CM Dhami Inaugurates PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya in Khatima Built at a Cost of ₹26.23 Crore

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the newly constructed PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya in Khatima on Tuesday, built at a cost of ₹26.23 crore. Participating in an event under the All India Shiksha Samagam, the CM also planted a sapling in the school premises.

CM Dhami expressed that the inauguration marked a moment of great pride and joy. He noted that on the historic occasion of five years since the beginning of a new era in the field of education in India, Khatima too is entering a new phase of knowledge and science. He thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan on behalf of all residents of Khatima for gifting the region its own Kendriya Vidyalaya. He highlighted that the institution would be especially beneficial for the children of army personnel, paramilitary forces, and other government employees.

The CM recalled that if there had been a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Khatima during his student days, he himself would have studied there. As an MLA, he made every possible effort to establish the school to ensure that local students do not have to migrate elsewhere for quality education. Now, the school has received its own building, marking a new chapter in educational development in the region.

He emphasized that the new Kendriya Vidyalaya would not only provide quality education to children in Khatima but also contribute to their holistic development. Speaking on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he called it a historic reform that has made education more employment-oriented and helpful for students in competitive exams, while also encouraging research and innovation to foster scientific thinking.

He proudly noted that Uttarakhand was the first state in the country to implement the NEP, and under it, more than 5,600 anganwadi centers in the state have started Balvatika (pre-primary) classes—an important and far-reaching educational initiative.

Calling Khatima his home and its people his family, CM Dhami said his journey of public service began from there. The region continues to inspire and energize him. He listed several major steps taken to boost infrastructure in Khatima—construction of a hi-tech bus stand, modern ITI and Polytechnic College, a 100-bed hospital, and a national-level sports stadium.

To enhance regional connectivity, projects like the construction of Gadarpur and Khatima bypasses, a new bridge in Nausra, and extensive road networks have been undertaken. He also announced that M.Com and M.Sc classes have started at the Government Degree College in Khatima and that an Eklavya School has begun operations in the tribal-dominated area.

Highlighting the state government’s commitment to inclusive welfare, CM Dhami said that Uttarakhand ranked first in the country in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the SDG Index report. The state has also seen a record 4.4% reduction in unemployment in the past year.

CM Dhami stated that strict laws have been enforced against communal violence and religious conversions, and more than 6,500 acres of encroached government land have been reclaimed. Over 200 illegal madrasas have been sealed, and more than 500 unauthorized structures removed. He also spoke about the launch of Operation Kalnemi, which targets those defaming Sanatan Dharma.

The CM reaffirmed that Uttarakhand has implemented the Uniform Civil Code and provided government jobs to over 23,000 youth. He underscored the state’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, which has led to the imprisonment of more than 200 officials—including IAS and PCS officers—over the past three years.

He concluded by reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to making Uttarakhand the best state in the country.

Dignitaries present included Mayor Shri Vikas Sharma, Cabinet-rank Minister Shri Anil Kapoor Dabbuu, Shri Shankar Koranga, Municipal Chairman Shri Ramesh Chand Joshi, BJP District President Shri Kamal Jindal, former MLAs Dr. Prem Singh Rana and Shri Rajesh Shukla, District Magistrate Shri Nitin Singh Bhadauria, SSP Manikant Mishra, teachers, and students.

(Issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations)