Odisha to strengthen primary education with pre-school initiatives: CM Mohan Majhi
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan pleads for incorporation of state’s glorious past in curriculum
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Majhi on Tuesday announced plans to strengthen primary education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy skills.
Addressing the inaugural session of the three-day national workshop on the implementation of NEP 2020 here at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Centre, the CM said the state government had already taken a significant step toward strengthening primary education by introducing ‘Sisu Vatika,’ a pre-school initiative aimed at providing children with stress-free foundational learning.
Majhi stated that the state government has decided to implement the new education policy from the upcoming academic year, replacing the existing 10+2 system with the progressive 5+3+3+4 model outlined in the NEP.
The event, attended by Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, among others, focused on transforming Odisha's education system, emphasising foundational reforms and inclusive practices.
The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of holistic learning through play-based and experiential methods in Sisu Vatika, ensuring children are nurtured without academic pressure. Efforts are underway to recruit teachers, prepare curriculum materials, and provide necessary resources to ensure seamless implementation.
Additionally, Majhi underscored the integration of technology in education, describing it as a pivotal aspect of modernizing the system.
“Technology-driven education will become an integral part of our education system, enabling inclusive and quality learning opportunities,” he said.
To reduce dropout rates among tribal students, the state has initiated programs such as the “Shaheed Madho Singh Hath Kharch Yojana.” Moreover, the “Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya" initiative will see every panchayat in Odisha establish a model school to bolster primary education infrastructure.
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan lauded the state government’s proactive steps toward NEP implementation and emphasized the inclusion of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and freedom struggle in the curriculum.
“The curriculum must highlight Odisha’s glorious past, including its cultural and historical milestones, to inspire future generations,” Pradhan remarked. He also advocated for incorporating inputs from experienced educationists in the state to ensure a robust and context-sensitive curriculum.
Pradhan further stated that the NEP is a transformative policy aimed at creating a modern and empowered India by equipping students and youth with the skills and values needed to build a progressive nation.
State education minister Nityananda Gand highlighted the multilingual approach embedded in the NEP, emphasising mother tongue-based education while accommodating diverse linguistic needs. “This multilingual policy will bring significant changes to Odisha’s education landscape,” Gand said.
The workshop also saw participation from distinguished educationists, senior state and central government officials, and key stakeholders in the education sector, including Odisha chief secretary Manoj Ahuja and Union Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar. With these reforms, Odisha aims to lay a strong foundation for its students, empowering them to contribute to the country’s future development and creating a brighter, more inclusive educational ecosystem.
