Bhubaneswar: In a major push to revamp primary education in rural Odisha, the state government has announced the launch of the Godabarish Mishra Model Primary School Scheme. As part of this initiative, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will lay the foundation stone for 500 model primary schools on June 12, marking the first anniversary of the BJP government in the state.
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, while addressing the media, said that the scheme aims to establish one modern primary school in each gram panchayat across all 314 blocks of Odisha. Inspired by the learning model of Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya, these schools will prioritize quality education with a strong focus on foundational literacy and numeracy.
“The goal is to provide children in rural areas with access to high-quality education, enabling them to build strong academic foundations and pursue higher studies without barriers,” the minister said. He added that the new schools will emphasize language development, mathematics, and holistic intellectual growth through improved infrastructure and child-centric learning environments.
For the 2025–26 financial year, the state government has earmarked ₹2,960 crore for the scheme. Over the next five years, around 6,800 government-run primary schools will be upgraded into model institutions, covering 6,794 gram panchayats across Odisha.
Minister Gond also addressed concerns regarding the ongoing COVID-19 situation. He announced that schools will reopen shortly, but emphasized that safety measures will be enforced. Teachers have been instructed to stay vigilant, and the department will issue advisories to district education officers. Children with symptoms or serious health issues will be advised to remain at home to prevent the spread of infection.
