Odisha CM Announces Free Textbooks for Class IX-X Students

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that students of Classes IX and X will now receive textbooks free of cost, extending the state government’s free textbook scheme beyond Class VIII.

Addressing the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said the state government is working towards building a “Samruddha Odisha” and “Vikasit Odisha” by focusing on inclusive development.

The Chief Minister said tribal communities account for nearly 25 per cent of Odisha’s population, while Scheduled Castes constitute around 16 per cent. Women make up about half of the population, while nearly 60 per cent of people are engaged in farming, fishing and livestock-related activities.

He stressed that the state’s overall development would not be possible without ensuring the progress and welfare of these sections.

Focus on education

Highlighting education as one of the major priorities of the government, Majhi said Odisha has become the first state in the country to make education from KG to PG free across government and government-aided institutions.

He announced the establishment of 2,200 Godavarish Mishra Adarsh Primary Schools in the first phase. The government has recruited around 26,000 teachers over the past two years, while the process of appointing another 45,000 teachers is underway.

The Chief Minister also announced that mid-day meals have been extended to Class IX and X students for the first time in Odisha.

“Free textbooks were earlier provided to students up to Class VIII. From today, students of Classes IX and X will also receive free textbooks,” Majhi said.

To improve access to higher education in underserved areas, the government plans to establish 18 new government colleges and four universities in remote districts.

Mission Power by 2027

Speaking about basic infrastructure, Majhi acknowledged that several villages in the state are still without adequate roads, electricity and drinking water even after decades of independence.

To bridge this gap, he announced the ‘Mission Power’ initiative, under which the government aims to ensure basic amenities in all villages by the end of 2027.

Healthcare expansion

On healthcare, Majhi said the combined implementation of Ayushman Bharat and the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana has enabled around 3.7 crore people, or nearly 80 per cent of Odisha’s population, to access treatment at reputed private hospitals.

He said medical colleges are proposed for Jajpur, Talcher and Kandhamal, while four new modern medical colleges and seven nursing colleges will also be established.

In addition, the state plans to open three Ayurvedic and two homeopathic medical colleges. The government is also strengthening healthcare facilities from primary health centres to district-level hospitals, the Chief Minister said.

Majhi said the government’s initiatives are aimed at ensuring that development reaches every section of society and that Odisha moves towards becoming a more prosperous and developed state.