Odisha CM Unveils Education Overhaul to Build Knowledge Hub

Bhubaneswar, May 2: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday unveiled an ambitious vision to transform the state into a leading “Knowledge Hub” of India through a sweeping reform of the education sector.

Addressing a national-level workshop on the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, Majhi stressed that education lies at the heart of his government’s mission to create a globally competitive and future-ready generation. He said the state aims to overcome years of stagnation by introducing structural changes aligned with national priorities.

Highlighting the broader vision led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said the policy seeks to position India as a global “Knowledge Capital,” with Odisha playing a pivotal role in achieving that goal.

Reaffirming education as a top governance priority, Majhi announced a record allocation of Rs 41,273 crore for the sector in the 2025–26 financial year. The funding, he said, will be used to upgrade infrastructure and create a world-class learning ecosystem across the state.

To address disparities between rural and urban education, the government has launched the Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Vidyalaya initiative. With an investment of Rs 12,000 crore, the scheme aims to establish modern schools in all 6,794 gram panchayats, equipped with advanced classrooms, laboratories, and sports facilities.

Focusing on inclusivity, Majhi announced 11.25 percent reservation for Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) students in higher education. He also introduced financial assistance for Scheduled Tribe students under the Shaheed Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana to reduce dropout rates and improve participation.

In a significant move to promote regional language learning, the state has signed an MoU with Indira Gandhi National Open University to offer technical and higher education courses in Odia, helping students better grasp complex subjects in their mother tongue.

The Chief Minister also launched the ‘ShaktiShree’ mobile application aimed at empowering youth and women, along with releasing the Chief Minister’s Internship Guidelines to enhance skill development and employability.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who attended the workshop, praised Odisha’s unique integration of culture and education. He paid tribute to literary icons such as Sarala Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, and Bhima Bhoi for shaping the state’s intellectual heritage.

Pradhan also highlighted Odisha’s demographic advantage, noting that nearly 70 percent of its population is under 44 years of age. He urged the state to improve its Gross Enrolment Ratio from the current 23 percent to above the national average of 29 percent by 2036.

State Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj described the workshop as a “thought camp” aimed at building a developed Odisha. He added that the state has secured over Rs 700 crore under the PM-USHA scheme and appointed new vice-chancellors in 14 universities to strengthen academic standards.

The workshop marked a significant step in Odisha’s push to redefine its education system and position itself as a key contributor to India’s knowledge-driven growth.