Historic Education Reform on BJP Government’s Second Anniversary
As the BJP government in Odisha completes two years in office, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced a landmark initiative in the education sector that is expected to benefit thousands of students across the state, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.
Marking the second anniversary of his government, the Chief Minister declared that education in government schools and colleges will be completely free from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level. The move is being hailed as one of the most significant educational reforms in the state’s history.
Free Education from KG to PG
Under the new policy, students enrolled in government educational institutions across Odisha will no longer have to bear educational expenses from the primary level to postgraduate studies.
The government believes the initiative will help remove financial barriers that often prevent students from continuing their education. It is expected to particularly benefit children from underprivileged and economically disadvantaged families, ensuring greater access to quality education.
The decision is also seen as a step toward making Odisha a leader in educational accessibility and inclusiveness among Indian states.
Chief Minister Explains the Benefits
Speaking about the initiative, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi said that free education would ensure that no student is deprived of learning opportunities due to financial hardship.
He emphasized that the government’s objective is to make education universally accessible and affordable. According to him, the policy will strengthen the future of Odisha’s youth and contribute significantly to the state’s long-term development.
The Chief Minister also suggested that Odisha may be among the first states in the country to introduce such a comprehensive free education model covering studies from KG to PG.
Boost for Students from Economically Weaker Families
The new policy is expected to increase enrollment in government schools and colleges while reducing dropout rates caused by financial constraints.
Education experts believe that the initiative could encourage more students to pursue higher education and improve overall literacy and skill development in the state.
Beneficiaries to Receive Three Months’ Pension Together
Apart from the education announcement, the Chief Minister also addressed concerns regarding delays in the disbursement of social security pensions.
Clarifying the issue, he stated that the delay was linked to the process of integrating beneficiaries with updated technological systems and databases. According to him, the issue is not limited to the state government but involves coordination with central government systems as well.
“Out of around 10 lakh beneficiaries, issues related to nearly 2 lakh beneficiaries have already been resolved, and they have received their payments. The remaining beneficiaries will receive their dues soon,” the Chief Minister said.
He further assured that beneficiaries affected by the delay would receive three months’ pension payments in a single installment.
Government Focuses on Education and Welfare
The announcements reflect the Odisha government’s emphasis on strengthening social welfare and expanding educational opportunities. While the free education policy aims to make learning accessible to all, the pension assurance seeks to provide relief to beneficiaries awaiting financial assistance.
Together, the measures signal the government’s intent to prioritize both human development and social security as it enters its third year in office.