Khordha, Jul 14: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the temporary building of Kendriya Vidyalaya at the ITBP camp in Khordha and laid the foundation stone for its permanent campus on Monday.

Addressing the gathering, he emphasized the government's commitment to expanding quality education across Odisha.

Union Minister Pradhan said that eight new Kendriya Vidyalayas have been launched this year alone, bringing the total number in Odisha to 75. He stressed the need for a Kendriya Vidyalaya in every sub-division, noting that only 45 out of 90 sub-divisions currently have one. He assured that the remaining sub-divisions will soon have access to central schooling.

The newly inaugurated school will cater to children of ITBP personnel as well as local residents, offering classes from Grade 1 to 5. Over 200 students are expected to enroll in the initial phase. While the school begins operations in a temporary facility, the permanent campus is expected to be completed within 2–3 years. This marks the 10th Kendriya Vidyalaya in the Khordha region.

The Union Education Minister also reflected on India’s educational journey, referencing historical figures like Buxi Jagabandhu who resisted colonial forces despite not knowing English. He criticized the British-era education system introduced by Macaulay in 1835 and praised the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduced by the Modi government, which promotes mother-tongue-based learning and skill development.

He emphasized that primary education in the mother tongue helps children grow into visionary leaders like Abdul Kalam and Narendra Modi. The NEP also focuses on entrepreneurship-based education and aims to make India a developed nation by 2047 and Odisha a developed state by 2036.

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