Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday called for a revolutionary transformation in Odisha’s education ecosystem and emphasized that NEP 2020 is not merely a policy document but a mission to make India a global knowledge hub.
Addressing a two-day national-level workshop on the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), he shared a transformative roadmap to position Odisha as India’s “Knowledge Capital.” The Chief Minister highlighted that education goes beyond textbooks and serves as the foundation for societal progress. He reiterated the government’s commitment to preparing students to become “industry-ready” and globally competitive.
Reaffirming education as a top priority, the state government has allocated Rs 41,273 crore for the education sector in the 2025–26 financial year. According to the Chief Minister, this significant investment will strengthen infrastructure and lay a solid foundation for the future of Odisha’s youth.
To reduce disparities between rural and urban education, the government has launched the ‘Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Vidyalaya’ initiative. With an investment of Rs 12,000 crore, modern schools will be established in 6,794 gram panchayats across the state. These institutions will feature advanced classrooms, laboratories, and sports facilities, enabling students in rural areas to access quality education closer to home.
In a major step toward inclusive education, the government has introduced 11.25% reservation for SEBC students in higher education. Additionally, financial assistance is being provided to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students through targeted schemes to reduce dropout rates and ensure continued access to education.
To strengthen linguistic inclusion, the state has partnered with Indira Gandhi National Open University to introduce technical and higher education courses in the Odia language. This initiative aims to remove language barriers and help students better understand complex subjects in their mother tongue.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised Odisha’s rich heritage, stating that the state uniquely blends culture and education. He acknowledged the contributions of literary and spiritual figures like Sarala Das and Bhima Bhoi in shaping India’s civilizational identity.
He also noted that nearly 70% of Odisha’s population is under the age of 44, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation and skill development.
The state aims to increase its Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education from the current 23% to surpass the national average of 29% by 2036. The initiative aligns with long-term goals of expanding access and improving educational outcomes.
During the event, the Chief Minister launched the ‘Shakti Shree’ mobile application to support youth and student empowerment. He also unveiled internship guidelines aimed at enhancing employability and practical learning opportunities.
State Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj described the workshop as a “think tank” for building a developed Odisha. He highlighted that the state has secured over Rs 700 crore under the PM-USHA scheme and appointed new vice-chancellors in 14 universities to strengthen academic governance.
Senior officials, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aravind Agrawal and Director Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, also participated in the event, emphasizing collaboration among educators, policymakers, and institutions.