Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards strengthening primary education in the state, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday reviewed the progress of the Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya (GMAPV) initiative at Lok Seva Bhawan.
As per the plan, 835 model primary schools will be established in the first phase, acting as feeder schools to high schools across Odisha. Each school is estimated to cost up to Rs 7 crore, with key criteria including a minimum of 100 enrolled students, over 2 acres of land, and classes ranging from nursery to Class VIII.
“One model primary school will be set up at the headquarters of each Gram Panchayat, based on its geographical suitability,” said Chief Minister Majhi, while stressing the government’s commitment to providing national-level quality education.
He also directed officials to ensure free transportation for students residing in remote and inaccessible areas, to bridge educational gaps due to geographical barriers.
The CM emphasised the importance of technology integration, timely teacher recruitment, and the need to upgrade schools with sufficient land for future expansion to the high school level.
Underlining the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP-2020), the Chief Minister called for renewed efforts to build a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy by Class III. He urged the use of modern teaching methods, improved infrastructure, and community participation, including parents, alumni, and local stakeholders, to ensure holistic development.
The government is also focusing on enhancing STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) along with vocational training and experiential learning, to nurture critical thinking and life skills in students.
The meeting was attended by School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Finance Principal Secretary Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, School and Mass Education Secretary Shalini Pandit, Rural Development Secretary Yamini Sarangi, and OSEPA Director Ananya Das.
