Pune, April 11 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to allocate 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies is in perfect harmony with Mahatma Jyotiba Phule's principles regarding women's education and empowerment.

He emphasized that this groundbreaking decision is a genuine homage to the esteemed social reformer.

In celebration of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule's 200th birth anniversary, the Chief Minister inaugurated the 'Jyoti-Savitri Zilla Parishad School' in Phule's native village of Khanwadi (Purandar taluka).

This advanced educational institution has been developed by the Pune Zilla Parishad.

The inauguration was graced by numerous dignitaries, including Maharashtra's Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, and other Cabinet members like Aditi Tatkare and Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

Fadnavis remarked that constructing a modern school in Mahatma Phule's birthplace is the most appropriate way to commence the bicentenary year.

"This is the first Zilla Parishad school in the state to adopt the CBSE curriculum from Class 1 to 12. This marks a significant advancement in delivering international-standard education to rural students. Many from these backgrounds are already gaining admission to prestigious institutions such as ISRO and NASA," he stated.

The Chief Minister also paid tribute to the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, acknowledging his personal commitment during every phase of the school's construction.

He expressed pride in witnessing rural students excel in foreign languages like French and German, which he described as evidence of a transforming education system.

Fadnavis also unveiled plans for a skill training center named after Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, with intentions to establish 1,000 such centers throughout the state.

In alignment with Industry 4.0, Pune Zilla Parishad has set up 100 modern laboratories across 100 schools to elevate educational quality.

Honoring the legacy of Phule, CM Fadnavis characterized him as more than a social activist; he was a progressive farmer, successful entrepreneur, and a visionary.

"His vision is reflected in iconic projects such as the Mumbai Municipal Corporation building, Khadakwasla Dam, Yerwada Jail, and the Katraj Tunnel," the Chief Minister highlighted.

He underscored Phule's battle against societal issues, his establishment of the first girls' school at Bhide Wada, and his efforts in identifying the Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to mark the first Shiv Jayanti.

Minister Chhagan Bhujbal confirmed that research has established Phule's birth date as April 11, 1827.

He praised Prime Minister Modi's political reservations for women as a realization of Phule's vision for equality.

Maharashtra's Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore announced that the state government is planning a Rs 150 crore memorial for Savitribai Phule at Naigaon and a project costing Rs 10–12 crore at Katgun to honor the Phule couple's legacy.

Pune Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil stated that the school occupies 12 acres and provides free education complete with modern laboratories.

A hostel accommodating 280 students is slated for completion by next year.

Chief Minister Fadnavis initiated a 'Cycle Bank' scheme for students.

A total of 88 diverse laboratories established in various Zilla Parishad schools were inaugurated virtually.

A portrait of Mahatma and Savitribai Phule, crafted by students, was unveiled by the Chief Minister.