In a sweeping move to strengthen Odisha’s education system, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced the recruitment of 44,433 primary school teachers across the state over the next three years. Nearly 40,000 of these will be entirely new posts — a scale of hiring the government described as unprecedented.

“This is a decisive step to improve the quality of primary education,” Majhi said, while directing officials to ensure that around 15,000 teacher positions are filled every year. The government will also regularise the services of thousands of ad hoc teachers currently serving under various schemes, he added.

Alongside the recruitment drive, the state has expanded its free textbook programme. For the first time, students in Classes 9 and 10 will also receive free textbooks, a benefit previously reserved for Classes 1 to 8.

Majhi further instructed authorities to appoint Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) in student hostels to provide round-the-clock healthcare support — a measure aimed at ensuring both academic and physical well-being of children from remote and rural areas.

Officials say the multi-pronged initiative reflects the state’s renewed focus on education and student welfare, with the teacher recruitment drive at its core.