Bhubaneswar

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday inaugurated a two-day workshop on the implementation of the National Education Policy-2020 and launched the Shakti Shree mobile application at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar.

The workshop brought together education experts, vice-chancellors and faculty members from universities across Odisha to discuss reforms in higher education and effective implementation of NEP-2020. During the event, Pradhan said Odisha’s educational institutions should become national models through innovation, autonomy and research.

He stated that universities should introduce “best practices” to solve local issues while contributing to the vision of a developed India. The Union Minister also stressed the importance of promoting the Odia language and Indian language-based learning under the new education policy.

Pradhan said the education system should help remove colonial thinking and increase respect for local languages and traditions. Referring to Jagannath culture, he said students should combine Odia identity with global responsibility and nationalism.

The minister further highlighted the need to use digital technology and modern learning methods to improve enrollment in higher education. He said Odisha’s youth must receive global-level training, including foreign language education and updated courses, to compete internationally.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also addressed the gathering and said the National Education Policy is transforming India’s education system through quality education, innovation, research and skill development. He said the policy aims to prepare students for industry and social leadership.

Majhi added that Odisha is introducing education in mother tongue, promoting research and opening new colleges across the state. He said the government’s goal is to make Odisha the knowledge hub of eastern India by 2036 and a global centre for research and innovation by 2047.