Bhubaneswar: In a major push to strengthen primary education infrastructure in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday laid foundation stone for 630 model primary schools under the third phase of the state government’s flagship Godabarisha Mishra Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalaya Yojana.
The schools will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,000 crore.
The Chief Minister described the scheme as his dream project, stating that the idea originated from his experience as MLA of Keonjhar (renamed as Kendujhar), when he realised that the quality of primary education in the state needed significant improvement.
Majhi said he initially took steps to implement the initiative in his constituency and subsequently across the district with support from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). With the blessings of Lord Jagannath, the initiative eventually expanded into a statewide programme, he added.
Majhi said the proposed institutions won’t merely be renovated or repainted existing schools but will be entirely new educational campuses developed on around five acres of land, with world-class infrastructure. Each school is expected to cost between Rs 5 crore and Rs 8 crore.
The CM emphasised his government considers education the strongest foundation for social transformation and development, and that primary education lays the groundwork for a child’s future.
Under the scheme, the state government aims to transform one primary school in every gram panchayat into a model institution.
Majhi further informed his government plans to invest approximately Rs 12,000 crore between the financial years 2025-26 and 2028-29 to strengthen 2,200 schools during the initial three years.
Foundation stone was earlier laid for 118 schools in Banapur, birthplace of Pandit Godabarisha Mishra, and 204 schools in Khordha district. Friday’s initiative takes total number of schools for which foundation stone have been laid to 952.
The proposed model schools will feature modern classrooms, digital learning facilities and sports equipment. Special emphasis will also be placed on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy skills under the state’s ‘Nipun Odisha’ initiative.