The Uttarakhand government has sealed more than 250 "illegal" madrasas and removed encroachments on over 10,000 acres of government land as part of a major drive against unlawful institutions and violations of prescribed norms, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said.

Drive Against Illegal Madrasas and Encroachments

In a post on social media platform X on Saturday, Dhami said, "Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has its own distinct cultural identity. To preserve this heritage and maintain the state's original character, our government is working with full commitment."

He stated that in the name of religious structures, illegal encroachments on over 10,000 acres of government land have been removed across the state.

The Chief Minister said the action also included sealing more than 250 unauthorised madrasas where, according to him, "radical education was being imparted against the rules."

"Our government's clear resolve is that there will be no compromise with the culture of Devbhoomi, social balance, and law and order," Dhami said.

CM Addresses Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction

Dhami, on his part, participated in a one- day workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, virtually on Friday.

The Chief Minister said that the workshop would be a series of deep discussions on subjects of great importance like disaster risk reduction, pre, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and community participation. Besides, concrete strategies would be framed to implement technological innovation, research collaboration, and partnerships more effectively, he said, as per a statement.

From the workshop's recommendations, he added, the entire Himalayan region, along with Uttarakhand, would benefit.

The Chief Minister said that the negative consequences of natural disasters in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, earthquakes, landslides, cloudbursts, heavy rainfall, avalanches, and forest fires, could be avoided if a scientific model, timely preparedness, and the collective efforts of the people were utilized.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced the 4P mantra, Predict, Prevent, Prepare, Protect, for disaster risk reduction and that they are working on a 10 point agenda which will be in line with this vision.

He revealed that the State Government is constantly putting efforts in pre, disaster preparedness, AI, based warning systems, digital monitoring systems, glacier research centre, drone surveillance, GIS mapping, satellite monitoring, rapid response teams, forest fire early warning systems, and a complete forest fire management plan.

The Chief Minister stated that the main department of disaster management, the forest department, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the local administration have been brought together to work more efficiently and in an orderly manner for the smooth running of disaster management throughout the state.

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, announced on Friday that the State Cabinet has given its nod for the introduction of Community Integrated Skill Learning (CISL) as a formal curricular component for students from Classes VI to X. This is a landmark educational reform in the state's school education system to make learning more experiential and socially rooted.

Speaking further, the Chief Minister pointed out that currently, Health and Physical Education is given as the sixth subject for Classes VI to X, but its character remains mostly limited to textbooks and theoretical knowledge about health and physical activities.

To make the subject more meaningful, practical and relevant to students’ lives, the Cabinet has decided to integrate CISL into the existing framework.

The skills may range across traditional occupations, local practices and community-based expertise, allowing students to learn directly from their immediate social environment.

Explaining the concept, CM Sangma said that if a student’s family is engaged in farming, the student may opt to learn agricultural skills directly from parents.

Similarly, skills practiced by other family members or available within the local community can be chosen.

Students will be required not only to observe but to actively learn, participate and demonstrate the selected skill as part of the assessment process.

The Chief Minister said the initiative carries multiple long-term benefits.From a skill development point of view, CISL will enable students to get hold of hands, on and work, oriented skills that might be of help in their future personal or professional lives.

Moreover, students won't be required to do the same work as their parents, but the approach will most likely lead to the continuation, respect and valuing of traditional family and community based ways of living.

CM Sangma further pointed out the social aspect of the programme emphasizing that as CISL is going to be a major component of academic assessment, it will motivate students to interact and collaborate more with their families.

He said that this will make the family relationship stronger and generate a feeling of shared responsibility in the learning process.

The Chief Minister, referring to CISL as an innovative step by the Education Department, stated that the initiative intends to bring the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills down, to raise the community's participation in education, and to create a great social impact by linking education to real life experiences.

Dabble College in Lucknow's Indiranagar emerges as a parent favorite for ICSE education with 100% board results and holistic child growth. Home to 700+ students guided by 50+ experienced teachers, this serene campus sparks curiosity through modern labs and vibrant activities. Searching "Dabble College admissions 2026," "best ICSE school Jankipuram," or "Indiranagar schools near me"? Here's everything you need to know as parents.

