Odisha CM Critiques BJD for Ignoring Primary Education

Bhubaneswar, Jan 21 (NationPress) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday criticized the former BJD administration for allegedly overlooking the growth of infrastructure and failing to ensure sufficient manpower in the primary schools throughout the state.

During the launch of a three-day national workshop focused on the implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020, Majhi remarked, “Our state is falling behind in primary education regarding infrastructure and manpower. Even now, we have not succeeded in enhancing the infrastructure as the preceding governments did not prioritize primary education. There are still numerous schools in the state lacking proper infrastructure. Therefore, since taking office, our new government is prioritizing the enhancement of infrastructure and the provision of adequate manpower.

Majhi further mentioned that his administration has raised the education budget for the current fiscal year. He also revealed that recently over 16,000 teachers have been appointed, and efforts are underway to fill the vacant teaching positions.

The Chief Minister emphasized the measures taken by the government to reduce the dropout rate in schools across the state. Majhi stated that a value-based and quality education cannot be offered to children without strengthening the education system at the primary level.

He criticized the previous BJD government, stating that it is regrettable that they disrupted our education system by attempting to reform high schools without first reinforcing primary education.

Conversely, Majhi commended the National Education Policy 2020 as the pioneering education policy of the 21st century.

“The primary goal of NEP 2020 is to address the rapid developmental needs of our nation. The core of this education policy is to cultivate an empowered student grounded in the customs, traditions, and values of our country,” Majhi stated.

He noted that the new BJP government decided to enact NEP-2020 after coming to power in the state.

Majhi also mentioned that a three-day national workshop has been organized for the implementation of the NEP. He highlighted that the main aim of this workshop is to introduce the new educational framework of '5+3+3+4' in Odisha.

He explained that this system commences with Sishu Vatika at the age of three for three years, namely Sishu Vatika 1 and 2, followed by Vishu Vatika 3.

Majhi stated that Sishu Vatika 1 & 2 will be implemented in the Anganwadi Kendras, while Sishu Vatika 3 will be in the Primary School, after which classes 1 and 2 will be integrated.

“This will undoubtedly fortify the foundation of our children from the outset. We are also focused on providing sufficient infrastructure and manpower to effectively implement this new system,” concluded Majhi.