Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: In a major boost to education, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond has unveiled a series of student-friendly initiatives aimed at empowering children and improving access to quality education across Odisha.

One of the landmark announcements is free bus travel for all school students in government-run buses. Gond clarified that students wearing school uniforms and carrying valid identity cards will be able to avail this facility. This move is expected to ease the financial burden on families and encourage regular attendance.

Another significant step is the universal distribution of free textbooks. Earlier, only SC and ST students were entitled to free textbooks, but now all students from Class I to Class X will benefit, ensuring inclusivity in education.

The Minister also emphasized reforms in primary education, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP). He announced that the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) will be upgraded to match the NCERT framework, with special focus on quality education.

Acknowledging infrastructure gaps, Gond assured that the government will prioritize the development of school facilities. He added that discussions with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi have already been held to implement these changes soon.

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