Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday laid foundation stones for the third phase of the state government’s flagship Godabarisha Mishra Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalaya Yojana, under which 630 model primary schools will be established across Odisha.
Of the 630 schools included in this phase, 35 will come up in Keonjhar district. The schools will be constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 4,000 crore.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the scheme as his dream project, stating that the idea originated from his experience as the MLA of Keonjhar, when he realised that the quality of primary education in the state needed significant improvement.
He said he had initially taken steps to implement the initiative in his constituency and subsequently across the district with support from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). However, with the blessings of Lord Jagannath, the initiative eventually expanded into a statewide programme.
Clarifying the vision behind the project, Majhi said the proposed institutions would not merely be renovated or repainted existing schools but would be entirely new educational campuses developed on around five acres of land, with world-class infrastructure. Each school is expected to cost between Rs 5 crore and Rs 8 crore.
The Chief Minister emphasised that his government considers education the strongest foundation for social transformation and development. Primary education, he said, lays the groundwork for a child’s future, and a strong foundation is essential for ensuring quality learning and overall development.
Under the scheme, the government aims to transform one primary school in every gram panchayat into a model institution.
Majhi said the government has planned an investment of approximately Rs 12,000 crore between the financial years 2025-26 and 2028-29 to strengthen 2,200 schools during the initial three years. The schools are being established in villages having at least five acres of suitable land and adequate road connectivity.
Earlier, foundation stones were laid for 118 schools in Banapur, the birthplace of Pandit Godabarisha Mishra, and 204 schools in Khordha district. With the latest foundation-laying programme covering 630 schools, the total number of schools for which foundation stones have been laid under the initiative has reached 952.
The proposed model schools will feature modern classrooms, digital learning facilities and sports equipment. Special emphasis will also be placed on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy skills under the state’s ‘Nipun Odisha’ initiative.
Highlighting other measures taken to improve access to education, the Chief Minister said Shishu Vatika facilities have been introduced in more than 45,000 schools across the state. Students of Classes IX and X are also being provided mid-day meals and free textbooks.
He further informed that 28,639 teachers have been recruited over the past two-and-a-half years, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the education system.
Majhi urged teachers to develop these model schools as centres of knowledge, creativity and human values. He expressed confidence that the institutions would play a transformative role, particularly in tribal-dominated districts like Keonjhar, by providing children in rural and remote areas with better educational opportunities.
He added that geographical and economic disadvantages should never become barriers to a child’s access to quality education.