Home / Education / Odisha Launches Mother Tongue Education Scheme for Children
Odisha Launches Mother Tongue Education Scheme for Children
13 Jan
Summary
- New scheme 'Ame Padhiba Ama Bhasare' promotes early education in mother tongues.
- A 100-day campaign targets child marriage through community awareness and participation.
- Pilot districts for education include Keonjhar, Kandhamal, and Malkangiri.
The Odisha government has introduced the 'Ame Padhiba Ama Bhasare' scheme, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. This five-year program will provide early education in mother tongues for children aged three to six years. Initially, it will be implemented in Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri districts, offering education in tribal languages like Munda, Kui, Saura, Kuvi, Gondi, and Koya.
Alongside educational initiatives, a 100-day campaign against child marriage was launched to foster awareness and protection via community involvement. This campaign will initially run in Mayurbhanj and Malkangiri districts. The state recorded 8,159 child marriages between 2019 and February 2025, with Nabarangpur district reporting the highest number. Odisha is striving to become a child marriage-free state by 2030.
Further strengthening child welfare, Odisha has also initiated a pilot program for adolescent mother support and pregnancy prevention in Mayurbhanj district, in collaboration with UNICEF. This initiative offers integrated support in health, nutrition, education, and skill development. The Deputy Chief Minister also inaugurated new administrative buildings and residential quarters to enhance training and capacity building for women and children's services.
