Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi graced the grand finale of Barendra Krushna Vidyalaya’s centenary celebrations in Banki today. He announced a Rs 1 crore grant from his discretionary fund for the construction of an auditorium at the historic institution.
The CM further pledged full financial support for all ancillary infrastructure needs, underscoring the school’s role as more than just an educational hub—it’s a movement that has illuminated lives in the Banki region for a century.
Majhi’s address painted the school’s 100-year journey as a beacon of resilience amid social, economic, and systemic upheavals. “This isn’t merely a school; it’s a movement that has empowered ordinary people with quality education, dignity, and self-awareness,” he said. He lauded its transformation into a leading institution across Odisha through unwavering values.
Emphasising education’s unbreakable link to Indian culture, the Chief Minister highlighted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a game-changer. Noting that previous political hurdles had delayed its implementation in Odisha. His government swiftly adopted it post-election. “Odisha’s students will now access the same high-quality education as their peers nationwide. This will open new horizons for our education system,” he affirmed.
CM Majhi outlined ambitious state initiatives to fortify primary education:
- Upgrading 762 schools under the PM-Shri scheme into model institutions.
- Launching the Godavari Mishra Ideal Primary School Scheme in 2,200 panchayats, with an initial Rs 12,000 crore investment for construction.
- Filling 44,433 teacher vacancies over the next three years, averaging 15,000 annually.
- Reviving the oldest schools, including those over 100 years old, via the Heritage School Scheme for preservation and reconstruction.
The state has allocated a record over Rs 31,000 crore for primary education in the current budget. This accounts for 14.2% of the total outlay and 3.9% of GSDP. It places Odisha among the top states investing over 14% in education. “This reflects our government’s deep commitment,” Majhi stated.
Addressing students, he urged holistic growth beyond academics, encouraging pursuits in sports, dance, music, and the arts. “Don’t limit yourselves to government jobs; today’s boundless opportunities mean you can thrive where you feel most comfortable. Parents, avoid forcing your children into the rat race for doctor or engineer roles—success lies in diverse, fulfilling careers,” he advised, calling on teachers and students to foster such environments.
In a related directive, Majhi instructed the Cuttack District Collector to submit a report on requirements for integrating the Banki NAC area into a municipality.
The event saw speeches from Cuttack MP Bhartruhari Mahatab, Banki MLA Devi Ranjan Tripathy, District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, former Banki MLA Dr Debasish Pattnayak, Centenary Committee Chairman Bhabani Prasad Pandit, Secy Govind Chandra Tripathy, Convenor Nila Mohan Tripathy, and Subhranshu Mohan Padhi, among others.
This centenary milestone not only honours Barendra Krushna Vidyalaya’s legacy but signals Odisha’s renewed push for inclusive, transformative education under Majhi’s leadership.
