The Cabinet also approved the ‘Dakshyata Vikas Yojana’, a skill development initiative designed to strengthen the employability of Odisha’s youth
Odisha Cabinet approves free textbooks for Class IX and X: Odisha government approved a proposal to provide free text books to students of Classes IX and X in both government and government-aided schools. The Cabinet also approved a ₹450-crore skill development scheme aimed at enhancing the employability of the state’s youth.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday. The cabinet approved a proposal to provide free textbooks to students of Classes IX and X in government and government-aided schools. Along with free midday meals for high school students. A total of 14 proposals from 11 departments received approval at the Cabinet meeting.
Briefing the media on the Cabinet decisions, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the free textbook scheme is expected to benefit around 28.7 lakh students. The scheme will be implemented over five years, from 2025-26 to 2029-30, with a total estimated outlay of ₹284.07 crore. The benefits will be extended to all students in the secondary classes, irrespective of category.
The Cabinet also approved the ‘Dakshyata Vikas Yojana’, a skill development initiative designed to strengthen the employability of Odisha’s youth and prepare them for emerging job opportunities in India and abroad.
With an outlay of ₹450 crore, the scheme will be implemented from 2026-27 to 2028-29. It is expected to benefit around 4.2 lakh youths across the state through industry-aligned training, digital skilling, overseas employment support and institutional strengthening, Garg said.
Under the programme, 1.17 lakh youths will receive short-term, placement-linked skill training, while three lakh youths will be trained in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data analytics and cybersecurity.
ALSO READ: Student Union Elections Cancelled In 3 Colleges
The Cabinet further approved the continuation of the Chief Minister Skill Development Fellowship, under which 40 fellows will be deployed across districts. They will assist in assessing skill demand and gaps, developing industry partnerships and strengthening the implementation of skill development initiatives.
Additionally, a Skilled-in-Odisha Digital Hub will be established to facilitate end-to-end tracking of candidates and monitor the outcomes of skill development programmes.
