Bhubaneswar: To strengthen Odisha’s education system, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today handed over appointment letters to 16,009 newly recruited junior teachers (Schematic) in primary and upper primary schools across the state. The special recruitment event, Nijukti Mela, was held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, with a focus on acknowledging the vital role of teachers in shaping the future of society.
Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi lauded teaching as one of the most prestigious professions, underscoring its central role in Indian culture. “In our Sanatan tradition, Gurus were given the highest status. They were revered like Lords Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswar, guiding students in Gurukulas and shaping their future,” said Majhi. He added, “While parents give birth, it is teachers who nurture children into complete individuals through education and cultural values.”
Having a background in teaching himself, Majhi empathized with the responsibilities teachers carry and pledged to support their contributions to the state’s progress. Reflecting this commitment, he announced a significant increase in the education budget this year, with a special focus on improving the quality of primary and secondary education across Odisha.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also addressed the event, emphasizing the importance of the Centre’s New Education Policy (NEP). He highlighted the policy’s focus on promoting education in the mother tongue up to Class VIII, allowing teachers to instruct in vernacular languages. This step, Pradhan said, would ensure greater inclusivity and accessibility for students across diverse linguistic backgrounds.
The NEP 2020’s alignment with traditional Indian values was also discussed, as it promotes education in Indian languages to guarantee access, equity, quality, and affordability. “By educating children in their mother tongue, we are fostering a more inclusive learning environment that respects regional languages and cultures,” Pradhan noted.
The Nijukti Mela event marks a milestone in Odisha’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of education and expand opportunities for teachers. With the appointment of these new educators, the state government aims to further strengthen its primary and upper primary school systems, ensuring that every child has access to quality education.
This initiative also reaffirms the government’s commitment to empowering teachers, as they remain key to shaping the future generation of the state.