Odisha Cabinet approves Rs 284 crore scheme for free textbooks to Class IX, X students

Bhubaneswar, Oct 13 (UNI) The Odisha government will provide free textbooks to students of Classes IX and X in government and government-aided secondary schools across the state, with the Cabinet approving a five-year scheme involving an estimated outlay of Rs 284.07 crore to benefit around 28.7 lakh students. The proposal was approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday night. The scheme, titled "Supply of Free Textbooks", aims to ensure equitable access to quality education, ease the financial burden on economically weaker families, improve enrolment in government schools and reduce dropout rates. It is…