Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced several major initiatives on Independence Day, including changes to the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) examination, employment, education, pensions and healthcare.
OCS Exam Age and Attempts Relaxed
Under the new decision, aspirants will be allowed to appear for the OCS examination more than six times, while the upper age limit will be extended to 42 years. The move is expected to provide greater opportunities to candidates preparing for state civil services.
20 Lakh Jobs in Five Years
The Chief Minister announced that three lakh employment opportunities will be created over the next two to three years, while the government aims to generate 20 lakh employment opportunities in the next five years. He said investment coming into Odisha is creating demand for industry-oriented education and skill training.
The government will also relax rules for compassionate appointments for families of deceased government employees. Another major announcement was the inclusion of seven lakh additional beneficiaries under the Madhubabu Pension Scheme.
Major Push for Education
The government will provide free textbooks to Class 9 and 10 students, extending the existing free textbook support. The state also plans to establish 2,200 Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools in the first phase.
The government has already appointed 26,000 teachers over the past two years and has initiated the process to recruit another 45,000 teachers. Additionally, 18 new government colleges and four universities will be established.
Healthcare Infrastructure to Expand
Odisha will establish new medical colleges, including facilities in Jajpur, Talcher and Kandhamal. Work is also underway for four new modern medical colleges, seven nursing colleges, three Ayurvedic medical colleges and two homoeopathic medical colleges.
CM Majhi said the government is working towards inclusive development, focusing on education, healthcare, employment and the welfare of farmers, women, tribal communities and other sections of society.