Bhubaneswar: The State Assembly today passed the demands for grants for the School and Mass Education Department for the financial year 2026-27, approving a massive budget of Rs 31,99,72,30,000. This substantial allocation reflects the state government’s strong commitment to transforming school education.
School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond, while briefing the media, stated that the foremost focus remains on improving the quality of teaching and upgrading school infrastructure. The budget is broadly divided into more than Rs 16,147 crore earmarked for administrative expenses and over Rs 15,849 crore dedicated to various programme expenditures.
Significant sums have been set aside for flagship initiatives. Rs 1,010 crore is allocated for the Godavarish Mishra Adarsh Primary School Scheme aimed at developing exemplary primary institutions. Samagra Shiksha receives Rs 1,13,22,62,000, while Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana gets Rs 709,10,49,000 and Mukhya Mantri Poshan Yojana is provided Rs 731,22,55,000 to ensure nutritional support reaches more than 11 lakh students across the state.
Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya programme has been granted Rs 1,223,98,35,000. Student welfare measures continue with free distribution of bicycles, uniforms and textbooks. Notably, provision of free textbooks to all Class 9 and 10 students will cost Rs 51 crore this year. Infrastructure development receives over Rs 930 crore to build new classrooms, construct toilets, renovate existing schools and provide other essential facilities.
To strengthen teaching quality, the government has already appointed 22,502 teachers and plans to recruit another 20,000 in the current year. The minister emphasized alignment with National Education Policy 2020, particularly giving priority to foundational literacy and numeracy skills. He expressed confidence that this budget will significantly reinforce the state’s education ecosystem and contribute meaningfully to the holistic development of students.
