Dharmendra Pradhan Reviews NEP Implementation in Odisha; 55 New Textbooks to Be Introduced from 2026–27

Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday participated in a high-level review meeting on curriculum reform and textbook development in Odisha, focusing on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the State’s preparedness for introducing new, NEP-aligned textbooks in schools.

The meeting reviewed Odisha’s progress in aligning its school curriculum with the National Curriculum Framework, capacity-building initiatives for teachers, and the roadmap for rolling out revised textbooks from the 2026–27 academic year. Officials informed that the State is set to introduce 55 newly developed textbooks for Classes I to VIII, which have been translated and contextualised from NCERT materials to reflect Odisha’s local needs, culture, and heritage.

The review was attended by School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, Archana Sharma Awasthi, Additional Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India, Dr. N. Tirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, School and Mass Education Department, Ananaya Das, State Project Director, OSEPA, Manoj Kumar Padhy, Director, TE&SCERT, Balmukund Bhuyan, Director, Elementary Education, senior faculty members from NCERT, and other senior officials. District Education Officers from all 30 districts, along with principals of DIETs, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools, joined the meeting virtually.

During the interaction, the Union Education Minister reviewed the progress of curriculum development and the training of Master Resource Persons across districts. He advised district officials to actively involve students and parents to create awareness and enthusiasm around the new textbooks. Stressing key priorities under NEP 2020, Pradhan underscored the need to strengthen Foundational Literacy and Numeracy under NIPUN Bharat, promote mother-tongue-based education at least up to Class V, enhance the PM-POSHAN scheme with a focus on student nutrition, and expand the implementation of 10 bagless school days per year for students of Classes VI to X.

Sharing the State Government’s perspective, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said Odisha has completed the translation and contextualisation of all 55 NCERT textbooks in line with NEP 2020. He informed that the State has also introduced three new subject areas—Art Education, Physical Education & Well-being, and Vocational Education—to promote the holistic development of students. He emphasised that the reforms go beyond curriculum change and reflect a collective commitment towards shaping the future of children and the overall progress of Odisha.

The Additional Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India, highlighted that effective implementation of NEP 2020 is a shared responsibility, with teachers playing a crucial role. She expressed confidence that the trained Master Resource Persons would successfully disseminate NEP principles to teachers across the State.

The Commissioner-cum-Secretary, School and Mass Education Department delivered the welcome address, while the Director, TE&SCERT proposed the vote of thanks. Odisha has adopted a proactive approach towards NEP implementation by preparing a comprehensive roadmap. A national-level conference held in January 2025 deliberated on aligning the National Curriculum Framework with Odisha’s cultural context, following which the State Steering Committee, under the chairmanship of Prof. Nityananda Pradhan, developed the Odisha School Curriculum Framework. The framework was approved by NCERT and formally launched by the Chief Minister of Odisha on September 5, 2025.

To ensure smooth rollout of the reforms, 1,000 Master Resource Persons have been trained in four batches across four zones of the State. These trainers will further train over 1.66 lakh primary teachers from the School and Mass Education Department and the ST&SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department at the district level, paving the way for effective implementation of the new curriculum from the 2026–27 academic session.