Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday inaugurated Kendriya Vidyalaya in Khatima, constructed at a cost of ₹26.23 crore, during a program held as part of the All India Education Samagam.
On the occasion, he also planted saplings on the school premises, marking the event as one of pride and significance.
Describing the occasion as a “moment of joy and pride for all,” the Chief Minister said, “On the historic occasion of the completion of 5 years of the new revolution in the field of education in the country, a new era of knowledge and science is also beginning in Khatima.”
He extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for the gift of Kendriya Vidyalaya to Khatima, especially for the benefit of the children of armed forces and paramilitary personnel.
Reflecting on his personal connection with the town, CM Dhami said, “If there was a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Khatima during my student life, then I myself would have been a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya.” He added that as an MLA, he made every effort to establish the school to prevent local students from migrating in search of quality education.
The Chief Minister said the school will significantly aid in the holistic development of students. He praised the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, calling it a turning point for Indian education. “Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, historic steps were taken in 2020 through the National Education Policy to improve the education system of the country,” he said.
Highlighting Uttarakhand’s role, Dhami stated, “Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to implement the National Education Policy. Under which we have taken an important and far-reaching educational initiative by starting Balvatika classes in more than 5600 Anganwadi centers of the state.”
He termed Khatima his home and said it continues to inspire his public service journey. The Chief Minister detailed key infrastructure developments in the region, including a high-tech bus stand, a modern ITI and Polytechnic College, a 100-bed hospital complex, and a national-level sports stadium.
Further initiatives include construction of bypasses in Gadarpur and Khatima, bridge works in Nausar, and expansion of the road network. Educational upgrades such as M.Com and M.Sc classes in Government College Khatima and the setting up of Eklavya Vidyalaya in tribal areas were also mentioned.
On state-wide governance, Dhami noted Uttarakhand’s top position in the SDG Index Report, and said, “In the last year, success has been achieved in reducing the unemployment rate by a record 4.4 percent.” He reiterated the state’s commitment to law and order and social harmony.
“Strict action is being taken against hateful mindsets in the state. Strict anti-riot and anti-conversion laws have been implemented. More than six and a half thousand acres of government land has been freed from encroachment. More than 200 illegal madrasas have been sealed, and over 500 illegal structures have also been removed,” he said.
CM Dhami also highlighted the launch of Operation Kalanemi, aimed at curbing misinformation and religious defamation, and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state. He said over 23,000 government jobs have been provided to state youth.
“The state government is making continuous efforts to fulfil its resolve without any alternative to make Devbhoomi Uttarakhand the best state of the country,” the Chief Minister concluded.