CM Dhami lays foundation stone for Saraswati Vidya Mandir hostel in Dehradun

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of a new hostel at Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Manduwala, Dehradun.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, he emphasised the institution's role in reviving cultural values and fostering nationalism through education.

“After the independence of India, Saraswati Shishu Mandir schools were established to restore cultural values and the spirit of nationalism,” CM Dhami said.

Congratulating students of the school for achieving 100 per cent results in the recent Class 10 and 12 board examinations, the Chief Minister said the newly launched hostel would not only offer residential facilities but also contribute to the holistic development of students.

Highlighting recent reforms in education, CM Dhami credited the central leadership for spearheading changes. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extensive reforms have been made in the education system in the country,” he said.

He noted that Uttarakhand was the first state to implement the new National Education Policy. As part of this, 141 PM Shri Vidyalayas and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Residential Schools are being established across the state. Additionally, virtual classrooms have been introduced in 500 schools across all 13 districts, and NCERT books have been made mandatory in all government schools to ensure consistent and quality education.

He also elaborated on student welfare schemes initiated by the state government. “Meritorious students of classes 6th to 12th of government and non-government schools of Uttarakhand are being given scholarships under the Chief Minister's Medhavi Chhatra Protsahan Scholarship Scheme,” he said. As part of broader student engagement, meritorious students of classes 10 and 12 from each development block are being sent on educational tours across India.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the state's focus on monitoring academic performance. “Vidya Samiksha Kendra has also been established in the state with the aim of improving the quality and results of the school education system,” he said. Uttarakhand, he added, has become the first state to implement the Gujarat model of the Prime Minister’s Vidya Samiksha Kendra, with around 16,000 schools already linked to it. The system will soon cover all private schools, enabling centralised monitoring of teachers, students, and school activities.

Alongside education, Dhami stressed the government’s commitment to promoting sports. “The state government has constructed stadiums and sports facilities in the state at a cost of crores of rupees,” he said. Talented athletes are being supported with scholarships starting from the age of eight, and those enrolled in residential sports colleges are provided with free training, education, accommodation, meals, and kits.

“A historic beginning has also been made to give government jobs to the players who bring medals in any national-level competition,” Dhami stated. He added that athletes from Uttarakhand had earned over 100 medals in the recently held 38th National Games, marking a major milestone in the state’s sports journey.

Referring to the contribution of Vidya Bharati schools across India, Dhami said, “More than 12 thousand schools are being run by Vidya Bharati all over India, in which more than 35 lakh students are receiving education.” He praised the institutions for combining modern education with moral values, patriotism, Indian culture, and social responsibility.

“Character building and the spirit of service are given importance in the schools run by Vidya Bharati,” he added.