Pune: Maharashtra Govt To Launch First ZP-Run CBSE School In Khanwadi
Pune: Maharashtra Govt To Launch First ZP-Run CBSE School In Khanwadi
Pune, April 10, 2026: In a major step toward improving access to quality education in rural areas, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is set to inaugurate the state’s first Zilla Parishad (ZP)-run school affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education in Khanwadi village of Purandar taluka on April 11.
Named ‘Jyoti-Savitri’, the institution represents a significant shift in the public education system by combining the national CBSE curriculum with the local Zilla Parishad framework. The initiative aims to provide students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds access to high-quality, English-medium education aligned with national standards.
The project has been developed under a corporate social responsibility (CSR) model, with major financial support from Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd, along with contributions from the district planning committee and the Pune Zilla Parishad. Spread across a 12-acre campus provided by the state government, the school features modern facilities such as digital classrooms, science and computer laboratories, and dedicated spaces for experiential learning. A residential hostel is also nearing completion and is expected to be operational from the next academic year.
The school has already started functioning with classes from kindergarten to Class 2, enrolling around 260 students. Over time, it plans to expand up to Class 12 and accommodate nearly 2,000 students. From the upcoming academic year, a residential facility will be introduced starting from Class 6, initially with limited intake.
Students will receive free education along with meals, uniforms, and other essential support, making the initiative especially beneficial for underprivileged families.
The academic and operational framework is being supported by Crystal House India, while administrative control will remain with the Zilla Parishad. A dedicated monitoring system involving experts has also been established to ensure quality standards.
According to Zilla Parishad CEO Gajanan Patil, the campus includes 24 classrooms, advanced laboratories, digital learning tools, a library, and sports facilities. Additional support such as breakfast, lunch, uniforms, and transport will also be provided. He added that the hostel facility is in its final stages of construction.
Officials say the initiative draws inspiration from social reformers like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule, aiming to promote inclusive and equitable education. With senior leaders expected at the inaugural ceremony, the school is being viewed as a pilot project that could transform rural education in Maharashtra by bridging the gap between government schooling and national-level academic standards.
