Odisha sanctions Rs 12,000 crore for 2,200 Godabarisha Mishra Adarsha Vidyalaya model schools

The Odisha Cabinet, on Monday, sanctioned Rs 12,000 crore to establish 2,200 model schools across the state under the Godabarisha Mishra Adarsha Vidyalaya (GAV) initiative.

The project will be rolled out over three years beginning 2025–26, with one model school planned in every gram panchayat, with the first phase covering the construction of 2,200 schools, informed CM Mohan Charan Majhi, who chaired the Cabinet meeting.

Cost And Implementation Plan

According to details shared during the meeting, the model school is expected to cost around Rs 5 crore, although the final figure will be determined after preparation of a detailed project report (DPR).

The Odisha government said the scheme will provide standardised school infrastructure and a structured learning environment. The initiative is designed to comply with the Right to Education Act, 2009, while aligning with the National Education Policy, 2020, and the NIPUN Odisha programme.

Educational Objectives Of The GAV Scheme

According to the School and Mass Education Department, the GAV schools will focus on improving foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) skills, creating inclusive classrooms, and promoting innovative teaching methods.

The scheme also aims to actively involve local communities to ensure equitable access to education and support all-round development of students. Officials said the initiative seeks to create a strong educational base at the gram panchayat level and provide equal opportunities to children regardless of their socio-economic background.

Other Cabinet Approvals

The cabinet meeting also approved three additional proposals. Amendments were cleared to the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956, and the Factories Act, 1948.

The changes extend daily working hours from nine to ten while retaining the weekly limit of 48 hours. Employees working beyond this limit will receive overtime wages at double the normal rate.

The amendments further permit women employees to work night shifts with their written consent, placing responsibility on the government to ensure adequate safety measures. Establishments with 20 or more workers will now come under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act. Shops and commercial establishments are also required to display signboards in Odia.

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Ghatagaon Tarini Temple Development Project

The cabinet sanctioned a Rs 226 crore project for the development of the Ghatagaon Tarini temple in Keonjhar district.

Spread over 69 acres, the plan includes a pilgrims’ inn with capacity for 246 people, a 500-seat hall for mass gatherings, and a dedicated Nadiya Bhandar. The project aims to improve facilities for devotees at one of Odisha’s most visited shrines.