Chief Minister Inaugurates Centralized Studio for Virtual and Smart Classes in Hybrid Mode in 840 Government Schools

Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the centralized studio for virtual and smart classes operating in hybrid mode in 840 government schools under the ICT scheme in school education by Samagra Shiksha Uttarakhand. The event was held on Saturday at Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Nanurkheda (Dehradun). During the occasion, the Chief Minister also interacted with students through the virtual medium.

The Chief Minister said that everyone is witnessing a historic initiative to strengthen the education system in the state, which will ensure a bright future for the children of Uttarakhand. He emphasized that in the modern era, education is not limited to books alone; digital technology, virtual platforms, and smart classrooms are opening numerous new opportunities. These innovations make the curriculum more engaging and accessible, allowing students in remote areas to directly interact with experts and teachers.

Shri Dhami informed that 226 schools in the state have been established as PM Shri schools, and virtual classes are currently being conducted in 500 schools. Students can now access modern, quality education from home through the “Uttarakhand Virtual Learning Application”, which also allows self-assessment. Through this app, students will have the opportunity to learn from renowned educators across the country and state.

The Chief Minister added that the state government is also operating the 5PM e-Vidya Channel to provide online education to students in remote areas. Under the Chief Minister Merit Student Incentive Scholarship Scheme, meritorious students from classes 6 to 12 are being supported. Additionally, top-performing students from each development block in classes 10 and 12 are being sent on educational tours across India.

Vocational education has been introduced in 8 trades in state secondary schools, benefiting over 42,000 students. For the first time, employment fairs for class 12 vocational students were conducted, resulting in the selection of 146 students by reputed companies. This initiative has been appreciated by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Shri Dhami highlighted that Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to develop a state curriculum framework for basic education. “Bastar Free Day” has been incorporated in schools, and books in local languages and cultures—Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari—have been prepared. Dictionaries are also being developed in Tharu, Boksa, and Rawalti languages. The “Hamari Virasat” book is being used to teach students of classes 6 to 8 about India’s culture, folk traditions, and great personalities.

He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the National Education Policy 2020 has been implemented in the country. Through the ICT scheme, students are being connected to modern education using digital teaching resources and virtual classrooms. Uttarakhand was the first state in India to implement this policy and launched the “Bal Vatika” initiative in 2022. NCERT textbooks are now mandatory for quality education in all government schools, and free books are being provided to students from classes 1 to 12 in government and aided schools.

The program was attended by Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, MLA Shri Umesh Sharma “Kau,” Additional Secretary Education Mrs. Ranjana Rajguru, Director General of Education Ms. Deepti Singh, other officials of the Education Department, and students from across the state via virtual platform.

— Department of Information and Public Relations