Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to transform rural education, the Odisha government has given the green light to a major initiative to establish high-quality, Odia-medium Adarsha Vidyalayas across the state. The State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has officially approved the proposal, marking a pivotal step towards educational equity and excellence. 
Odisha to Build 2,200 New Adarsha Vidyalayas, One in Every Panchayat


This ambitious plan, named the "Godabarish Adarsha Bidyalaya" scheme, aims to construct one model school in each of the state's 2,200 panchayats over the next five years. The government designed the project to provide equal access to quality education and ensure the holistic development of students.

Financial Outlay and Project Implementation

The state government has committed a substantial financial investment to bring this vision to life. The total estimated cost for the entire project stands at approximately Rs 12,000 crore. Authorities have calculated an approximate cost of Rs 5 crore for each individual school. However, the Department of School and Mass Education clarified that the final cost for each school would depend on a detailed project report, ensuring funds are allocated efficiently based on specific local needs. The government plans to launch the scheme in the current financial year, with the project spanning three years for implementation.

Focus on Foundational Learning and Holistic Development

The Godabarish Adarsha Bidyalaya scheme is not just about infrastructure; it has a strong pedagogical foundation. The program will place a major emphasis on several key areas:
· The Right to Education Act: The initiative will strictly adhere to and promote the principles of the Right to Education Act.
· Inclusive Education: The model schools will ensure an inclusive learning environment, catering to students from all backgrounds and abilities.
· Quality Education: A core objective is to move beyond rote learning and focus on qualitative educational outcomes that foster critical thinking and creativity.
· Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN): The scheme will strongly emphasize strengthening basic reading and math skills. This focus aims to empower children socially and academically by building a solid educational foundation from an early age.

Connecting to Broader Educational Goals

This new initiative aligns with the state's previous efforts to enhance educational standards, such as the Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas that followed the CBSE curriculum. The Godabarish Adarsha Bidyalaya scheme also directly supports the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the state's own Skilled Odisha mission. By promoting education in the Odia medium, the plan also seeks to preserve and promote the state's linguistic and cultural identity.
The government envisions that through robust infrastructure, innovative teaching practices, and the active involvement of local communities, these new model schools will create a vibrant and effective educational ecosystem. This comprehensive approach promises to make quality education accessible to every child in rural Odisha, paving the way for a more educated and skilled future generation.