The Odisha government has announced a major initiative to strengthen the state’s education system by recruiting over 44,000 teachers for primary schools across Odisha over the next three years. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealed the plan on Thursday, emphasizing that this step is part of a broader strategy to enhance quality education in the state.
Out of the total recruitment, nearly 40,000 posts will be newly created, while the remaining positions will involve the regularisation of ad hoc teachers currently working under different schemes in primary schools. According to an official release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the government plans to fill approximately 15,000 primary teacher posts annually, ensuring a steady influx of trained educators in the coming years.
Regularisation of Ad Hoc Teachers
In addition to creating new posts, the Odisha government will regularise the services of teachers working on a temporary or contractual basis. This move aims to provide job security to current staff and motivate them to contribute effectively to the teaching environment.
Regularisation will also standardise salaries, benefits, and working conditions for teachers across the state, further enhancing the quality of primary education in Odisha.
Extension of Free Textbook Scheme
The Chief Minister has also instructed officials to expand the state’s free textbook scheme to cover students of Classes 9 and 10. Currently, free textbooks are available only to students from Classes 1 to 8. By extending this scheme, Odisha aims to improve educational accessibility and ensure that secondary-level students also benefit from government support.
Improved Student Health Support
To further strengthen student welfare, CM Majhi has directed the appointment of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) in hostels. This initiative will provide better health care and support to students residing in hostels, ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment.
Annual Recruitment Plan
The structured recruitment of 15,000 teachers per year will allow the state government to maintain consistent teacher-student ratios, improve learning outcomes, and address shortages in rural and urban areas alike. This initiative also aligns with the Odisha School Education Department’s vision of providing quality education to every child in the state.
Broader Context: Youth Employment in India
While Odisha focuses on teacher recruitment, other states are also taking measures to boost youth employment. For example, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recently announced that nearly 55,000 young people have been provided jobs in the state. Speaking at a function distributing appointment letters to newly recruited candidates, Mann emphasized that his government prioritizes employment opportunities for deserving youth from day one in office.
The Odisha government’s plan to recruit over 44,000 primary school teachers over three years represents a significant step toward improving the state’s educational infrastructure, teacher quality, and student welfare. Coupled with the extension of free textbooks and the appointment of ANMs in hostels, these initiatives aim to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for students across Odisha.
