Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami honoured meritorious students of board examinations on Thursday, while highlighting record government recruitments, education reforms and strict action against cheating mafias in the state. The awards were presented at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Educational Excellence Awards ceremony at the SCERT Auditorium in Nanurkheda.
Our correspondent reports that seventy five toppers of High School and Intermediate examinations were felicitated with awards. Principals of three schools with outstanding results and heads of the fifty best performing schools were also honoured. The event was attended by Education Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat, Education Secretary Ravinath Raman, Director General of Education Deepti Singh and other officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Dhami said that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya believed education should not be confined to textbooks but must instil nationalism, ethical values, social harmony and practical knowledge. He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the National Education Policy 2020 to modernise and strengthen learning across the country. The Chief Minister added that Uttarakhand is committed to innovations in education, digital classrooms, and an approach rooted in Indian values.
Our correspondent adds that the state has introduced smart classrooms, digital libraries and online platforms to strengthen learning opportunities. Through the book Hamari Virasat, students from Class 6 to 8 are being introduced to India’s cultural heritage and notable personalities. At the same time, 226 schools are being developed as PM Shri Schools, while 1,300 schools in all thirteen districts now run virtual classes. To extend access further, five PM e Vidya channels are being operated to provide online education in remote areas.
The Chief Minister also highlighted government schemes aimed at easing the financial burden of education. Free textbooks are being provided to all students in Classes 1 to 12 in government and aided schools. The Chief Minister Meritorious Student Scholarship Scheme grants monthly stipends to bright students from Classes 6 to 12. Additionally, top students of Classes 10 and 12 from each development block are being sent on educational tours across India to broaden their exposure.
Our correspondent reports that Dhami also focused on youth employment, saying more than 25,000 youths have been recruited in government jobs over the past four years through transparent processes. He compared this with only 16,000 recruitments in the first 21 years of Uttarakhand’s formation. He said the state’s strict anti cheating law, described as the toughest in the country, has led to the arrest of more than 100 cheating mafia.
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Minister announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe recent attempts at paper leaks. He warned that conspiracies to derail transparent recruitment would be firmly crushed and promised that every cheating mafia would be tracked and punished. Dhami reiterated his commitment to filling vacant posts quickly, adding that the government will not allow any injustice to the youth due to delays.
Dhami also pointed to the introduction of a new minority education law, under which only those madrasas teaching the government approved syllabus will be permitted to operate after July 2026. He said this would prevent unqualified religious teachers from misguiding children and ensure all institutions meet academic standards.
Education Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat in his address noted that this year saw an 18 percent increase in students passing board examinations with first division. He said the introduction of improvement exams has also reduced the stress traditionally associated with board results.
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming that Uttarakhand’s vision is to provide fair opportunities, strengthen education and ensure transparent recruitment for its youth.
