The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved the proposal to provide free textbooks to students of Class IX and Class X studying in government and government-aided secondary schools (other than SC&ST) under the scheme “Supply of Free Textbooks.”
The scheme aims to ensure equitable access to quality education, reduce the financial burden on economically weaker families, improve enrolment in government schools, lower dropout rates, and facilitate a higher transition rate from elementary to secondary education. Until now, free textbooks were primarily available up to Class VIII, with SC and ST students already covered under existing provisions.
The scheme will be implemented for five years, from the 2025-26 to 2029-30 academic sessions, with a total estimated outlay of ₹284.07 crore. It is expected to cover a tentative 28.7 lakh beneficiaries.
Procurement of paper, printing, transportation, and distribution of textbooks will be carried out through a transparent, competitive, and economical process in line with the Odisha General Financial Rules (OGFR), applicable procurement guidelines, and government instructions. The School and Mass Education Department will establish a robust mechanism for the collection, verification, and validation of beneficiary data through field-level checks. Textbooks will be printed and supplied to all schools well before the start of each academic session.
This decision is part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen the school education system, promote inclusivity, and support students from economically weaker sections in continuing their studies without the added cost of textbooks.
