Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that the state government will provide free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level, describing the move as a landmark step aimed at ensuring greater access to education and reducing the financial burden on families.
The announcement was made at a press conference held to mark the completion of two years of the BJP government in Odisha.
Stating that the initiative would particularly benefit students from economically weaker sections, Majhi said financial constraints should not prevent any student from pursuing higher education. He claimed that Odisha would become the first state in the country to implement free education across the entire spectrum from KG to PG.
“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 said.
Reviewing the government’s performance over the past two years, Majhi said his administration had functioned as a “people’s government” since assuming office and had focused on inclusive development across the state.
“From the day we took charge, we have worked together with the people for the progress of Odisha. The double-engine government has delivered a double impact,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the state government had implemented 121 schemes during the last two years, which, according to him, have contributed significantly to the vision of building a prosperous Odisha.
Majhi also launched a sharp attack on the previous BJD government, questioning its development record during its 24-year tenure. He alleged that despite being in power for over two decades, the previous administration had failed to ensure basic amenities for citizens.
“During the so-called 24 years of good governance, how many times were people able to question the government? Citizens were deprived of basic facilities, and the previous government could not ensure 24-hour electricity supply or proper road connectivity to every village,” he said.
The Chief Minister further asked what had prevented the earlier dispensation from achieving these objectives and asserted that his government has taken concrete measures to bridge developmental gaps.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Majhi referred to the launch of the ‘Mission PoWaR’ (Power, Water and Roads) programme, aimed at strengthening basic infrastructure and improving public services across the state.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to inclusive growth, the Chief Minister said efforts were underway to ensure that every village receives essential services and development benefits.
The BJP government completed two years in office on Friday after assuming power in Odisha in 2024, ending the BJD’s uninterrupted 24-year rule in the state.
