Dharmendra launches ₹133.65 crore projects in Dhenkanal, inaugurates Kendriya Vidyalaya

Dhenkanal: In a significant boost to infrastructure and education, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday unveiled a series of development projects worth over ₹133.65 crore in Kamakhyanagar, Dhenkanal district.

The initiatives include the inauguration of a temporary campus for Kendriya Vidyalaya and the foundation laying for its permanent facility—marking a major milestone for this backward region in terms of educational access and opportunity.

Pradhan said these projects, undertaken through the collaborative efforts of the Centre and the Odisha government, will serve as key enablers in transforming Dhenkanal into a modern and developed district.

“This region, known historically as a land of valiant heroes, is now stepping into a new phase of progress,” he remarked.

Key Inaugurations and Projects
The Union Minister first inaugurated an overbridge constructed at a cost of ₹10.65 crore at Kamakhyanagar bypass on National Highway-53, near Baisinga. Later, at Kamakhyanagar Women’s College campus, he launched the temporary campus of Kendriya Vidyalaya. He also laid the foundation stone for a permanent Kendriya Vidyalaya building to be constructed at Jantaribol, with an estimated cost of ₹30 crore.

Additionally, he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 22 state government projects worth approximately ₹93 crore, aimed at furthering the district’s development.

Focus on Education and Heritage
Highlighting Dhenkanal’s historical legacy, Pradhan recalled the contributions of freedom fighters like Baji Rout, Vaishnav Charan Pattnayak, Sarangadhar Das (the ‘Gandhi of Gadajat’), Mahesh Chandra Subahu Singh, and Musha Malik.

He said that the new Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kamakhyanagar will serve not just as an educational institution, but also as a source of inspiration by instilling the ideals and sacrifices of these heroes in future generations.

From the current academic year, the temporary campus of Kendriya Vidyalaya will begin classes for students from Grade 1 to 5, accommodating around 240 children. In line with the National Education Policy, Odisha has converted over 45,000 pre-primary classrooms into “Shishu Bati” or child-friendly learning spaces.

Pradhan underscored the importance of mother-tongue instruction, aligning with NEP 2020 goals. “The country is implementing the National Education Policy 2020 at full speed. This year, we have decided to achieve a 100% target in the basic and elementary sector in all states of India. Education at the primary level should be in the mother tongue. CBSE has issued a circular to all CBSE schools that, in whichever state they teach children, primary education should be in the mother tongue of that state,” he said.

He added, “A Kendriya Vidyalaya is starting from today in our backwards area, Kamakhyanagar, for which I thank the Prime Minister.”

Pradhan noted that early education in the mother tongue is crucial for personality development. “Only when children learn in their native language can we produce leaders like Baji Rout, Sarangadhar Das, Pathani Samanta, and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam,” he said.