Odisha Makes Education Free From Kindergarten to Grad School

For families in Odisha, India, the cost of education just dropped to zero.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced Friday that all government schools in the eastern state will offer completely free education from kindergarten through postgraduate degrees. The historic policy change will open doors for millions of students, particularly girls and children from low-income families who previously struggled to afford school fees.

"Our government is committed to making education truly free and universal," Majhi told reporters at a press conference marking his party's second year in power. The announcement covers every public institution in the state, eliminating a barrier that has kept countless talented students from reaching their full potential.

The education overhaul goes beyond just free tuition. Over the past two years, Odisha has recruited 26,615 new teachers and support staff to strengthen its schools. Another 45,000 teachers will join classrooms over the next three years, ensuring students have the guidance they need to succeed.

The government is also building 2,200 new model primary schools across the state, with 322 already under construction. Each of Odisha's local panchayats will eventually have its own upgraded facility, bringing quality education closer to rural communities.

But Majhi didn't stop at education. He unveiled the Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana, a food security program that will double rice rations for eligible families. Under the new scheme, 3.28 crore beneficiaries will receive 10 kilograms of free rice monthly, up from the current 5 kilograms.

The Ripple Effect: When you educate a child, you change a family. When you educate millions, you transform a state. Odisha's dual investment in education and nutrition tackles two of poverty's biggest obstacles at once. Kids who aren't worried about empty stomachs or school fees can focus on learning, dreaming, and building better futures.

The food program alone will reach roughly 80% of Odisha's population at an annual cost of ₹8,813 crore, a massive commitment that signals how seriously the state takes family wellbeing. Combined with universal free education, these policies create a safety net that could lift entire generations out of poverty.

For a parent who's been saving every rupee to keep their daughter in school, or a talented student who thought college was financially impossible, June 12, 2026 just became a day to remember. The path to higher education in Odisha is now wide open, and millions of students are ready to walk through that door.