Odisha To Provide Free Education From KG to PG for Economically Weaker Students, Announces CM Majhi

The announcement was made during a press interaction organised to mark the completion of two years of the BJP government in the state.

Addressing journalists, Majhi said his government had prioritised the welfare of the poor, women, farmers and youth since assuming office in June 2024 and claimed that Odisha was witnessing accelerated development under the BJP's "double-engine government."

"Two years ago, a people's government assumed office in Odisha. Since then, our focus has been on the development and empowerment of every section of society. The decision to provide free education from KG to PG for economically disadvantaged students reflects our commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all," he said.

Highlighting the government's achievements, the Chief Minister said 121 new schemes had been launched over the past two years, contributing to the vision of building a prosperous Odisha.

Launching a sharp attack on the previous Biju Janata Dal government headed by Naveen Patnaik, Majhi alleged that despite remaining in power for 24 years, it failed to strengthen basic infrastructure in rural areas and neglected key sectors such as education, healthcare and road connectivity.

“The previous government ran the administration according to its whims and fancies. Instead of improving educational standards and healthcare services, it focused on favouring a select group of contractors. School buildings were painted, but teachers were not appointed,” he alleged.

The Chief Minister said his government had already recruited more than 26,000 teachers and planned to appoint another 45,000 over the next three years. He further claimed that nearly 45,000 appointments had been made across 27 government departments since the BJP assumed office.

"In the coming three years, we aim to create employment opportunities for around 1.5 lakh people through recruitment across various departments," he said.

Majhi also alleged that the previous dispensation had failed to ensure universal access to electricity, drinking water and road connectivity in villages. He claimed that the political atmosphere in the state had become more open and accountable under the present government.

Responding to a question on corruption allegations against leaders of the previous regime, the Chief Minister asserted that individuals involved in scams, financial irregularities or abuse of power would face action in accordance with the law.

"Those who indulged in corruption or patronised irregularities will not be spared. Our government is committed to transparency, accountability and good governance," he said.

The Chief Minister maintained that people today have greater freedom to question the government and participate in public discourse, describing it as a sign of a healthy democratic environment in the state.