Bhubaneswar, 07 June (H.S.): The Odisha government has taken a significant step toward strengthening the state’s education infrastructure with the launch of the second phase of the ‘Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Vidyalaya Scheme’. Under this phase, foundation stones were laid for 204 new model primary schools across the state.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi formally inaugurated the second phase during a programme held at Lokanath Dev Government High School in Kumarabasta, under the Jatni Assembly constituency of Khordha district.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the state government aims to establish one model school in every panchayat to ensure equitable access to quality education, particularly for students in rural and remote areas. He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and expanding learning opportunities for all children.

Majhi further stated that his government is committed to bringing a transformative change in the primary education system of Odisha. He highlighted that under the first phase of the scheme, 2,200 schools were sanctioned for development, of which foundation stones for 118 schools were already laid. With the addition of 204 schools in the second phase, the initiative has gained further momentum.

The Chief Minister described the initiative as more than just a government project, calling it a vision shaped by his personal experiences and struggles as a student from a modest tribal background. He emphasized that the initiative is not merely about modern classrooms or infrastructure, but about fundamentally transforming the quality of education at the grassroots level.

He also recalled that he had consistently advocated for the scheme during his tenure in the opposition, including writing to the government and raising the issue in the state assembly. According to him, the implementation of the project is now being realized with the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the trust of the people of Odisha.

The government maintained that it is focused not only on laying foundation stones but also on timely completion and inauguration of projects. Alongside the education initiative, the Chief Minister also referred to the proposed Chandua handicrafts hub in Puri district’s Pipili, stating that it would help preserve Odisha’s cultural heritage while creating new livelihood opportunities and markets for artisans.

The event was attended by School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, senior officials, and public representatives.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda