Bhubaneswar, Odisha : On the occasion of Independence Day 2025, Odisha Chief Minister delivered a visionary address highlighting education and health as the two key pillars for the state’s social development. The CM emphasized that every section of society should be empowered with quality education and accessible healthcare to ensure holistic growth.
Under the government’s leadership, the establishment of Godavari Mishra Model Primary Schools in every Panchayat has been initiated to strengthen foundational education. Programs like National Education Policy implementation, PM-Usha, PM-Shri, Nipun Odisha, and the Shaheed Madho Singh Hathkharch scheme aim to provide mid-day meals and structured education up to the 10th grade. For higher education, Odisha has implemented a 11.25% reservation for students from socially and educationally backward communities, ensuring equal opportunities for all.
To nurture youth talent, graduates are encouraged to participate in internship programs aligned with the new National Education Policy. A structured plan is underway to equip young professionals with practical skills for the workforce.
On healthcare, the CM reaffirmed that health is a fundamental right. Initiatives like the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bayo Bandhana scheme now cover all senior citizens above 70 years, with over 82% of the state population enrolled. These schemes have provided medical assistance worth approximately ₹936 crore to nearly 4 lakh beneficiaries.
The state government is also upgrading hospital infrastructure, establishing modern facilities across Odisha, including new government medical colleges in Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, and Nabarangpur. Efforts are ongoing to enhance Brahmapur Medical College to AIIMS-plus standards. To ensure patient comfort, the government is providing nearly 2,250 beds at affordable rates in the three largest state medical colleges and hospitals.
The Chief Minister concluded by urging citizens to leverage these initiatives, underscoring that quality education and robust healthcare are essential for Odisha’s social empowerment and long-term development.
