Vikashita Odisha – A Vision for a Developed Future
The Odisha government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has laid out an ambitious vision to transform the state into a “Vikashita Odisha” (Developed Odisha) by 2036. Central to this vision is the focus on education as a driving force for development. Recognizing that quality education is the foundation of a prosperous society, the state has taken significant steps to strengthen its educational infrastructure. One such initiative took place recently when over 16,000 junior school teachers were appointed in a landmark recruitment drive aimed at enhancing the state’s education system.
CM Majhi on the Role of Teachers in Shaping Society
During a grand ceremony held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi personally handed over appointment letters to 16,009 newly recruited junior teachers (Schematic) for primary and upper primary schools across the state. Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi emphasized the crucial role teachers play in shaping the future of society.
“Teaching is the most respectful profession, and teachers are the ones who mold the future of a society,” Majhi remarked. Drawing inspiration from Indian tradition, he highlighted how, in ancient Sanatan culture, teachers or Gurus were revered and compared to Lords Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswar, signifying their immense influence in imparting knowledge and values to students.
Majhi further noted that while parents bring children into the world, it is the teachers who shape them into complete individuals through education and cultural guidance. He stressed that the Odisha government recognizes this vital responsibility and is committed to supporting teachers in their role as nation-builders.
Boosting Education Infrastructure in Odisha
The Chief Minister also shared his personal connection to the profession, having served as a teacher before entering politics. This experience, he said, deepened his understanding of the importance of education and the challenges faced by educators. Majhi reiterated the government’s commitment to bolstering the education sector by increasing the budget allocation for education substantially in the current year.
The recruitment of 16,009 teachers is a significant step toward realizing this commitment. By filling teaching positions across primary and upper primary schools, the state aims to strengthen its educational infrastructure, ensuring that every child has access to quality education. These appointments are seen as a critical move toward building a brighter future for Odisha’s youth, aligning with the broader vision of creating a “Vikashita Odisha” by 2036.
Support for the National Education Policy
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who also attended the event, lauded the recruitment drive and emphasized the importance of education in regional languages. Speaking on the Centre’s New Education Policy (NEP), Pradhan highlighted how the policy promotes mother-tongue-based education, allowing teachers to instruct students in their vernacular languages up to Class VIII. This, he said, will enhance comprehension and learning outcomes, particularly in early education.
The event was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, and other senior officials, underlining the state’s strong focus on improving education standards.
A Step Toward ‘Vikashita Odisha’
The School and Mass Education department released a statement reinforcing the significance of this large-scale recruitment. It emphasized that the appointment of 16,009 teachers marks a major milestone in strengthening the educational framework of Odisha. This move will directly contribute to providing quality education to the state’s children, thereby nurturing the human capital needed for Odisha’s development.
As the state looks toward its goal of becoming a fully developed state by 2036, this initiative is seen as a cornerstone in achieving “Vikashita Odisha.” By investing in education and ensuring that qualified teachers are at the forefront of this transformation, Odisha is setting the stage for long-term social and economic progress.
Empowering Odisha Through Education
The Odisha government’s vision of “Vikashita Odisha” is rooted in the belief that education is the foundation for a developed society. The recruitment of over 16,000 teachers is not only a testament to the government’s commitment to education but also a vital step toward building a prosperous and empowered Odisha. As the state works towards its 2036 goal, initiatives like these will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its citizens.
(With inputs from agencies)
