Odisha Extends Free Textbooks and Mid-Day Meals to Class 9 and 10 Students

Odisha Student Welfare: Student welfare programs in Odisha have been extended to include free textbooks and hot mid-day meals (PM POSHAN / Mukhyamantri POSHAN Yojana) for secondary level students enrolled in Classes 9 and 10 of all the government schools and government-aided schools. These welfare programs, which had been only restricted to the elementary levels (Classes 1-8), were meant to reduce secondary school dropout rate and increase secondary school attendance rates, along with improving the nutrition levels of adolescents in the state.

This program was officially launched by the Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the occasion of Independence Day. As per this expanded welfare scheme, over eight lakh secondary level students will be able to avail quality study material along with healthy meals at their respective schools.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

• Targeted Beneficiaries: Around 8 lakh secondary level students pursuing education in government as well as aided schools in Odisha.  

• Books Distribution for Free Scheme: Officially introduced by the Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the 80th Independence Day speech, making free textbooks available at the secondary level.  

• Mid-Day Meal Program: Making hot and nutritive lunch available to students of class 9 and 10 through state-sponsored welfare schemes (such as Mukhyamantri POSHAN Yojana).  

• Distribution Process: Book distribution is done in block-level locations and not in district-level areas to avoid any logistic issues.

Core Objectives & Impact Of The Initiative

• Solving Dropout Problem: Solves the problem of high dropout rates usually witnessed when moving from upper-primary (class 8) to secondary (class 9) level of schooling.

• Help to Poor Families: Lowers the cost of education for poor families.

• Support to Adolescent Health: Ensures the necessary intake of nutrition, proteins and micro-nutrients required by growing adolescents.