CM Reviews GMAPV Initiative: 835 Model Primary Schools to Be Set Up Across Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards revamping foundational education in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday reviewed the progress of the Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya (GMAPV) initiative at Lok Seva Bhawan. The initiative aims to establish 835 model primary schools in the first phase, each envisioned as a feeder institution to high schools across the state.

These model schools will be developed at an estimated cost of up to ₹7 crore per unit, and will include classes from nursery to Class VIII. Each school will be located at the headquarters of a Gram Panchayat, selected based on geographical suitability. Key eligibility criteria include a minimum enrolment of 100 students and availability of more than two acres of land.

Reaffirming the state’s commitment to quality education, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that these institutions would deliver education on par with national standards. He also directed officials to ensure free transportation for students from remote and inaccessible areas, aiming to bridge educational disparities due to geographic constraints.

Highlighting the need for infrastructure, technology integration, and adequate human resources, the Chief Minister instructed departments to plan for timely teacher recruitment and provision of land to allow future expansion of these schools into full-fledged high schools.

Aligning the GMAPV initiative with the goals of the National Education Policy 2020, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy skills by Class III. He called for modern teaching approaches, upgraded infrastructure, and active community participation involving parents, alumni, and local stakeholders to ensure holistic development of students.

The initiative also places special focus on enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, vocational training, and experiential learning—geared towards fostering critical thinking and practical life skills among schoolchildren.

The high-level review meeting was attended by School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Finance Principal Secretary Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, School and Mass Education Secretary Shalini Pandit, Rural Development Secretary Yamini Sarangi, and OSEPA Director Ananya Das.