BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has approved a proposal to provide free textbooks to class IX and X students of government and government-aided secondary schools (other than SC & ST) under the ‘Supply of Free Textbooks’ scheme.
The decision was taken at a State Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The scheme will be implemented for five years, from 2025-26 to 2029-30, with a total estimated outlay of 284.07 crore. It will benefit around 28.7 lakh students.
The ‘Supply of Free Textbooks’ scheme aims to ensure equitable access to quality education, reduce financial burden on economically weaker families, improve enrolment in government schools, reduce dropout rate and facilitate higher transition from elementary to secondary education, chief secretary Anu Garg said in a post-cabinet briefing.
The procurement of paper, printing, transportation and distribution of textbooks will be done through a transparent, competitive and economical procurement process in conformity with Odisha General Financial Rules 2023 and applicable guidelines.
The School & Mass Education Department will set up a robust mechanism for collection, verification and validation of beneficiary data from field level verification, and will ensure that textbooks are printed and supplied well ahead of the commencement of academic session.