New Delhi: In a major boost for the education sector, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that education in all government schools and colleges across the state will now be free, from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) level. The decision is expected to benefit lakhs of students, especially those from economically weaker families and rural areas.
The announcement was made during a press conference marking two years of the BJP government in Odisha, where the Chief Minister highlighted the administration’s achievements and future plans.
Free Education From KG to PG
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the government’s objective is to make education accessible to every child, regardless of their financial background. He described the initiative as a step towards making education truly universal.
“In order to make education truly free and universal, my government is announcing free education from KG to PG. This step, perhaps the first of its kind in the country, will be implemented in Odisha,” Majhi said.
The policy will apply to government-run schools and colleges across the state. Officials believe the move will reduce the financial burden on families and encourage more students to continue their education beyond the school level.
Focus on Poor and Rural Students
The state government has said that the scheme is particularly aimed at supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds. Girls, children from rural communities, and families facing economic hardships are expected to benefit significantly from the initiative.
Education experts have often pointed out that while primary education has become more accessible over the years, the cost of higher education remains a challenge for many families. By extending free education up to the postgraduate level, the Odisha government hopes to reduce dropout rates and create better opportunities for young people.
The Chief Minister also stressed that investment in education is an investment in the state’s future, adding that a strong educational foundation would contribute to Odisha’s long-term social and economic development.
Two Years of the BJP Government in Odisha
Reflecting on his government’s journey since taking office on June 12, 2024, Mohan Charan Majhi described the administration as a people-centric government working closely with citizens under the Centre-State “double-engine” model.
According to the Chief Minister, the government has launched 121 welfare and development schemes over the past two years. These initiatives, he said, have focused on improving infrastructure, expanding social welfare, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening public services across the state.
The announcement of free education was presented as one of the government’s biggest steps towards inclusive growth and equal opportunity.
Free Bus Travel for NEET UG Re-Exam Candidates
A day before the KG-to-PG education announcement, the Odisha government unveiled another student-friendly initiative. The state announced free bus travel for candidates appearing in the NEET UG re-examination scheduled for June 21.
In a letter issued to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), the government said the decision was taken following the direction of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The facility will be available to all 56,983 NEET UG candidates who will appear for the examination across 134 centres in the state.
Support for Students During Summer Heat
Officials said the free travel arrangement is intended to ensure that students can reach their examination centres safely and without additional financial pressure. The initiative is also expected to help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses during the ongoing summer season.
The government noted that many candidates travel long distances from rural and remote areas to reach their allotted centres. By offering free transportation, the administration aims to make the examination process smoother and more accessible for every student.
A Push Towards Inclusive Education
The combination of free education from KG to PG and free transport for NEET aspirants reflects the Odisha government’s increasing focus on the education sector. The latest announcements are designed not only to ease the financial burden on families but also to encourage greater participation in higher education and competitive examinations.
If implemented successfully, the KG-to-PG free education policy could become one of the state’s most significant educational reforms and may also set an example for other states looking to expand access to affordable learning.
With these initiatives, the Odisha government is signalling that education and youth welfare will remain key priorities as it enters the next phase of its administration.
