Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) levels as the BJP-led government in Odisha completed two years in office, positioning the State as a pioneer in comprehensive educational access.
Addressing a press conference in the State Capital, Majhi emphasised that the fee-free policy would significantly alleviate financial burdens on families, particularly those from economically weaker and underprivileged sections, while ensuring that financial constraints do not become a barrier to higher education.
“The government has decided to introduce fee-free education from KG to PG. This will be a major support for all students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, and will reduce the financial pressure on families,” the Chief Minister stated, asserting that Odisha would become the first State in India to roll out such an expansive free education programme.
He further noted that the government has implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and is establishing Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalayas in every panchayat (322 foundations laid so far). Over 26,615 teaching and non-teaching staff have been recruited, with plans for 45,000 more in the next three years. Four new universities and 18 new government colleges are being set up in backward areas.
Majhi used the occasion to sharply criticise the previous BJD government’s 24-year tenure, alleging that despite its long rule, it failed to deliver basic amenities such as reliable electricity and village road connectivity. He also accused the previous regime of whimsical project implementation and neglect of the Odia language and culture. He reiterated commitment to Odia language in official work and development of Jagannath culture and other religious sites.
Central to these efforts is the Mission PoWaR programme, aimed at ensuring Power, Water, and Roads infrastructure reaches every village, with targets for substantial progress by 2027. The initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to bridging developmental deficits through integrated inter-departmental action, he noted.
Reflecting on the government’s journey since assuming office on June 12, 2024, Majhi described it as a “people’s government” operating in close coordination with citizens under the “double-engine” model of governance with the Centre. He noted the implementation of 121 schemes over the past two years, contributing to the broader goal of a prosperous and inclusive Odisha.
The Chief Minister also defended the government’s law and order record, challenging critics to cite even a single case where culprits were not arrested. He highlighted a sharp rise in conviction rates — from 6.7% to 62% in crimes against women and an overall conviction rate of 87.6% under the new criminal laws. He noted that Odisha is now free of Maoist violence, allowing journalists to travel freely.
He also highlighted progress in women’s empowerment, agriculture, healthcare, and industrial growth. The government has procured a record 77.41 lakh metric tonne of paddy from 18.83 lakh farmers in the Kharif season and additional quantities in Rabi. New initiatives include Krishi Vidyanidhi Yojana, Mukhyamantri Krishi Udyog Yojana, 100 model mandis, and converting PACS into one-stop centres.
A major new announcement was the launch of the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana, under which all NFSA and SFSS beneficiaries will receive an additional 5 kg of rice free of cost every month (total 10 kg), benefiting 3.28 crore people at an annual cost of Rs 8,813 crore.
The Ayushman Bharat-Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana has been operationalised, providing cashless treatment to 3.46 crore beneficiaries across the country. New medical colleges have started MBBS programmes, and more are planned. Several Ayurvedic and Homeopathic colleges are also in the pipeline. Over 5,197 medical officers and paramedics have been recruited.
The state has allocated Rs 72,100 crore for capital expenditure (6.5% of GSDP), one of the highest in the country. In two years, investments include nearly 9,000 km of roads, 57 bridges, and multiple expressway projects.
On the economic front, Majhi pointed to Rs 20 lakh crore in investment proposals, approval of 433 projects worth Rs 8.69 lakh crore through single-window clearance, and groundwork for semiconductor and electronics hub, underscoring rising investor confidence and Odisha’s emergence as a preferred industrial destination.
Odisha has recorded strong economic growth (7.2% in 2024-25 and 7.9% in 2025-26), outperforming the national average, while maintaining fiscal discipline. It has been recognised for best practices in financial management.
Concluding his address, Chief Minister Majhi expressed gratitude to the people of Odisha for their support and invoked the blessings of Lord Jagannath for the realisation of a “Samruddha Odisha” by 2036. He later answered questions from a few journalists.
Among others, Deputy CM Pravati Parida, BJP state president and Rajya Sabha Member Manmohan Samal, Odisha BJP in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar, Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Additional Chief Secretary to Govt, I&PR Department Hemant Sharma were present.
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