Bhubaneswar, 01 November (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday distributed appointment letters to 2,067 newly recruited Sevak-Sevikas and tribal language teachers at the state's 18th Niyukti Mela, taking the total number of government appointments since June 2024 to 48,642. Of these, 28,693 are teachers.

The appointments have been made in schools functioning under the ST and SC Development Department. The latest recruitment includes 1,913 Sevak-Sevikas and 154 tribal language teachers.

Addressing the gathering at the Krushi Shiksha Sadan auditorium on the OUAT campus, Majhi said empowering youth through skill development and employment remained a priority of his government. He said the government was fulfilling its commitment to fill vacant posts in a phased manner.

Emphasising the importance of education in tribal areas, the Chief Minister said nearly 40 per cent of Odisha’s population belongs to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. The government is taking special measures to improve their educational opportunities. In line with the National Education Policy, school education is being imparted in 10 tribal languages, including Santali.

He highlighted initiatives such as the Shaheed Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme to prevent school dropouts, the expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools to 69 and a foreign scholarship scheme for 50 meritorious students every year.

Advising the newly appointed teachers, Majhi urged them to create a sense of security and confidence among students and guide them as ideal friends. He called for sincerity, discipline and a positive approach towards their responsibilities. He also warned against irregularities in schemes such as the mid-day meal programme and urged teachers to stay away from alcohol consumption and inhuman punishment of students.

The Chief Minister also appealed to Sevak-Sevikas posted in flood-affected areas of southern Odisha to extend assistance to people in distress.

ST and SC Development Minister Nityananda Gond said teaching was not merely a profession but a noble service, with teachers playing a vital role in nation-building. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the responsibility of shaping the future of the next generation rested on the newly appointed teachers.

Among those present were Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Rural Development Minister Ravi Narayan Naik, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh and Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, along with senior departmental officials. Departmental Commissioner-cum-Secretary B. Parameswaran delivered the welcome address, while Special Secretary Sujata Mishra proposed the vote of thanks.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda