Odisha government to establish model primary schools in all 6,794 gram panchayats

Odisha Government Announces Ambitious Plan to Establish Model Primary Schools in All 6,794 Gram Panchayats

In a landmark move aimed at transforming rural education, the Odisha government has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish model primary schools in all 6,794 gram panchayats across the state. The initiative, part of the state’s broader vision to ensure quality education for every child, has been hailed as a significant step toward bridging the urban-rural education gap.  

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during a high-level review meeting on education reforms. “Education is the foundation of a progressive society. By setting up model primary schools in every gram panchayat, we aim to provide children in rural areas with access to world-class infrastructure and learning opportunities,” Patnaik stated.  

The model schools will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including smart classrooms, digital libraries, science labs, and playgrounds. Special emphasis will be placed on teacher training and the adoption of innovative teaching methods to enhance the quality of education. Additionally, the schools will focus on holistic development by incorporating extracurricular activities, sports, and life skills training into the curriculum.  

The initiative has been welcomed by educators, parents, and activists alike. “This is a game-changer for rural Odisha. For too long, children in villages have been deprived of the resources available to their urban counterparts. These model schools will level the playing field,” said Dr. Sunita Mohanty, an education expert based in Cuttack.  

The project is expected to be implemented in phases, with the first 1,000 schools slated for completion by the end of 2024. The government has allocated a significant portion of its budget to the initiative, with additional funding being sought through public-private partnerships and collaborations with non-governmental organizations.  

However, the plan is not without its challenges. Ensuring the availability of trained teachers in remote areas and maintaining the quality of infrastructure over time will be critical to the program’s success. “The real test will be in the execution. The government must ensure that these schools are not just built but also sustained,” cautioned social activist Ranjan Das.  

For rural communities, the announcement has sparked hope and excitement. “This is a dream come true for us. Our children will now have the same opportunities as those in cities,” said Sarojini Behera, a resident of a small village in Ganjam district.  

As Odisha takes this bold step toward educational equity, the initiative is being closely watched by other states as a potential model for rural education reform. If successful, it could pave the way for a brighter future for millions of children across the country.