Bhubaneswar: In a major welfare initiative aimed at strengthening access to education, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that students from economically weaker sections will receive free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level.
The announcement was made during a special programme commemorating the completion of two years of the BJP-led government in Odisha. The move is being viewed as a significant step towards ensuring inclusive education and creating equal opportunities for students from underprivileged backgrounds across the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to empowering youth through quality education and social welfare initiatives. He stated that the new education support programme is designed to remove financial barriers that often prevent talented students from pursuing higher studies.
Focus on Inclusive Development
Highlighting the government’s achievements over the last two years, Majhi described the current administration as a “people’s government” dedicated to the welfare and development of every citizen. He said the state’s development agenda is being accelerated through the combined efforts of the Centre and the State under the double-engine government model.
According to the Chief Minister, the government has implemented 121 welfare and development schemes during the past two years, covering sectors such as education, infrastructure, healthcare, women’s empowerment, agriculture and employment generation.
He noted that the government’s vision is to build a prosperous and developed Odisha by ensuring that the benefits of growth reach every section of society, particularly students, women, farmers and economically disadvantaged families.
Criticism of Previous Government
During his speech, Majhi also criticised the previous administration, alleging that despite remaining in power for nearly 24 years, it failed to adequately address basic infrastructure needs in several rural areas.
He claimed that many villages lacked essential facilities such as electricity, safe drinking water and proper road connectivity. The Chief Minister further asserted that the present government has prioritised transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance.
According to him, people today have greater freedom to raise concerns, seek answers from the government and actively participate in the democratic process.
Major Boost for Education Sector
The announcement of free KG-to-PG education is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of economically weaker families across Odisha. Education experts believe the initiative could help improve school enrolment, reduce dropout rates and encourage more students to pursue higher education without financial constraints.
The scheme is also aligned with the government’s broader objective of enhancing human capital development and creating a skilled workforce capable of contributing to Odisha’s long-term economic growth.
Further details regarding eligibility criteria, implementation guidelines and beneficiary identification are expected to be released by the state government in the coming weeks.
