Bhubaneswar, Apr 19: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, during his visit to Balangir district on Saturday, announced a significant allocation of over Rs 120 crores for the development of education in the region.

The "double-engine government" has taken responsibility for allocating over Rs 120 crores for the development of education in Balangir district, said Pradhan during the inauguration of temporary campuses for Kendriya Vidyalayas in Titilagarh and Patnagarh.

The Union Minister also performed the Bhoomi Pujan for their permanent campuses.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had approved the establishment of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas and 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas across the country in December last year, including 8 new Kendriya Vidyalayas in Odisha.

In this context, the "double-engine government" has taken steps to establish Kendriya Vidyalayas in Titilagarh and Patnagarh in Balangir district. Bhoomi Pujan ceremonies were conducted for their permanent campuses, along with the foundation stone laying for temporary campuses. Each school has been allocated approximately Rs 30 crores, totaling Rs 60 crores.

"With the collaboration of the railway department, the establishment of a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Titilagarh Railway Colony will provide students access to quality education. Similarly, the permanent campus of Kendriya Vidyalaya, set to be established in Ulba, Patnagarh, will play a pivotal role in providing quality education to local students. This initiative aims to empower the youth by nurturing their talents and helping them realise their dreams of a bright future," said Pradhan.

The Union Minister further expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for gifting these schools to Balangir district, emphasising their importance in uplifting the local education landscape.

Apart from the approval for two Kendriya Vidyalayas in Balangir district, the central government is developing 21 schools under the PM SHRI scheme in the region. Each school has been allocated Rs 2 crore, amounting to a total grant of Rs 42 crore, he further stated.

Additionally, Rajendra University, one of the oldest educational institutions in Balangir, has received Rs 20 crore under the PM USHA scheme for its development. The "double-engine government" is committed to the physical, mental, and intellectual growth of the district's 5 lakh students, ranging from newborns to those studying in Grade 12, he added.

The establishment of Kendriya Vidyalayas in the region aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy, aiming to improve the quality of school-level education. These schools will foster critical thinking, physical and mental well-being, and intellectual capabilities among students, paving the way for a brighter future.

Pradhan expressed optimism that these initiatives will significantly uplift the educational landscape of Balangir district, empowering students to achieve their dreams.

Balangir district holds a special emotional connection for many, and its development remains a priority under the "double-engine government." To accelerate industrial growth alongside the oil sector, BPCL has established an LPG bottling plant in the region. Beside, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced the establishment of a new dental college in Balangir.

The Modi government has introduced various initiatives for Balangir district, focusing on education, agriculture, energy, irrigation, healthcare, social programs, railway infrastructure, and employment development. Plans are underway to open an agricultural university and a biotechnology university in the district, along with proposals for green energy production.

Additionally, efforts are underway to free Balangir district from migration issues, demonstrating the commitment of the "double-engine government."

Pradhan emphasised that the progress of Balangir district is crucial for achieving a prosperous Odisha and a developed India. He encouraged individuals to take personal responsibility in realizing this vision.

Among others, several prominent leaders from Odisha, including Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Lok Sabha MP Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, Rajya Sabha MP Niranjan Bishi, were present.

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