On February 11, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the state’s mid-day meal (MDM) program would now include students in Classes IX and X. Previously, the scheme was limited to students up to Class VIII. This expansion is expected to boost student attendance and help reduce dropout rates.
The announcement was made during the centenary celebrations of Ranihat High School in Cuttack. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also discussed the Shaheed Madho Singh Hatakharcha Yojana, a program aimed at furthering efforts to keep students in school and ensure the strengthening of the educational system in Odisha.
Majhi also revealed plans to spend around ₹4-5 crore to set up the Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Pratika Vidyalaya, aimed at enhancing education infrastructure in the region. The Chief Minister criticized the previous BJD government for failing to prioritize primary education, accusing them of focusing on cosmetic projects like the 5T Programme instead of addressing core educational needs.
In recognition of its historical significance, Ranihat High School was granted heritage status and will receive ₹4 crore for its development. An additional ₹2 crore will be provided from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the school’s further improvement. Looking ahead, Majhi envisioned that by 2036, the school would be an educational hub, playing a vital role in Odisha’s centennial celebrations and continuing to inspire future generations.
