Odisha CM Launches 204 Model Primary Schools Under Education Expansion Plan

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday laid the foundation stone for 204 Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools in Khordha district, marking a significant push by the state government to strengthen primary education infrastructure. The initiative is part of a larger statewide programme aimed at improving learning standards and modernising government-run primary schools across Odisha.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized that primary education forms the foundation of a student’s academic journey and long-term development. He stated that a strong educational base is essential for building a brighter future, adding that the government’s focus is on creating structured, modern, and inclusive learning environments for young students across the state.

The model schools are being developed under the ‘Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Vidyalaya’ scheme, which was launched earlier this year in the Banpur area of Khordha district. Officials said the programme aims to establish 2,200 model primary schools in its first phase with an estimated investment of ₹12,000 crore, reflecting one of the largest education infrastructure expansions in the state’s recent history.

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Out of the planned schools, the Chief Minister had previously laid the foundation for 118 institutions in Banpur. The latest addition of 204 schools across 30 districts marks the next phase of implementation. The government has stated that these schools will be developed on the lines of the Bakul Bana Vidyalaya model in Satyabadi, Puri, which is historically associated with Odisha’s pre-independence educational reforms led by the Panchasakha reformers.

Chief Minister Majhi also highlighted that the education system must go beyond textbooks to prepare students for evolving job markets. He stressed the importance of developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, stating that the new model schools will integrate modern teaching methods and technology-enabled learning to improve overall educational outcomes.

The Chief Minister further outlined broader education reforms underway in the state, including implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, PM SHRI Schools, Sishu Vatika initiatives, and schemes aimed at reducing dropout rates among tribal students. He also noted that the government has recruited over 26,000 teaching and non-teaching staff in the past two years, with plans to appoint 45,000 more teachers over the next three years to address staffing gaps and strengthen the education system statewide.

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