Bhubaneswar: A video conference was held in Bhubaneswar on Friday in the presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and State School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, during which an important discussion session took place. On this occasion, both ministers discussed the new curriculum and teacher training with master trainers and educational leaders from all 30 districts of the state.
Pradhan stated that from the 2026–27 academic year, new textbooks will be introduced from Class I to VIII. These textbooks will be based on the Odisha State Curriculum Framework, according to an official statement. Around 1.67 lakh teachers in the State will receive extensive training to become proficient in the new curriculum. Emphasis will also be placed on the continuous professional development of teachers using modern technology. Education in the mother tongue will be strengthened up to Class V, ensuring that children acquire strong foundational learning skills.
At the primary level, discussions focused on enhancing children’s abilities in reading, writing, and numeracy, with a special emphasis on achieving the Odisha Learning Goals. For students from Class VI to X, a 10-day bag-free learning program will be organized to help them gain practical knowledge and develop critical thinking skills. Additionally, attention will be given to children’s nutrition and health from birth through Class XII.
Through this visionary education policy of the prime minister, the State government aims to bring transformative changes in Odisha’s education sector and work toward building a “Developed Odisha,” the education minister noted.
The program was attended by senior officials from NCERT, the Ministry of Education, the State Education Department, as well as representatives from Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, District Education Officers, Block Education Officers, and District Institutes of Education and Training.
