Cuttack: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, while attending the centenary foundation day celebrations of Ranihat High School in Cuttack, announced that students of Class IX and X in the state will now be included under the midday meal programme.
The initiative aims to support students’ nutritional needs and reduce dropout rates at the secondary level.
Highlighting the Sahid Madho Singh Hata Kharcha Yojana, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to curbing school dropouts and strengthening the state’s education system. He emphasized that the government would take all necessary measures to ensure that students continue their education without financial constraints.
Majhi also announced plans to establish Godabarish Mishra Adarsh Prathamik Vidyalayas across Odisha, with an estimated budget of ₹4-5 crore. The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance primary education infrastructure and provide quality learning facilities.
Criticizing the previous BJD-led government, Majhi accused it of neglecting primary education and prioritizing superficial projects such as the 5T programme, which he claimed focused more on whitewashing schools rather than addressing core educational issues.
He asserted that his administration is committed to genuine educational reforms that will have a lasting impact on students’ futures.
