Odisha Education Reforms 2025: 44K Teachers, Free Textbooks & Unified Board Announced
Bhubaneswar, August 21,(OT Webdesk) — In a bold stride toward transforming Odisha’s education landscape, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s primary education system, aligning with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
At a high-level review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, the CM revealed plans to recruit 44,433 primary teachers by 2028, including 39,366 new posts and 5,067 existing vacancies to be filled by December 2025.
The move aims to address teacher shortages across Odisha’s 45,292 primary schools, which currently employ over 1.6 lakh educators.
In a major boost to student welfare, the government will now provide free textbooks to all students up to Class 10, expanding the previous scheme that covered only Classes 1–8 and SC/ST students in Classes 9–10.
To streamline governance, the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) and Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) will be merged into a unified education board, simplifying administrative processes and policy implementation.
Health and safety in residential schools will be strengthened with the appointment of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs)—one per 300 students—to ensure medical support in hostels.
Additionally, the approval process for new private schools will shift to a fully online system, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Special attention is being given to tribal and inclusive education. A multilingual education centre will be established in Koraput in collaboration with SCSTRTI, and trained B.Ed. teachers will be appointed as resource persons to support differently-abled students.
The reforms also include the development of SCERT Odisha on the lines of NCERT and the strengthening of the Directorate of Textbook Publication and Marketing, reinforcing the state’s commitment to quality education delivery.
These sweeping changes mark a pivotal moment in Odisha’s journey toward building a robust, inclusive, and future-ready education system by 2036.
