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Current Affairs

Odisha Announces Free Education from KG to PG in Government Institutions

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On 12 June 2026, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a comprehensive policy to provide free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) level in all government educational institutions across the state. This initiative extends the existing free education provision, which previously covered only up to Class 10, now including higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate education, targeting over 10 lakh students, primarily benefiting economically weaker sections and girls. The plan includes recruiting 45,000 additional teachers over three years to support implementation and aligns with the state's adoption of the National Education Policy 2020 and expansion of educational infrastructure.

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Key Facts

  • Announcement Date: 12 June 2026
  • Announced By: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
  • Scope: Completely free education from KG to PG in all government institutions of Odisha
  • Current Status: Free education up to Class 10 already ensured
  • Beneficiaries: Over 10 lakh students in government schools, colleges, and universities
  • Teacher Recruitment: Planning to hire 45,000 additional teachers over the next three years
  • Budgetary Estimate: Annual cost for higher education estimated at ₹30 crore
  • Exclusion: Policy applies only to government institutions, excluding private educational establishments

Background & Context

Odisha had provided free education up to Class 10 in government schools prior to this policy. Recognizing the financial barriers at higher levels of education, the state government introduced this historic extension of free education through all levels, from KG through PG, in government institutions. The policy aims to promote universal access and inclusiveness, especially supporting economically weaker households and girls. This announcement coincided with the completion of two years of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha and complements other initiatives such as implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and establishment of Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Primary Schools in panchayats. The government also plans to open four new universities to expand higher education capacity.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This landmark policy is possibly the first of its kind in India to provide free education from KG to PG entirely through government institutions. Knowledge of this announcement, including dates, key figures such as the number of beneficiaries and teachers recruited, and the associated government and political context, is important for understanding current educational reforms and policies, especially in state-level and national competitive examinations. The integration with NEP 2020 implementation reflects alignment with central educational reforms and highlights Odisha’s focus on educational equity and teacher strengthening.

Points to Remember

  • Announcement Date: 12 June 2026
  • Announced by Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi
  • Free education covers Kindergarten to Postgraduate level
  • Applicable to all government institutions; private institutions excluded
  • Beneficiaries exceed 10 lakh students
  • 45,000 new teachers to be recruited over three years
  • Annual cost estimate for higher education component is ₹30 crore
  • Implemented under the BJP government completing two years in Odisha
  • Includes NEP 2020 implementation and establishment of model primary schools
  • Four new universities planned in Odisha for expanding higher education
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