Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday, November 12, launched robotic laboratories in 807 government schools across the state, marking a push towards technology-based learning and practical education. The laboratories have been developed at an estimated cost of Rs 164.33 crore. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the three-day children’s festival, Surabh-2026, which is being attended by more than 2,500 meritorious students from different parts of Odisha.Alongside the robotic laboratories, the Chief Minister launched the Nipun App, a free Android-based educational platform aimed at strengthening foundational learning among primary school students. The initiatives are part of the state’s efforts to expand access to technology-enabled education and improve learning outcomes in government schools.
Robotic laboratories to promote technology-based learning
The establishment of robotic laboratories in 807 government schools is expected to provide students with opportunities to develop practical knowledge and become familiar with emerging technologies. The initiative also seeks to introduce students to areas such as robotics and technology through hands-on learning.The investment of Rs 164.33 crore reflects the state’s focus on strengthening school infrastructure and broadening the scope of classroom education beyond conventional teaching methods.
Nipun App launched to strengthen foundational learning
The Chief Minister also introduced the Nipun App, a free Android-based educational platform designed to support foundational learning among primary school students.The platform is intended to strengthen the early stages of education by providing students with access to learning resources through digital technology. The initiative is expected to complement classroom teaching and support efforts to improve foundational literacy and learning outcomes.
Mukhyamantri Shiksha Puraskar conferred on 375 awardees
During the programme, Majhi conferred the Mukhyamantri Shiksha Puraskar on teachers, students and educational institutions for their contributions to the state’s education sector.According to the official statement, 375 individuals and institutions were felicitated under the state-level award scheme for 2024 and 2025. The government has earmarked an incentive amount of nearly Rs 139 crore under the scheme.The awards cover multiple categories of recognition, extending from the block level to the state level. The programme seeks to recognise achievements and encourage individuals and institutions contributing to improvements in education.
7,350 students receive Mukhyamantri Odia Bhasha Brutti
The Chief Minister also distributed the Mukhyamantri Odia Bhasha Brutti to 7,350 meritorious students for excellence in the study of the Odia language.Under the scholarship programme, each selected student received an annual grant of Rs 7,500. Ten high-achieving students and four toppers from the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) were also felicitated during the event.
Majhi urges students to focus on skills and credible information
Addressing students at Surabh-2026, Majhi described the festival as a platform to celebrate children’s aspirations, creativity, talent and potential.Drawing from his professional background as a teacher, the Chief Minister encouraged students to adapt to changing times and develop the ability to distinguish credible information from misleading content in the digital age.He also advised students to use mobile phones primarily for educational purposes rather than entertainment. He cautioned them against getting carried away by the competition for government jobs or the pressure to achieve high academic scores.“Skills, rather than degrees, are the real guarantee of a livelihood,” Majhi was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.The Chief Minister urged students to remain focused on their education while developing practical skills that could help them prepare for emerging opportunities.The launch of robotic laboratories, the introduction of the Nipun App and the distribution of education awards formed the key highlights of the three-day Surabh-2026 festival, bringing together students and education stakeholders from across Odisha.(With inputs from PTI)
