
*University Institute of Information Technology, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla (2003)
*Akal College of Engineering and Technology, Eternal University, Barru Sahib, Dist Sirmour (2007)
*School of Engineering, Chitkara University, Barotiwala, Distt. Solan (2008)

Colleges affiliated to Himachal Pradesh University

*IITT college of Engineering,Kala Amb (1997)
*Jawaharlal Nehru Government Engineering College, Sundernagar (2006)
*Institute of Engineering and Emerging Technologies,Baddi (2002)
*Green Hills Engineering College,Kumarhatti (2003)
*M.G.Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bodhoo, Dist Mandi (2007)
*L.R.Institute of Engineering and Technology, Solan (2008)

Medical Colleges

*Indira Gandhi Medical College,Shimla
*Dr. Rajender Prasad Govt.Medical College,Kangra at Tanda

Pharmacy Colleges

*Government College of Pharmacy, Rohru
*L.R. College of Pharmacy, Oach Ghat, Dist Solan
*Abhilashi College of Pharmacy, Mandi

References