Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) levels as the BJP-led government in Odisha completed two years in office, positioning the state as a pioneer in comprehensive educational access.
Addressing a press conference in the state capital, Majhi emphasised that the fee-free policy would significantly alleviate financial burdens on families, particularly those from economically weaker and underprivileged sections, while ensuring that financial constraints do not become a barrier to higher education. “The government has decided to introduce fee-free education from KG to PG. This will be a major support for all students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, and will reduce the financial pressure on families,” the Chief Minister stated, asserting that Odisha would become the first state in India to roll out such an expansive free education programme.
Critique of Previous Regime and Focus on Infrastructure
Majhi used the occasion to sharply criticise the previous Biju Janata
Dal (BJD) government’s 24-year tenure, alleging that despite its long rule, it failed to deliver basic amenities such as reliable electricity and village road connectivity. He questioned why citizens could not effectively hold the prior administration accountable and highlighted his government’s proactive steps to address these gaps.
Central to these efforts is the Mission PoWaR programme, aimed at ensuring Power, Water, and Roads infrastructure reaches every village, with targets for substantial progress by 2027. The initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to bridging developmental deficits through integrated inter-departmental action, he noted.
Achievements and Vision
Reflecting on the government’s journey since assuming office on June 12, 2024, Majhi described it as a “people’s government” operating in close coordination with citizens under the “double-engine” model of governance with the Centre. He noted the implementation of 121 schemes over the past two years, contributing to the broader goal of a prosperous and inclusive Odisha.
The Chief Minister also defended the government’s law and order record, challenging critics to cite even a single case where culprits were not arrested.
He highlighted progress in women’s empowerment, agriculture, healthcare, and industrial growth.
On the economic front, Majhi pointed to investment proposals worth over Rs 20 lakh crore received so far, underscoring rising investor confidence and Odisha’s emergence as a preferred industrial destination. Additional achievements include substantial benefits to farmers through enhanced support schemes, empowerment of over one crore women via initiatives like Subhadra Yojana, and creation of Lakhpati Didis.