Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, today in a meeting with Odisha’s Minister of School and Mass Education, Nityananda Gond, conducted an in-depth review of the state’s education landscape.
The meeting, held on Sunday, focused on critical areas such as the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the upgradation of school infrastructure, and the preparation of textbooks aligned with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). The discussions underscored the Odisha government’s efforts to universalise access to quality education while promoting equity and improving the nutritional and educational status of children.
Pradhan expressed his satisfaction with Odisha’s proactive measures, particularly highlighting the state’s door-to-door survey initiative aimed at identifying out-of-school children. Conducted by the School and Mass Education Department of Odisha, this comprehensive survey seeks to bring every child into the formal education system through targeted interventions. “I am glad to learn that Odisha is taking significant steps to mainstream every child into the education system,” Pradhan noted in his statement on X.
The Odisha government’s efforts also include the integration of local cultural elements into the state curriculum, ensuring that textbooks and teaching-learning materials resonate with the unique spirit of Odisha. This initiative aligns with broader educational goals to make learning more contextual and engaging for students, fostering a deeper connection with their heritage. Additionally, the state is working on capacity building for teachers and implementing key central schemes like PM Poshan and Samagra Shiksha, which aim to enhance both nutritional and educational outcomes for children.
Pradhan emphasised the role of the “double engine government” – a term often used to describe the synergy between the BJP-led central and state governments – in driving these reforms. “The double engine government in Odisha is working on a mission mode to elevate the educational landscape,” he stated, reaffirming the central government’s commitment to supporting Odisha’s journey toward becoming a #ViksitOdisha, contributing to the larger vision of a #ViksitBharat under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
