CM inaugurates Kendriya Vidyalaya in Khatima
Garhwal Post Bureau
Khatima, 29 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the newly constructed Kendriya Vidyalaya building here, today, marking a significant leap in the town’s educational infrastructure. Built at an expenditure of Rs 26.23 crores, the school, which is operational since 2019, has now got its own dedicated premises. The inauguration was held during a programme convened under the All India Education Conclave, wherein the CM also participated in a tree-plantation drive within the school compound.
Speaking on the occasion, Dhami described the inauguration of the school as a moment of immense joy and pride. He observed that the establishment of the Kendriya Vidyalaya heralds a new era of knowledge and science in Khatima, coinciding with the milestone of five years since a new revolution in India’s education sector began. Extending his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on behalf of the people of Khatima, the CM noted that Kendriya Vidyalayas provide especially valuable educational opportunities for the children of armed forces personnel, paramilitary staff, and other government employees.
Remembering his own school years, Dhami said he would have studied at a Kendriya Vidyalaya had one existed in Khatima during that time. He also recalled his persistent efforts as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) to secure a Kendriya Vidyalaya for the region, motivated by the desire to prevent students from migrating in pursuit of quality education. The newly inaugurated campus, he affirmed, would now serve as a cornerstone for the holistic development of children in the area.
Dhami also spoke about transformative initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP), implemented in 2020 under the guidance of the Prime Minister and claimed that the NEP facilitates employment-centric education and empowers students to succeed in competitive examinations. The NEP generates innovation, research, and scientific thinking among young minds.
Dhami reminded that Uttarakhand was the first state in the country to implement NEP, and under this initiative, Bal Vatika classes have begun in over 5,600 Anganwadi centres throughout the state.
Describing Khatima as his native place and its residents as his extended family, Dhami asserted that the soil and spirit of the town continue to invigorate and inspire his public service journey. He also listed the state government’s infrastructure projects in Khatima, including improvements in health, education, and water facilities. Noteworthy developments include the construction of a hi-tech bus station, advanced ITI and polytechnic colleges, a new 100-bed hospital complex, and a national-level sports stadium. Efforts to boost connectivity have resulted in bypasses in Gadarpur and Khatima, a bridge at Nausar, and a wide network of roads throughout the region.
Dhami further announced the launch of MCom and MSc programmes at the Government Degree College in Khatima, alongside the commencement of an Eklavya school in a tribal-dominated area. He further reiterated his government’s resolve to work inclusively for all social groups and mentioned that the state had achieved the top position on the Sustainable Development Goals Index in India and that a significant decline of 4.4 per cent in the unemployment rate was also recorded over the past year.
Mentioning the law & order situation in Uttarakhand, the CM reminded about the strict actions against divisive elements, citing the enforcement of anti-riot and anti-conversion laws. He mentioned the liberation of over 6,500 acres of government land from encroachments, the sealing of more than 200 illegal madrasas, and the demolition of over 500 unauthorised constructions. He also spoke of the launch of ‘Operation Kalnemi’, aimed at curbing actions against the principles of Sanatan Dharma. The implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand and the provision of government jobs to over 23,000 youth were highlighted as further achievements.
Reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, Dhami claimed that corrupt practices are being rooted out like termites. Over the past three years, more than 200 corrupt officials, including IAS and PCS officers, have been imprisoned.
Among those present on the occasion included Mayor Vikas Sharma, Chairman of Mandi Samiti Anil Kapoor Dabbu, Shankar Koranga, Municipal Council Chairman Ramesh Chand Joshi, BJP District President Kamal Jindal, former MLAs Prem Singh Rana and Rajesh Shukla, District Magistrate Nitin Singh Bhadauria and Senior Superintendent of Police Manikanth Mishra.
