Finance
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Friday that the state government will give free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level, hailing the move as a watershed moment aimed at increasing access to education and easing financial burdens on families.
The statement was made at a news conference commemorating the two-year anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha.
Majhi stated that the project would primarily benefit students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and that financial limitations should not hinder any student from pursuing higher education. He asserted that Odisha would be the first state in the country to offer free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level.
“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 said.
Reviewing the government’s performance over the past two years, Majhi said his administration had functioned as a “people’s government” since assuming office and had focused on inclusive development across the state.
“From the day we took charge, we have worked together with the people for the progress of Odisha. The double-engine government has delivered a double impact,” he said.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government has introduced 121 projects over the previous two years, which he believes have greatly contributed to the aim of creating a thriving Odisha.
Majhi also launched a scathing attack on the former BJD government, challenging its development record during a 24-year period. He claimed that, despite being in control for more than two decades, the previous administration had failed to provide basic services to inhabitants.
“During the so-called 24 years of good governance, how many times were people able to question the government? Citizens were deprived of basic facilities, and the previous government could not ensure 24-hour electricity supply or proper road connectivity to every village,” he said.
The Chief Minister went on to inquire what had hindered the previous administration from accomplishing these goals, and he claimed that his government has taken tangible steps to close developmental gaps.
Majhi emphasized infrastructure development, citing the start of the ‘Mission PoWaR’ (Power, Water, and Roads) initiative, which aims to reinforce basic infrastructure and improve public services throughout the state.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive growth, saying measures were underway to guarantee that every community received necessary services and development advantages.
The BJP government completed two years in office on Friday after winning power in Odisha in 2024, bringing an end to the BJD’s uninterrupted 24-year hegemony in the state.
