CM Majhi Unveils ₹7 Crore Per School Plan for Quality Education in Odisha

The initiative, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, seeks to establish a robust foundation for quality education in rural areas, ensuring equitable access and modern facilities for students.

In the first phase, the state government plans to construct 835 model primary schools, each serving as a feeder institution for high schools. With an estimated budget of up to ₹7 crore per school, these institutions will be strategically located at the headquarters of Gram Panchayats, ensuring accessibility based on geographical and socio-economic considerations. The schools will cater to students from pre-primary (Shishu Vatika) to Class VIII, with a minimum enrollment of 100 students and a land requirement of at least 2 acres.

Chief Minister Majhi emphasised the importance of providing high-quality education in line with national standards, particularly in remote and underserved areas. To address accessibility challenges, the government will provide free transportation for students in far-flung regions, ensuring no child is left behind due to distance or economic constraints. “Our goal is to create an ecosystem where every child, regardless of their background, has access to world-class education,” the Chief Minister stated.

The initiative focuses on upgrading infrastructure, adopting modern teaching methodologies, and fostering community engagement by involving parents, alumni, and local stakeholders. Schools with adequate land will be prioritised for future expansion to high school level, incorporating technology-driven learning to enhance educational outcomes. A key highlight is the adoption of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) approach, alongside vocational training and experiential learning, to promote creativity, critical thinking, and life skills for holistic student development.

To ensure quality teaching, the Chief Minister directed officials to implement an advanced teacher recruitment process, emphasising merit and competence. By Class III, students are expected to achieve foundational literacy and numeracy skills, aligning with NEP 2020’s vision. The program also aims to strengthen community ties, encouraging stakeholder participation to create a sustainable educational ecosystem.

The meeting saw participation from key dignitaries, including School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Finance Department Principal Secretary Sanjeev Mishra, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Saswat Mishra, School and Mass Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Shalini Pandit, Rural Development Secretary Yamini Sadangi, and OSEPA Director Ananya Das.

The Godabarish Mishra Model Primary School program is a significant step towards transforming Odisha’s education landscape, promising a brighter future for the state’s young minds through inclusive, innovative, and quality-driven education.