Odisha Announces Free Education from KG to PG for Poor Students

Odisha Announces Free Education from KG to PG for Poor Students

CNB WORLD TIMES

Bhubaneswar, 12^th June: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced free education from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) level for students from economically weaker sections.

The announcement was made during a programme marking the completion of two years of the state government. The Chief Minister said the initiative aims to make education accessible to all and support inclusive development in the state.

Addressing the gathering, Majhi said the government is committed to improving the lives of the people of Odisha. He stated that the new education initiative would particularly benefit poor students and girls.

The Chief Minister announced that education in all government institutions, from KG to PG, would be made completely free. The scheme will cover educational institutions under the School and Mass Education Department and the Higher Education Department.

According to senior government officials, the proposal has received approval in principle. Detailed guidelines are being prepared and the scheme is expected to be notified after cabinet approval. It is likely to be implemented from the current academic session.

Majhi said Odisha could become one of the first states in the country to provide free education from KG to PG level in government institutions. He stressed that the focus should now be on improving the quality of education and learning outcomes.

During his address, the Chief Minister also highlighted the achievements of his government over the past two years. He claimed that 121 welfare and development schemes had been implemented during this period.

He criticised the previous government, alleging that despite being in power for 24 years, it failed to provide several basic facilities in rural areas, including electricity, drinking water and road connectivity. He also claimed that many schools were closed during the previous administration, affecting access to primary education in several areas.

The Chief Minister said education is the foundation of social and economic development and that every child should have access to quality education. He added that the government's goal is to ensure equal educational opportunities for all sections of society.

The announcement of free education from KG to PG emerged as one of the major highlights of the government's second anniversary celebrations.

Meanwhile, education experts and intellectuals have welcomed the move but also stressed the need to reopen schools that were closed in previous years. They believe that strengthening access to primary education, especially in rural areas, should remain a priority alongside welfare measures aimed at supporting students.