Odisha CM announces waiver of hostel fees for school students

Bhubaneswar, Nov 14: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reaffirmed his government's commitment to securing a bright future for children through quality education. Speaking at the state-level Sishu Mahotsav 2024 ‘Suravi’ on Children’s Day, the Chief Minister declared that the government would cover the hostel expenses for school students, waiving the monthly fee of Rs 2,000. The state will now bear these costs from its own budget.

Highlighting the government's emphasis on educational development, especially at the primary school level, Majhi also announced the opening of Godabarisha Primary Adarsh Vidyalaya.

The Chief Minister further noted the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the state's higher education sector starting this academic year, emphasizing its potential to transform education in Odisha. He urged students to dream big and strive with determination to reach their goals.

Majhi criticized the previous BJD-led government for not implementing the NEP, despite its introduction by the Centre in 2020, accusing them of delaying it for political reasons. He also claimed that the previous administration’s flagship 5T School program did little to improve education quality, which had deteriorated significantly in primary schools.