Odisha Becomes First State to Offer Free Education from KG to PG

CM Mohan Charan Majhi announces landmark education reform,  Over 10 lakh students expected to benefit.

In a historic move aimed at making education accessible to all, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level will be completely free in all government educational institutions across the state. With this decision, The Odisha government described the initiative as the country's first comprehensive free education programme covering studies from KG to PG.

What Was Announced?

The Odisha government has decided to waive all tuition and related educational fees in government schools, colleges, and universities. The initiative is designed to ensure that no student is forced to discontinue studies due to financial difficulties.

According to the state government, more than 10 lakh students are expected to benefit directly from the scheme. The policy is expected to particularly help students from economically weaker sections and encourage greater participation of girls in higher education.

Why Was the Decision Taken?

Announcing the initiative during a press conference marking two years of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the government's goal is to make education truly free and universal. The move aims to remove financial barriers and improve educational opportunities for all sections of society.

How Will It Be Implemented?

The free education policy will be applicable across all government-run educational institutions in the state, covering every stage of education from primary schooling to postgraduate studies. The government will bear the financial burden of tuition and related academic costs.

Food Security Scheme Also Announced

Alongside the education reform, the Chief Minister announced the launch of the Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana to strengthen food security in the state. Under the scheme, beneficiaries of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the State Food Security Scheme will receive an additional 5 kg of rice free every month.

As a result, each beneficiary will receive a total of 10 kg of rice free of cost every month. The scheme is expected to benefit 3.28 crore people, covering nearly 80 percent of Odisha's population. The state government will spend approximately ₹8,813 crore annually on the programme.

Focus on Education Infrastructure

The Chief Minister also highlighted the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the establishment of Godabarish Mishra Model Primary Schools in every panchayat. He said foundation stones have already been laid for 322 schools out of the 2,200 planned in the first phase. Additionally, 26,615 teaching and non-teaching staff have been recruited in the past two years, while 45,000 more teachers will be appointed over the next three years.

The announcement marks one of the most ambitious education reforms in Odisha's history and is expected to significantly improve access to education across the state.