Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards strengthening Odisha’s school education system, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday unveiled the logo of the ambitious Godavarish Adarsha Vidyalaya scheme at Lok Seva Bhawan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the initiative would play a transformative role in providing modern, quality and engaging education to children across the state.
Under the first phase of the scheme, the state government will invest approximately ₹12,000 crore over four financial years—from 2025-26 to 2028-29—to upgrade 2,200 schools. These model schools will be set up in one village of each Gram Panchayat, prioritising centrally located villages with good connectivity and at least 5 acres of available land.
Majhi said the newly launched logo symbolises Odisha’s cultural heritage and embodies the ideals of eminent educationist Pandit Godavarish Mishra. An open book at the centre represents learning and intellectual growth, while a pen nib signifies creativity and expression. A burning torch atop the nib stands for knowledge, truth and the dispelling of ignorance. Surrounding rays depict moral light, the circular design denotes inclusivity and harmony, and three stars signify knowledge, character, and service. The Odia script encircling the logo reinforces the state’s commitment to its language and culture.
The Chief Minister said the construction of these model schools will significantly enhance educational infrastructure and the teaching-learning environment in rural and semi-urban areas. Each school will be equipped with modern classrooms, digital learning tools, sports facilities, and resources aimed at strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy skills. “The provisions made in the current budget and the decisions of the Cabinet must be implemented on a war-footing,” he emphasised.
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said the scheme represents not merely a policy decision but a commitment to ensuring accessible and high-quality education for every child. He added that the initiative fulfils the Chief Minister’s personal vision of transforming primary education in rural regions. “Primary classes are the stepping stones to higher education. Equipping children with essential skills at this level is crucial,” he said.
The event was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra, School and Mass Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary N. Thirumala Naik, OSEPA Project Director Ananya Das, Director of Primary Education Bal Mukund Bhuyan, and other senior officials.
