Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the 42nd annual function of Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir at Nilakantha Nagar, Berhampur, and announced several development projects for the city and Ganjam district.
The Chief Minister declared the construction of 10 important roads in Berhampur and nearby areas at a cost of Rs 52.17 crore. He explained that the project will improve connectivity and ease traffic. Moreover, he announced a six-lane Berhampur–Jeypore highway project worth Rs 6,000 crore, which is already in process.
Majhi revealed plans to develop Greater Berhampur City and directed the district administration to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR). In addition, he said the government will implement Town Planning Schemes (TP Schemes) to provide all basic services in a planned manner. Two TP Schemes are already under preparation.
Highlighting Berhampur’s culinary reputation, the Chief Minister announced the construction of Food Streets at various locations under the Berhampur Municipal Corporation. He emphasised that Ganjam and Berhampur are vital to Odisha’s growth and will play a central role in building a prosperous state.
During his emotional address, Majhi recalled his teaching days and said, “Whenever I visit a Saraswati Vidya Mandir, it feels like returning home.” He praised the Vidya Mandir group for nurturing talented students while instilling Indian culture and values to create responsible citizens.
On education, Majhi said Odisha has implemented the National Education Policy 2020 under the guidance of the Prime Minister. Furthermore, he announced the Godabarish Mishra Model Primary School Scheme, under which one school will be set up in each panchayat, with 2,200 schools approved in the first phase. He also confirmed plans to merge the secondary and higher secondary boards into a single board to improve quality.
The Chief Minister assured that the government will create 45,000 new teacher posts within three years to address shortages. From the next academic year, free textbooks will be provided up to Class X. Additionally, he highlighted a record allocation of over Rs 31,000 crore for primary education in the current budget.
The event also included tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, freedom fighter Mohan Nayak, and social worker Sibaram Mahapatra. Several ministers, MLAs, RSS leaders, district officials, and school management members attended the function.
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