Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently launched a major education initiative in Odisha’s Bolangir district, inaugurating two new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and announcing several key investments in the local education and infrastructure sectors. This move is expected to benefit thousands of students and create new opportunities in the region.
Two Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) Inaugurated
The new central schools have been set up in Titilagarh and Patnagarh, two prominent towns in Bolangir district. These are part of the 85 new KVs approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023 as part of a nationwide expansion to strengthen school education under the Central Government.
- Each school has been allocated Rs 30 crore.
- Temporary campuses have been made operational:
- Titilagarh KV is running from Blockpada.
- Patnagarh KV is currently functioning from the ETEI campus.
- Permanent campuses will be built at:
- Railway Colony in Titilagarh.
- Ulba village near Patnagarh.
These KVs are expected to provide quality CBSE education to over 5 lakh students in the region and will follow the National Education Policy (NEP), which focuses on holistic learning and equal access to education.
Major School Upgrades Under PM Shri Scheme
Beyond the new KVs, 21 existing government schools in Bolangir district will be upgraded to PM Shri Schools — a model school initiative launched by the central government to transform existing schools with better infrastructure, digital learning tools, and modern pedagogy.
- Total investment: Rs 42 crore
- Each school receives: Rs 2 crore
These upgrades aim to bridge the quality gap in public school education and bring them at par with private institutions.
Rs 20 Crore for Rajendra University
The historic Rajendra University in Bolangir will also get a Rs 20 crore grant under the PM Usha scheme, which focuses on uplifting university infrastructure. The funding will go towards:
- Upgrading academic and administrative buildings
- Improving lab and library facilities
- Enhancing student amenities
This initiative is expected to benefit higher education and attract more students from the region, reducing the need for migration to other states.
Future Plans: Agricultural & Biotech Institutes
As part of a broader Rs 120 crore education and development package, the government also has plans to:
- Set up an agricultural university
- Establish a biotechnology institute
These institutions are not only aimed at boosting local education but also at creating job opportunities for youths within the district. By developing sector-specific educational infrastructure, the government hopes to curb youth migration and promote sustainable local development.
Industrial and Health Sector Development
The focus isn’t only on education. A few additional developments include:
- BPCL’s new LPG bottling plant in the district is to boost energy infrastructure and employment.
- Approval of a new dental college by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi which will improve healthcare access and open up career paths in medical sciences.
Bolangir is one of the underdeveloped districts in Western Odisha, often facing challenges like low literacy rates, poor infrastructure, and youth migration. This comprehensive package — combining school education, higher education, industrial development, and healthcare — is a strategic move to uplift the region and integrate it more effectively into Odisha’s and India’s growth story.
