BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming primary education in the state, saying every child should have access to a world-class learning environment irrespective of their background.
Speaking after laying the foundation stones for 204 Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools across Odisha, the CM said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader vision to strengthen foundational education and create modern learning spaces for young students.
In a post on X, Majhi said the state government has earmarked substantial funds in the first phase of the Godabarish Mishra Model Primary School Scheme for the development of 2,200 schools across Odisha.
The latest round of foundation-laying ceremonies marks a significant step towards achieving that target.
The CM noted that the programme had earlier been launched at Banpur, where foundation stones were laid for 118 schools under the scheme. With the addition of 204 schools, the government is accelerating efforts to improve educational infrastructure and learning outcomes at the primary level.
Describing the initiative as more than just a government project, Majhi said it represents the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream shaped by his own childhood experiences as a student from a tribal family.
He said the scheme reflects a commitment to ensuring that future generations have access to quality education and opportunities that were often unavailable to many children in the past.
“It is not an idea conceived in an air-conditioned room, but a firm resolve to bring meaningful change to the education sector,” Majhi said.
Majhi recalled that during his tenure as the Opposition Chief Whip, he had repeatedly written to the then state government and raised the issue in the Assembly, advocating for comprehensive improvements in primary education. However, he said those proposals did not receive adequate attention at the time.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Odisha for placing their trust in him, Majhi said implementing the scheme has become one of his key priorities as CM. He also credited the blessings of Lord Jagannath for enabling the government to take forward the ambitious initiative.
The CM emphasized that the government’s primary objective is to ensure that every child receives quality education in a conducive environment and that future generations do not face the educational challenges and limitations experienced by many students in earlier years.
