Shimla: The State Council Meeting of The Bharat Scouts and Guides, Himachal Pradesh (BSGHP) was held here todaty under the chairmanship of Education Minister Rohit Thakur, who is also the Vice President of BSGHP.
The Minister reviewed the progress and activities of the organization and approved key measures to strengthen its organizational structure and expand its reach among children and youth across the State.
Thakur said that Scouting and Guiding plays an important role in developing leadership, discipline, teamwork, self-reliance, social responsibility and a spirit of service among young people. He called for concerted efforts to take the movement to a larger number of students, particularly in universities, colleges and other higher educational institutions.
The State Council approved a major strengthening of the organizational structure for Rovers and Rangers at the district level, including the creation of district-level office-bearer positions. The measure is aimed at improving coordination, accountability, supervision and implementation of Scouting and Guiding programmes. The Council also approved a need-based mechanism to strengthen the Cub and Bulbul sections.
It was informed during the meeting that the enrolment of children and youth in BSGHP would be increased from around 40,000 to 2,00,000 by the next academic year. The expansion strategy would focus on stronger institutional coordination, mobilization of students, training of adult leaders and wider grassroots activities while maintaining the authenticity and organizational identity of the Movement.
The Council also decided to initiate necessary amendments to the existing byelaws to provide statutory support to the proposed organizational reforms. Rohit Thakur emphasized the need to clearly communicate the authorized status of The Bharat Scouts and Guides to prevent confusion regarding unauthorized organizations or institutions conducting Scouting activities.
The meeting also reviewed the annual reports for 2019-20 to 2024-25 and approved the annual action plan for 2026-27, covering training, advancement activities, testing camps, leadership programmes, community development and youth initiatives.
The BSGHP thanked the Education Minister and the State Government for the financial support extended to the organization through grant-in-aid. BSGHP received Rs. 25 lakh in 2023-24, Rs. 13.50 lakh in 2024-25 and Rs. 20 lakh in 2025-26 for training, youth development and other Scouting and Guiding activities across the state.
The House was apprised of the expenditure of Rs. 2,50,12,892 incurred on renovation and construction works at the State Training Centre (STC), Rewalsar, including the Session Hall, 12 Swiss/Alpine tents, ground levelling, main gate and other infrastructure works.
Rohit Thakur assured the representatives of all possible support and cooperation from the state government in future also for strengthening and expanding Scouting and Guiding across the state. He expressed hope that BSGHP would continue to work with same dedication and inspire more children and young people to participate in disciplined, constructive and service-oriented activities.
The Education Minister congratulated Secretary, Education Rakesh Kanwar on his appointment as the State Chief Commissioner of The Bharat Scouts and Guides, Himachal Pradesh. He also congratulated all the Members, district representatives, young leaders, volunteers and Scouts and Guides for their commendable contribution to the Movement.
The State Commissioner and other office bearers also shared their views and suggestions for strengthening of the Council.
Assistant State Commissioner (Rovers) Dr. Satish Kumar Bansal presented the vote of thanks. State Secretary Dr Raj Kumar, Director Higher Education Suneeta Singh Members of the State Council, State Headquarters functionaries, district representatives, young leaders and other officials and representatives of The Bharat Scouts and Guides, Himachal Pradesh were present in the meeting.
