Odisha Launches 'Godabarish Mishra Model Primary School Scheme' to Transform Rural Education

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark move to uplift primary education in rural Odisha, the state government has unveiled the Godabarish Mishra Model Primary School Scheme, aiming to bring modern learning to the grassroots level. Marking the first anniversary of the BJP-led state government, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will lay the foundation stone for 500 model primary schools on June 12.

School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond announced the scheme during a press briefing, stating that the goal is to establish one modern primary school in each gram panchayat across all 314 blocks of Odisha. These schools, inspired by the progressive educational approach of the historic Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya, will focus on quality education, emphasizing foundational literacy and numeracy.

“The objective is to ensure that children in rural areas receive access to high-quality education, laying a strong academic foundation and enabling them to advance without barriers,” Minister Gond said. He highlighted that these schools will feature child-friendly infrastructure and learning environments that support intellectual and emotional development, with a particular focus on language skills and mathematics.

To implement the scheme, the state government has allocated rs. 2,960 crore for the 2025–26 financial year. Over the next five years, around 6,800 government-run primary schools will be transformed into model institutions, covering 6,794 gram panchayats.

Minister Gond also addressed health concerns related to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. He informed that schools are scheduled to reopen soon, but strict safety protocols will be followed. Teachers will be advised to remain alert, and district education officers will receive detailed health guidelines. Students exhibiting symptoms or serious health issues will be encouraged to stay home to curb the risk of transmission.

The initiative marks a significant step toward bridging the rural-urban education divide and aims to create a robust foundation for future generations in Odisha’s villages.