Odisha Govt Clears Rs 12,000 Crore for 2,200 Model Schools
Godabarisha Adarsha Vidyalaya scheme to boost quality education at gram panchayat level
Bhubaneswar : The Odisha cabinet approved an outlay of Rs 12,000 crore for setting up 2,200 model schools under the Godabarisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (GAV) scheme. The ambitious project will be implemented over three years, from 2025-26 to 2027-28, with the goal of revamping the state’s primary education system.
Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said each school is estimated to cost around Rs 5 crore, though the final expenditure will depend on the detailed project report (DPR). The schools will be established at the gram panchayat level to ensure access to quality education for children in rural and remote areas.
Majhi emphasized that the GAV scheme is not merely about building infrastructure but about creating an inclusive and holistic education ecosystem. “By establishing a strong foundation, adopting innovative educational practices, and encouraging active community involvement, we aim to ensure equal access to education and overall development of students,” he told reporters.
The chief minister asserted that the new initiative reflects his government’s commitment to rebuilding confidence in Odisha’s education sector, which he described as having collapsed under the previous regime.
The GAV scheme has been designed in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It also complements the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN) Odisha, which seeks to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) skills among young learners.
Majhi noted that the scheme places special emphasis on improving FLN capabilities to prepare children not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. “This initiative is about empowering our children to compete nationally and globally, while ensuring no child in Odisha is deprived of basic education due to lack of infrastructure or resources,” he said.
Officials said the schools under GAV will be designed to provide modern facilities, qualified teachers, and a focus on extracurricular activities, ensuring balanced growth of students. The scheme also aims to encourage greater participation of parents and local communities in school governance, reinforcing accountability and inclusivity.
With the cabinet’s nod, the state will soon begin preparatory work, including land identification, DPR preparation, and phased implementation of construction. Once completed, the 2,200 model schools are expected to serve as benchmarks for primary education in Odisha.
The initiative, according to experts, could transform the state’s education landscape if executed effectively, offering a robust alternative to the earlier models and bringing long-term benefits to rural children.
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