Odisha CM launches robotics labs in 807 schools and Nipun App
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the robotics labs and the educational app during the Suravi-2026 children's festival in Bhubaneswar.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched robotics laboratories in 807 government schools across the state on Thursday, November 12, 2026. According to The New Indian Express, the initiative involves an investment of Rs 164.33 crore and will provide students from classes VI to X with hands-on training in coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning, 3D printing, and robotics.
The Chief Minister also unveiled the Nipun App, a free Android-based educational platform designed to strengthen foundational learning for primary school students. These launches took place during the inauguration of the three-day state-level children's festival, Suravi-2026, at the Capital High School ground in Bhubaneswar.
During the event, Majhi honoured 375 individuals and institutions under the Mukhyamantri Siksha Puraskar for the 2024 and 2025 award lists. The state has earmarked Rs 138.97 crore as incentives for these awards, which cover levels from block to state.
Majhi also announced scholarships under the Mukhyamantri Odia Bhasa Bruti scheme, where 7,350 meritorious students will receive an annual grant of Rs 7,500 for excellence in Odia language studies. Additionally, ten students and four CHSE toppers were felicitated at the ceremony.
Addressing the students, Majhi said that skill, rather than a degree, serves as a genuine guarantee for securing a livelihood. He advised students to use mobile phones as tools for learning rather than entertainment and to distinguish authentic information from misleading content on the internet.