Pune: CM Fadnavis Opens First CBSE Pattern Zilla Parishad School in Mahatma Phule’s Native Village Khanwadi in Purandar taluka

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Purandar, 11th April 2026: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday inaugurated the ‘Jyoti-Savitri Zilla Parishad School’ at Khanwadi in Purandar taluka, the native village of social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, marking a key event in his bicentenary year celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, Fadnavis said the decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies aligns with Phule’s vision of women’s education and empowerment, calling it a true tribute to the reformer’s legacy.

The school has been constructed by the Pune Zilla Parishad in Khanwadi as part of the bicentenary commemorations of Mahatma Phule. Several ministers, including Chhagan Bhujbal, Jaykumar Gore, Chandrakant Patil, Dadaji Bhuse, Dattatray Bharane, Atul Save, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Aditi Tatkare, and Minister of State Yogesh Kadam, were present at the event along with senior officials and public representatives.

Fadnavis described the modern school as a fitting beginning to the bicentenary year, noting that it is the first Zilla Parishad school in the state to follow the CBSE pattern from Class 1 to 12. He said the initiative would provide rural students access to quality, modern and globally competitive education. Highlighting student achievements, he added that some students have already reached premier institutions such as ISRO and NASA.

The Chief Minister also credited the initiative to the efforts of former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, stating that he closely monitored the project at every stage. He noted that students in rural areas are now learning foreign languages such as French and German, reflecting the transformation in the education system.

Announcing further initiatives, Fadnavis said the state will establish 1,000 skill development centres in the name of Mahatma Phule. Under the Industry 4.0 initiative, 100 advanced laboratories have already been set up in 100 schools by the Pune Zilla Parishad to enhance the quality of education.

He described Mahatma Phule as a visionary thinker, progressive farmer, entrepreneur and a leading social reformer who fought against injustice faced by farmers and worked extensively for social equality. Fadnavis also highlighted Phule’s contribution to infrastructure and public works, and his role in promoting women’s education alongside Savitribai Phule, including starting the country’s first girls’ school.

The Chief Minister said the state government continues to carry forward Phule’s legacy through initiatives such as the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, and ‘Mahajyoti’, which supports OBC students in competitive examinations.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said research has established April 11, 1827, as the birth date of Mahatma Phule, citing references from Savitribai Phule’s 1891 publication. He added that the new CBSE school in Khanwadi represents a continuation of Phule’s mission to educate the masses and promote equality.

Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore said the bicentenary celebrations beginning from Phule’s birthplace hold special significance. He informed that the government is working on developing a replica of Phule’s ancestral house at Khanwadi and a grand memorial for Savitribai Phule at Naigaon, with projects estimated between Rs 10–12 crore and Rs 150 crore respectively.

Zilla Parishad officials said the school has been built on 12 acres and is equipped with modern facilities, including laboratories, and will offer free education to needy students from Junior KG to Class 12 under the CBSE curriculum. A hostel with a capacity of 280 students is expected to be completed by next year.

Earlier, Fadnavis paid tributes at the Mahatma Phule memorial on the occasion of his 199th birth anniversary. He also unveiled portraits of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule created by students and inspected the school premises. A cycle bank scheme launched by the Zilla Parishad was also inaugurated during the visit.

The Chief Minister also visited an exhibition showcasing innovative educational initiatives by the Zilla Parishad and inaugurated 88 laboratories set up across its schools. The event was attended by MP Supriya Sule, MLC Yogesh Tilekar, MLAs Rahul Kul, Shankar Mandekar, Bapusaheb Pathare, Zilla Parishad President Veerdhaval Ghorpade, Vice President Vivek Walse Patil, and other officials and citizens in large numbers.