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Located at Aravali Marg, Sector-15, Block-C, Indiranagar, Lucknow (226015), Dabble College blends academics with joyful learning in a safe, student-friendly haven. Affiliated to ICSE/ISC, it nurtures creativity, ethical values, and leadership for children from Nursery to Class 12. With 40+ dedicated faculty, the focus stays on personalized mentoring and community spirit.

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Dabble boasts 100% pass rates in ICSE/ISE 2024 exams. Awards include Torchbearer of Knowledge, Excellence in Education, and Pedagogy & Joyful Learning. Student highlights feature exhibition successes and press releases, positioning it as a top performer among Lucknow ICSE schools.

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Dabble follows ICSE/ISC curriculum across Nursery to Class 12:

• Pre-Primary (Nursery-LKG-UKG): Play-way learning.
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Fees remain affordable for premium quality (exact details via enquiry form; no hidden charges). Value-packed with sports, arts, and labs included.

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Infrastructure and Campus Life

Modern classrooms with tech, science labs, vast library, art/music rooms, indoor/outdoor sports (swimming, yoga, aerobics), and monitored safe grounds. Jankipuram campus extension boosts space. Life buzzes with events, sports days, celebrations, galleries capture teamwork, fitness, and fun.

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Who Should Not Take Admission

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In short, Dabble College Lucknow offers proven excellence, safety, and joy in Indiranagar, building confident leaders. Enrol now at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or dabblecollege.com. Join 700+ happy students for 2026

According to School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Friday, a minimum of 55 brand new textbooks are going to be brought out for classes 1 to 8 in the state, starting from the academic year 2026, 27, in line with the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.

The launch was disclosed at a high, level meeting led by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He instructed the local authorities to carry out activities for students and parents to familiarize and generate excitement about the new textbooks.

The books were translated and contextualised from NCERT materials to reflect Odisha’s local needs, culture and heritage. For the rollout, 1,000 master resource persons have been trained in four batches across four zones. They will train more than 1.66 lakh primary teachers at the district level.

Pradhan outlined four priorities for strengthening school education: focus on Nipun Bharat and foundational literacy and numeracy, promote mother-tongue-based education at least up to Class V, strengthen PM-Poshan with emphasis on student nutrition, and expand 10 school days without bags per year for classes VI to X as envisaged in NEP-2020.

Gond said three new subjects — art education, physical education and well-being, and vocational education —have been introduced under NEP-2020 to support holistic development.

Archana Sharma Awasthi, additional secretary, ministry of education, said NEP-2020 implementation is a shared responsibility, with teachers playing a key role. She expressed confidence that master resource persons would disseminate NEP principles to teachers across the state.

The meeting was attended by senior central and state govt officials, including Odisha school and mass education secretary N Thirumala Naik. District education officers from all 30 districts and principals of teacher training institutes, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools joined virtually.

Meghalaya introduces community-integrated skill learning in schools

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, announced on Friday that the State Cabinet has given its nod for the introduction of Community Integrated Skill Learning (CISL) as a formal curricular component for students from Classes VI to X. This is a landmark educational reform in the state's school education system to make learning more experiential and socially rooted.

Speaking further, the Chief Minister pointed out that currently, Health and Physical Education is given as the sixth subject for Classes VI to X, but its character remains mostly limited to textbooks and theoretical knowledge about health and physical activities.

To make the subject more meaningful, practical and relevant to students’ lives, the Cabinet has decided to integrate CISL into the existing framework.

The skills may range across traditional occupations, local practices and community-based expertise, allowing students to learn directly from their immediate social environment.

Explaining the concept, CM Sangma said that if a student’s family is engaged in farming, the student may opt to learn agricultural skills directly from parents.

Similarly, skills practiced by other family members or available within the local community can be chosen.

Students will be required not only to observe but to actively learn, participate and demonstrate the selected skill as part of the assessment process.

The Chief Minister said the initiative carries multiple long-term benefits.From a skill development point of view, CISL will enable students to get hold of hands, on and work, oriented skills that might be of help in their future personal or professional lives.

Moreover, students won't be required to do the same work as their parents, but the approach will most likely lead to the continuation, respect and valuing of traditional family and community based ways of living.

