CUTTACK: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced that the state government will fill 45,000 teacher vacancies over the next three years, while highlighting a series of initiatives aimed at transforming the education sector.Addressing students and teachers at a Guru Divas celebration at Secondary Board High School in Cuttack, the Chief Minister said education is not merely about acquiring knowledge but is a process of shaping individuals and building the future of society.Interacting with students, Majhi urged them to stay focused on their studies and career goals rather than spending excessive time on social media. He also cautioned students against falling prey to misinformation and advised them to remain focused and disciplined in their academic journey.Focus on Free Education from KG to PGHighlighting the government’s education initiatives, the Chief Minister said Odisha has become the first state in the country to provide universal free education from Shishu Vatika to postgraduate level under its KG-to-PG free education initiative.He said the government is also working on the construction of 2,200 Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Primary Schools at an estimated cost of ₹12,000 crore. Around 45,000 Shishu Vatika centres have also been opened for pre-school children, he added.The government is providing mid-day meals and textbooks for students of Classes IX and X, while the Shaheed Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Yojana has been introduced for tribal students, according to the Chief Minister.Alumni to Play Greater Role in School TransformationMajhi also praised the role of Panchsakha Shiksha Setu in bringing former students into the process of school transformation.He said the collective contribution of teachers, students, alumni and the wider community can help build a stronger, prosperous and self-reliant Odisha.Referring to the legacy of Secondary Board High School, the Chief Minister highlighted former students such as former MLA Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra and former Finance Minister Panchanan Kanungo, describing distinguished alumni as an important part of an institution’s identity.Teachers HonouredDuring the Guru Divas programme, the Chief Minister felicitated teachers for their dedicated contribution to education and student development. Ashok Kumar Satapathy, Kumudini Ji, Shakuntala Mohanty, Daitari Sahu and Jayanti Majhi were honoured for their service.Majhi emphasised the importance of a stronger and more friendly relationship between teachers and students, while recalling the traditional importance of the Guru-Shishya relationship in Indian culture.Several legislators, senior government officials, district administration representatives, education department officials, teachers, students and alumni attended the event.
