DATE LINE: HIMACHAL PRADESH A daily newsletter from the statesThe new education destination Himachal Pradesh has recently sanctioned three new medical colleges, and two others are in the pipeline. Moreover, the state Government is considering approval of four private universities, a Central university, an IIT, and a host of private nursing institutions. These additional institutions will complement the existing network of engineering and dental colleges, institutions of higher education and a leading IT university. The figures speak for themselves. The hill state with a population of 65 lakh has struggled to improve rural literacy and has had to focus mainly on primary education; it is now the fastest growing education hub. Large-scale industrialisation in the last five years has brought the state Rs 30,000 crore in investments and sent the ball rolling on higher education. The rampant industrial growth has had a triggering effect on the job sector, especially in the skilled labour market. As a result of this growth, qualified candidates are required to bolster the human resource pool. To open its doors to private educational institutions, Himachal Pradesh passed a model Private Universities Act two years ago. The present Government's initiative liberalises clearance norms for newly applying medical colleges and nursing institutions