HP-PERC Conclave Emphasises Unified Vision and Collaborative Efforts for Strengthening Higher Education

Solan, September 25, 2026: The Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission (HP-PERC), in collaboration with the private universities of Himachal Pradesh, organised a state-level conclave on the theme “Unified Vision and Collaborative Efforts for Improvement in the Higher Education Sector in Private Institutions” on 25 September 2026 at the Language, Art and Culture Auditorium, Solan.
Kiran Gupta, Secretary, HP-PERC, delivered the opening address and welcomed all the participants at the beginning of the conclave. She apprised the gathering of the significance of this unique initiative of HP-PERC and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting all private universities in their pursuit of quality, excellence and collaborative growth.
Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he stated that education remained one of the foremost priorities of the State Government and was central to the social and economic progress of Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister observed that Himachal Pradesh had earlier slipped to the 21st position nationally in the education sector. However, owing to the State Government’s focused interventions and sustained efforts to improve educational quality, the state had now risen to fifth position in the country. He further stated that Himachal Pradesh’s literacy rate had reached 99.5 per cent, reflecting the state’s continued progress in education.
Sukhu emphasised that the State Government was working to improve educational infrastructure, teaching standards, technology-enabled learning and employment-oriented education. He urged universities to accord greater attention to research, innovation, entrepreneurship, emerging technologies and practical skills. Appreciating the contribution of private universities, he called upon them to work closely with the Government and regulatory authorities to establish Himachal Pradesh as a nationally recognised hub of quality higher education.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, while addressing the gathering, stated that education and health constituted the two strongest foundations of a progressive society. He encouraged universities to promote physical and mental well-being, ethical values and social responsibility alongside academic excellence. He emphasised that educational institutions must contribute towards developing professionally competent, socially sensitive and responsible citizens.
An interactive session between the Hon’ble Chief Minister and students was moderated by Vijay Pal Singh, Member, HP-PERC. The session provided students with an opportunity to ask the Chief Minister questions concerning the future development of Himachal Pradesh and his personal journey in public life.
During the interaction, Arpita, a Nursing student at Chitkara University Himachal Pradesh, asked about the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s vision for the state over the next ten years. He expressed confidence that Himachal Pradesh would become highly prosperous through the expansion of tourism and responsible utilisation of its natural resources. He added that the Government was placing strong emphasis on making students skilled, entrepreneurial and self-reliant so that they could actively contribute to the state’s development.
Responding to another student’s question about his dreams and aspirations when he was 22 years old, the Chief Minister recalled that he had aspired to become a Member of the Legislative Assembly. After being elected as an MLA, he began aspiring to serve the state in greater leadership roles—as a Minister and subsequently as the Chief Minister. His response encouraged students to establish progressive goals, work consistently and remain committed to their aspirations.
Promoters and Vice-Chancellors of all the participating universities also made brief presentations during the conclave, sharing their institutional perspectives, achievements and suggestions for strengthening higher education in Himachal Pradesh.
In the afternoon session, Secretary (Education) Shri Rakesh Kanwar engaged with the participants and responded to questions raised by representatives of the universities. The interaction enabled a constructive exchange of views on issues concerning the state’s higher-education sector.
Lalit Kumar, Member, HP-PERC, described the conclave as a unique initiative of the Commission. He stated that HP-PERC would organise many more such events in the future to promote closer collaboration and contribute to the overall growth of universities in Himachal Pradesh.
The conclave was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP Anurag Sharma; Sanjay Awasthy, MLA, Arki; Vinod Sultanpuri, MLA, Kasauli; Vijay Pal Singh and Lalit Kumar, Members, HP-PERC, along with promoters and senior representatives of private universities.
Approximately 600 participants, including university promoters, Vice-Chancellors, registrars, senior administrators, faculty members and students from private universities across Himachal Pradesh, attended the conclave.
The programme provided a common platform for the Government, HP-PERC and private universities to deliberate upon educational quality, accreditation, institutional accountability, research, innovation, employability and collaboration. It also highlighted the importance of universities sharing good practices, expertise and resources to support the continued advancement of the state’s higher-education sector.
Meritorious students were honoured for their outstanding achievements. The programme also featured vibrant cultural presentations, including the traditional Himachali Nati and a student play conveying a powerful message of patriotism.
The conclave concluded with a shared commitment to advancing quality, accreditation, innovation, accountability and institutional collaboration and to establishing Himachal Pradesh as a nationally recognised destination for higher education.