PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the State government was the first State to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) -2020, modernising the education system to make it more practical and employment-oriented. He said this while honouring meritorious students for their performance in the class X and class XII board examinations at the Pratibha Samman ceremony organised by Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shikshan Sansthan in Roorkee.
The CM said that the students’ outstanding success demonstrates that with hard work, discipline and values, any goal can be achieved. Dhami congratulated the students and noted that this recognition would boost their self-confidence and inspire them to excel in future examinations and all aspects of life. He highlighted that Vidya Bharati has established a strong foundation for education and culture across the country, emphasising education rooted in Sanatan culture, patriotism and Indian values.
He further said that the Saraswati Shishu Mandir, which began in Gorakhpur in 1952, has grown into a vast organisation. Currently, Vidya Bharati provides education to approximately 4.5 million students nationwide, with nearly 125,000 students enrolled in its 562 schools in Uttarakhand. Various initiatives are underway, including smart classes in government schools, free textbooks, distribution of shoes and bags, among others. Additionally, the “Kaushalam” programme aims to promote skill development, the Indian knowledge tradition and entrepreneurship, he said.
The CM also stated that the State government has implemented the country’s most stringent anti-cheating law to secure the future of its youth, which has shown positive results. Over the past five years, more than 34,000 youth have been provided government jobs with complete transparency. Further, candidates preparing for competitive examinations such as UPSC, NDA and CDS receive financial assistance of Rs 50,000 after passing the written examination.
During the programme, CM also inaugurated the Anand Swaroop Arya Saraswati Vidya Mandir Shishu Vatika.
