Odisha CM launches robotic laboratories in 807 government schools
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also introduced the Nipun App to support foundational learning for primary students.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched robotic laboratories in 807 government schools across the state on Thursday, November 12. According to The Times of India, the laboratories were developed at an estimated cost of Rs 164.33 crore.
The launch took place during the inauguration of Surabh-2026, a three-day children's festival attended by more than 2,500 meritorious students. The laboratories will provide students in classes 6 to 10 with practical training in robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning and 3D printing.
Majhi also introduced the Nipun App, a free Android-based educational platform designed to strengthen foundational learning among primary school students. Additionally, the Chief Minister conferred the Mukhyamantri Shiksha Puraskar on 375 teachers, students and educational institutions for their contributions to the education sector.
Under the state-level award scheme for 2024 and 2025, the government has earmarked an incentive amount of nearly Rs 139 crore. The Chief Minister also distributed the Mukhyamantri Odia Bhasha Brutti, providing an annual grant of Rs 7,500 to 7,350 meritorious students for excellence in studying the Odia language.
Addressing the students, Majhi encouraged them to use mobile phones for educational purposes rather than entertainment. He advised students to distinguish credible information from misleading content in the digital age and focus on developing practical skills.
The Chief Minister, who began his career as a teacher, stated, "Skills, rather than degrees, are the real guarantee of a livelihood."