Finance
In a major effort to improve primary education in rural Odisha, the state government has announced the launch of the Godabarish Mishra Model Primary School Scheme. As part of this program, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will lay the groundwork for 500 model primary schools on June 12, the first anniversary of the BJP’s rule in the state.
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond told the media that the initiative seeks to create one modern primary school in each gram panchayat across Odisha’s 314 blocks. Inspired by Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya’s learning paradigm, these schools will stress quality education, with a heavy emphasis on core literacy and numeracy.
“The goal is to provide children in rural areas with access to high-quality education, enabling them to build strong academic foundations and pursue higher studies without barriers,” the minister said. He added that the new schools will emphasize language development, mathematics, and holistic intellectual growth through improved infrastructure and child-centric learning environments.
The state government has allocated ₹2,960 crore for the initiative in fiscal year 2025-26. Over the following five years, about 6,800 government-run primary schools would be transformed into model institutions, spanning 6,794 gram panchayats throughout Odisha.
Minister Gond also expressed concern about the ongoing COVID-19 scenario. He promised that schools would reopen soon, but highlighted that safety precautions would be implemented. Teachers have been told to remain watchful, and the agency will send cautions to district education officers. Children with symptoms or major health difficulties will be urged to stay at home to avoid the spread of infection.