CM Sangma further pointed out the social aspect of the programme emphasizing that as CISL is going to be a major component of academic assessment, it will motivate students to interact and collaborate more with their families.

He said that this will make the family relationship stronger and generate a feeling of shared responsibility in the learning process.

The Chief Minister, referring to CISL as an innovative step by the Education Department, stated that the initiative intends to bring the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills down, to raise the community's participation in education, and to create a great social impact by linking education to real life experiences.

250 'illegal' madrasas sealed by Uttarakhand govt, cleared 10k acres

The Uttarakhand government has sealed more than 250 "illegal" madrasas and removed encroachments on over 10,000 acres of government land as part of a major drive against unlawful institutions and violations of prescribed norms, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said.

Drive Against Illegal Madrasas and Encroachments

In a post on social media platform X on Saturday, Dhami said, "Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has its own distinct cultural identity. To preserve this heritage and maintain the state's original character, our government is working with full commitment."

He stated that in the name of religious structures, illegal encroachments on over 10,000 acres of government land have been removed across the state.

The Chief Minister said the action also included sealing more than 250 unauthorised madrasas where, according to him, "radical education was being imparted against the rules."

"Our government's clear resolve is that there will be no compromise with the culture of Devbhoomi, social balance, and law and order," Dhami said.

CM Addresses Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction

Dhami, on his part, participated in a one- day workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, virtually on Friday.

The Chief Minister said that the workshop would be a series of deep discussions on subjects of great importance like disaster risk reduction, pre, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and community participation. Besides, concrete strategies would be framed to implement technological innovation, research collaboration, and partnerships more effectively, he said, as per a statement.

From the workshop's recommendations, he added, the entire Himalayan region, along with Uttarakhand, would benefit.

The Chief Minister said that the negative consequences of natural disasters in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, earthquakes, landslides, cloudbursts, heavy rainfall, avalanches, and forest fires, could be avoided if a scientific model, timely preparedness, and the collective efforts of the people were utilized.

The Chief Minister mentioned that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced the 4P mantra, Predict, Prevent, Prepare, Protect, for disaster risk reduction and that they are working on a 10 point agenda which will be in line with this vision.

He revealed that the State Government is constantly putting efforts in pre, disaster preparedness, AI, based warning systems, digital monitoring systems, glacier research centre, drone surveillance, GIS mapping, satellite monitoring, rapid response teams, forest fire early warning systems, and a complete forest fire management plan.

The Chief Minister stated that the main department of disaster management, the forest department, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the local administration have been brought together to work more efficiently and in an orderly manner for the smooth running of disaster management throughout the state.

G D Goenka Public School, Bhubaneswar (GDGPSB) is one of the best emerging schools of Odisha with a progressive curriculum that received the award at Asian Education Summit 2022. It promotes holistic development via experiential learning of Classes Nursery to 12 spearheaded by world-renowned academician Prof. Prasant Mohapatra (VC, UC Davis, USA). This profile will focus on those parents who visited the search engine to enter GD Goenka Bhubaneswar admission 2026, best CBSE schools BBSR fees, or GDGPSB reviews, among others, and explain its facilities, admission procedure, and why the school is the best among the young learners.

About the School

A high-end CBSE-affiliated school in Bhubaneswar, GDGPSB has a holistic philosophy in which students are co-learners, parents are stakeholders and the school awakens inner potential. Principal SK Singh heads it and focuses on 21st century skills such as critical thinking, IT integration, and such values as honesty, compassion, tolerance. The curriculum covers Foundation (Playgroup-2), Preparatory (3-5), Middle (6-8), Secondary (9-10), Senior Secondary (11-12) and the same attention is given to both scholastics and co-curricular activities such as music, dance, sports.

Ranking and Achievements

GDGPSB has been recognized as the best emerging school with progressive curriculum at the Asian Education Summit 2022, which is an excellent achievement when it comes to the standard of holistic education. It is distinguished by certified expert teachers, high-quality infrastructure and experiential learning programs in the Odisha CBSE rankings. Sport-strong, club-strong, health and wellness; national pride, community service and global citizenry.

