Know Your Minister: Mahipal Dhanda - The Education Reformer

The story of Mahipal Dhanda is a journey of consistent growth and unwavering dedication to public service. Mahipal Dhanda born on September 16, 1974, in Rural Panipat, this graduate-turned-politician has transformed from a young RSS volunteer to one of Haryana's most influential education reformers. He is currently serving as the Minister of School Education, Higher Education, Archives, and Parliamentary Affairs, Dhanda brings both experience and innovation to the Nayab Singh Saini government. 

From RSS Roots to Political Heights

Dhanda's political journey began in 1987 when he joined RSS as a Swayamsevak. He worked extensively with student communities during his tenure as ABVP's state co-secretary (1996-2004). The learning from these years helped him climb the political ladder - from BJP's district vice president in Panipat (2004) to state president of BJP's Kisan Morcha (2012).

Electoral Success and Public Trust

Mahipal Dhanda's connection with the people of Panipat Rural has been unshakeable. First elected in 2014 with 62,074 votes, he increased his victory margin in subsequent elections. The 2024 assembly elections saw him secure an impressive 101,079 votes, defeating his Congress rival by over 50,000 votes - a testament to public trust in his leadership.  

Vision for Educational Transformation 

"Every child in Haryana deserves quality education without leaving their hometown," says Dhanda, outlining his ambitious plan to introduce Kota-style coaching in government schools. The minister faces significant challenges, including filling 26,303 vacant teaching positions in schools, addressing 4,618 vacant assistant professor posts in colleges, developing 4-5 model schools in every district and improving board results and infrastructure of schools.

Personal Life and Assets

Married to Neelam Dhanda, he maintains strong connections with his agricultural roots while managing declared assets worth ₹14.29 crore. Dhanda has maintained a clean political record throughout his career as no criminal cases are registered on his name and known for his transparency in financial matters. Known for his transparency in financial matters, Dhanda has maintained a clean political record throughout his career, with no criminal cases registered against him. 

Dhanda brings a unique perspective to Haryana's education system as he has seen challenges of rural life as well as complexities of governance. His journey from the fields of Panipat to the corridors of Vidhan Sabha reflects the transformative potential of education - something he now aims to extend to every student in Haryana. 

Vision Beyond Traditional Education 

Mahipal Dhanda questions "Why should our children travel to Kota when we can bring that quality of education here?" He outlines his innovative plan to introduce competitive exam coaching in government schools. The 50-year-old minister envisions program that would offer specialized coaching to approximately 50 students in each block, combining both traditional classroom teaching and modern online learning methods. 

Battling the Education Crisis

According to the recent data there are 26,303 vacant teaching positions in government schools and 4618, unfilled assistant professor post in government schools. Dhanda ensures that addressing this 58% vacancy rate in higher education institution isn't just about filing position, it is about ensuring quality education reaches every corner of Haryana. 

As Haryana ‘s education system stands at crossroads, Mahipal Dhanda ‘s track record of increasing victory margins in Panipat Rural and clean political history suggest a leader who can deliver on promises. As he steps into this crucial role the eyes of over 25,00,00 students in Haryana government schools are on this leader who dreams of making quality education accessible to every child in Haryana. The coming years will test whether this education reformer can bring the excellence of Kota to Haryana’s classroom while staying true to his grassroots connection that has defined his three decade long political journey.