Girls’ education push: Can Odisha bridge the gender gap fully?

Odisha has made discernible progress in girls’ education in recent years, but significant challenges remain as the state strives to bridge gender gaps and ensure sustained empowerment for its young girls. 

While enrolment levels have improved, dropout rates and structural barriers continue to hinder long-term educational outcomes.

Rising Enrolment, But Dropouts Persist

In the last few years, girls’ school enrolment in Odisha has seen a notable rise at the secondary level. Government data shows that the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls increased from 80.8% in 2022-23 to 85% in 2024-25, outpacing the national average of 80.2% for the same period. 

Experts attribute this improvement to targeted state initiatives such as scholarships, the provision of free bicycles and hostel support for tribal girls, and a broader rise in parental awareness about the importance of educating daughters.

However, while more girls are entering schools, the dropout rate remains a concern. According to recent figures, Odisha’s girls’ dropout rate climbed to 12.6% in 2024-25, significantly higher than the national average of 9.6%. Causes include seasonal migration, early marriage and domestic responsibilities, indicating that enrolment alone is insufficient without sustained retention efforts.

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Despite these challenges, there are encouraging signs. In state board Class 12 examinations, girls outperformed boys across all streams, with higher pass percentages in science, arts, commerce and vocational subjects. Girls achieved pass rates such as 87.74% in science and 87.56% in arts, illustrating their academic resilience when given opportunities and support.

Government Initiatives to Support Girls’ Education

Recognising these challenges, the Odisha government has introduced several schemes to support girl children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. One of the most significant is the “Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana”, announced in the state budget to help girls complete higher education. 

Under this programme, the state will open a savings fund of Rs 20,000 in the name of each girl child born into poor families, and upon successful completion of graduation, the beneficiary will receive Rs 1,01,000. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and incentivise girls to pursue education beyond school.

Additionally, the national “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (BBBP) scheme continues to be implemented across all districts to tackle gender bias and improve girls’ survival, protection and education. Under this umbrella, Odisha has launched district-level interventions with transformative impact, such as:

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“Nirbhaya Kadhi” (Fearless Bud) in Ganjam, which educates girls about their rights and safety, covering over 1.83 lakh adolescent girls and helping make communities safer.

“Mo Gelha Jhia” (My Lovely Daughter), which combats gender discrimination and female foeticide through awareness programmes and pledges by school students.

“Kalpana Avijan” in Dhenkanal, tracking adolescent girls and preventing child marriages through community committees.

“Veerangana” in Deogarh, which equipped girls with self-defence skills and expanded training in schools across rural areas.

These initiatives have produced measurable results, including community pledges against child marriage, prevention of hundreds of child marriage cases and the development of local female trainers who now mentor thousands of girls across districts.

Efforts On To Narrow Gender Gaps

Odisha’s efforts to empower the girl child through education demonstrate both progress and ongoing work. The rise in enrolment rates and successful schemes like Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana and BBBP highlight a state committed to narrowing gender gaps. 

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Yet, higher dropouts and structural challenges show that achieving full educational parity requires sustained policy focus, community involvement and continuous evaluation.

By addressing retention, tackling socio-economic barriers and nurturing academic achievement, Odisha can move closer to ensuring every girl not only enters the school system, but stays, succeeds and contributes to the state’s socio-economic development.