Odisha CM Majhi Unveils Bold Education Reforms in Keonjhar
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced sweeping reforms to strengthen the state’s education system, blending cultural values with modern skills.
Speaking at the annual festival of Baniapat Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir and the golden jubilee of PM Shri Government High School in Sirigida, the CM emphasised holistic learning, AI readiness, and support for tribal students.
Majhi praised Shishu Mandir schools for their role in delivering quality education in remote areas and instilling Indian values.
He highlighted the state’s adoption of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with a new State Curriculum Framework aligned to NCERT. From the next academic year, free textbooks will be distributed to all students up to Class 10, alongside expert‑developed course materials.
The CM stressed the importance of life skills, problem‑solving, and creativity, while urging students to embrace digital literacy, coding, and AI.
He also cautioned against the misuse of mobile internet and social media.
For tribal children, initiatives include multilingual education in mother tongues like Santali, the Madho Singh Haath Kharcha scheme, and the establishment of Bal Vatikas (pre‑schools) in 45,000 schools.
Secondary schools will introduce aspirational curricula covering IT coding, book reviews, and sports‑based life skills. Odisha has earmarked a record Rs 41,273 crore for education — 14.2% of the state budget and 3.9% of GDP — making it one of India’s top spenders in the sector.
“These reforms are designed to uncover hidden talents and prepare Odisha’s youth for global competition while staying rooted in culture,” Majhi said, underscoring the government’s commitment to equitable, high‑quality education.
