Finance
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched an ambitious vision to position the state as India’s “knowledge hub” on Monday, proposing a series of education-related reforms and investments under the National Education Policy (NEP-20).
Speaking at a two-day national-level workshop on NEP implementation at a local convention centre, the Chief Minister stated that the administration is committed to converting Odisha into a hub of learning, innovation, and skill development. He stated that the effort aims to address long-standing stagnation in the educational system and match it with global norms.
Majhi stated that the NEP-2020, developed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is more than just a policy statement; it is a national goal to position India as a worldwide knowledge leader. “Education is the foundation of human civilisation. Our goal is to ensure students are industry-ready and globally competitive,” he said.
Majhi highlighted budgetary support by announcing that Rs 41,273 crore has been given to the education sector for the fiscal year 2025-26, calling it as a long-term investment in the future of the state’s young and a step toward developing world-class infrastructure.
To overcome the rural-urban education divide, the government has introduced the Godabarish Adarsha Vidyalaya (GVA) initiative, with a Rs 12,000 crore budget. Under the program, modern schools will be established in all 6,794 gram panchayats, complete with advanced classrooms, laboratories, and sports facilities to ensure quality education in rural areas.
In higher education, the state has implemented an 11.25 percent reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) students. Additionally, financial assistance under the ‘Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana’ aims to reduce dropout rates among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. Majhi said these measures would help bring marginalized communities into the educational mainstream.
The Chief Minister also highlighted initiatives to promote the Odia language in higher education. The state has signed a memorandum of understanding with IGNOU to offer technical and higher education courses in Odia, with the goal of removing language obstacles and improving learning outcomes.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended the event and complimented Odisha’s cultural and educational tradition. He stated that the state represents a distinct blend of tradition and learning, created by luminaries such as Sarala Dasa, Fakir Mohan Senapati, and Bhima Bhoi.
Pradhan stated that over 70% of Odisha’s population is under the age of 44, indicating a major demographic advantage. He stressed the need to improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), currently at 23 per cent, to surpass the national average of 29 per cent by 2036.
Suryabanshi Suraj, the State Higher Education Minister, termed the session as a “thinking camp” aimed at developing a developed Odisha. He stated that the state has secured more than Rs 700 crore through the PM-USHA plan and has recruited new provosts in 14 universities to improve academic standards.
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister issued the Chief Minister’s Internship Guidebook and introduced the ‘ShaktiShree’ mobile app, which promotes youth empowerment.
Aravind Agrawal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department, welcomed the participants and explained the workshop’s aims. Director Kali Prasanna Mohapatra presented a vote of gratitude at the end of the programme.