Curriculum and Fee structure.

CBSE curriculum involves competency based, experience-based learning- none of the rote learning. Core: English, Hindi/Odia, Maths, EVS/Science, Social Science; extras: IT, Arts, PE, PSHE. Stages Foundation (play-way), Preparatory (activity-based), Middle (project-led), Senior (NEP-aligned streams Science/Commerce/Humanities). However fees are around 1-1.5 lakh/year (Nursery-12; depends on class, check with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.); inclusive of smart classes, labs, sports.

Eligibility Criteria

Nursery: Age 3+ by the end of March; higher classes: TC of former school, birth certificate. None primary; Grade 1+ interaction; Grade 6+ 75+ than Grade: 1 previous academics. Aadhaar, Vaccination record, Aadhaar required.

Admission Procedure

Easy procedure: Go to gdgoenkabbsr.org, get a prospectus, hand in documents (2 child photos, parents photos/Aadhaar/residence proof, birth cert, last 2 yrs reports, TC Grade 2+, vaccination). Interaction/assessment; confirm pay fees. 

The Campus Life and Infrastructure.

Premium Catering: Smart classrooms, IT, experiential, sports fields (SEP program), clubs (music/drama/art/tech), wellness centres. A healthy, good atmosphere creates self-control, teamwork; experiences create confidence, life-long learning.

Faculty

Passionate, trained teachers and learning specialists, certified, experienced; trained in competency-based methodology that is holistic. Informative, emphasis on individual development, 21 st -century skills such as problem solving.

Why Should & Shouldn’t Parents Choose this School? 

Parents looking for the best Bhubaneswar CBSE school offering holistic, quality education, good values, sports, and international orientation should surely choose this school for their kid. Three-to-teen-year-old (ages 3-18) ambitious children who like to think in terms of challenge are the best fit for this career-preparation strategy in the non-traditional world. Other than that,if you prefer traditional rote CBSE or low-fee govt schools then this school won’t be the right choice. It is  not for families wanting minimal co-curriculars or non-partnered parent involvement.

The GD Goenka Public School Bhubaneswar provides the motto Higher, Stronger, Brighter by providing visionary leadership and the best facilities, securing your child’s future by choosing this school.  2026-27 admissions open.

A Centre-appointed panel for suggesting reforms in entrance exams and reducing dependency on coaching centres is exploring the possibility of holding crucial entrance exams in class 11 or aligning the grade's exams with their difficulty level, according to officials.

The panel is analysing data to study if the difficulty level of entrance exams is in sync with the difficulty level of Class 12 curriculum, which is the basis of these exams.

Last year, the Ministry of Education set up a nine-member panel to examine issues related to coaching, the emergence of 'dummy schools' and the effectiveness and fairness of entrance examinations.

The panel, headed by Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi, will suggest measures to reduce the dependency of students on coaching centres for transition to higher education.

"In its recent meeting, the stakeholders suggested that if few of the entrances can be conducted at Class 11 level or at least the exams for this class be in the same MCQ format as that of the entrance exams. The possibility is being studied," a source said.

"The committee is examining the gaps in the current schooling system that contribute to students’ reliance on coaching centres, particularly the limited focus on critical thinking, logical reasoning, analytical skills and innovation and the prevalence of rote learning practices," the source added.

Limiting coaching hours, redesigning school curricula to mirror post-school competitive entrance examinations and giving greater weightage to board examination results are also among the suggestions received by the panel.

Among the other terms of reference of the committee is, firstly, finding out the extent to which students and parents are aware of different career options and the resulting impact on their over, reliance on a handful of prestigious institutions due to lack of awarenessSecondly, it involves evaluating the presence and performance of career counselling services in schools and colleges and recommending ways to improve these educational career guidance systems.

The board is headed by the chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE); includes joint secretaries from the school education and higher education departments; representatives of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Trichy, IIT Kanpur and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT); and school principals (one each from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya and a private school) as the members of panel.

Coaching centres in the country have been in the eye of the storm for a number of issues and the move comes after complaints were made to the government regarding the increasing cases of student suicides, fires and poor facilities in coaching institutes, as well as the teaching methods employed by them.