Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved a five-year scheme to provide free textbooks to students of Classes 9 and 10 studying in government and government-aided secondary schools across the State. The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 28.7 lakh students over five years, with a total estimated expenditure of Rs 284.07 crore.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. The free textbook scheme was among 16 decisions approved by the State Cabinet across 11 departments.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg announced the decision during a post-Cabinet briefing, stating that the scheme would extend the benefit to eligible students who are not already covered under existing provisions for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
Free Textbook Scheme to Continue for Five Years
According to the government, the scheme will remain in force from the 2025–26 academic year to 2029–30.
The initiative has an estimated budget of Rs 284.07 crore and is expected to cover around 28.7 lakh beneficiaries during the five-year period.
SC and ST students are already receiving free textbooks under existing provisions. The newly approved scheme will benefit other eligible students in Classes 9 and 10 studying in government and government-aided secondary schools.
The initiative is intended to make educational resources more accessible and reduce the financial burden on families whose children are pursuing secondary education.
Scheme Aims to Reduce School Dropout Rates
The cost of educational materials can create difficulties for economically weaker households, particularly when children move into secondary education. By providing textbooks free of cost, the Odisha government aims to reduce this financial burden and encourage students to continue their studies.
The scheme is also expected to support enrolment in government schools and help reduce dropout rates. Ensuring access to essential learning materials could make the transition from elementary to secondary education easier for students.
Speaking about the scheme, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said, “The scheme will remain in force for five years, from 2025-26 to 2029-30, with a total estimated outlay of Rs 284.07 crore, covering a tentative 28.7 lakh beneficiaries.”
School and Mass Education Department to Implement Scheme
The School and Mass Education Department will be responsible for implementing the initiative and ensuring that textbooks reach schools before the beginning of each academic session.
The implementation process will include several stages, such as paper procurement, printing, transportation and distribution of textbooks to schools.
According to Garg, these activities will be undertaken through a transparent and competitive process in accordance with the Odisha General Financial Rules and applicable procurement guidelines.
The department will also conduct field-level verification of students’ details to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the textbooks.
Focus on Timely Distribution and Transparency
Timely distribution will be an important part of the scheme, as students need their textbooks at the beginning of the academic session to follow classroom lessons effectively.
The government’s plan to oversee procurement, printing and transportation is aimed at ensuring a smooth supply of textbooks to schools. Field-level verification will also help confirm the eligibility of students and improve the distribution process.
With the scheme scheduled to run for five years, the government aims to establish a system that provides eligible secondary school students with access to textbooks throughout the academic period covered by the initiative.
Odisha Government’s Push to Support School Education
The free textbook scheme represents an effort to improve access to education and support students from families facing financial challenges.
By covering approximately 28.7 lakh students over five years, the initiative is expected to make textbooks more accessible to a wider group of learners in government and government-aided secondary schools.
The scheme’s implementation, timely delivery of textbooks and identification of eligible beneficiaries will be key to achieving its stated objectives of supporting enrolment, reducing dropout rates and encouraging educational continuity.
