Odisha Cabinet Approves Free Textbooks for 28.7 Lakh Students in Classes 9 and 10

The Odisha Cabinet has approved a five-year scheme to provide free textbooks to approximately 28.7 lakh students studying in Classes 9 and 10 in government and government-aided secondary schools. The initiative is intended to make school education more accessible and reduce the financial burden on families.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on October 13, 2026. According to reports based on the post-Cabinet briefing by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, the scheme will have an estimated budget of ₹284.07 crore.

Odisha Free Textbooks Scheme: Key Details

The scheme, titled Supply of Free Textbooks, will cover the five financial years from 2025–26 to 2029–30. Approximately 28.7 lakh students are expected to benefit during this period.

The initiative extends textbook support to students in Classes 9 and 10 who are not already covered under the existing provisions for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students. These categories were already eligible for free textbooks under the existing arrangements.

The programme aims to promote equitable access to education, particularly for students whose families face financial difficulties.

How the Scheme Will Benefit Students

The Odisha government's initiative is expected to deliver several benefits to secondary school students and their families.

Lower education costs: Families will save money on purchasing textbooks for Classes 9 and 10.

Improved school enrolment: Free learning materials may encourage more students to enrol in government schools.

Fewer school dropouts: Reducing education-related expenses could help students continue their studies.

Better transition to secondary education: The scheme aims to support students moving from elementary to secondary-level schooling.

More equitable access to learning: Students from economically weaker households will receive additional support in accessing educational resources.

Textbook Printing and Distribution Process

The School and Mass Education Department will oversee the implementation of the scheme. The procurement of paper, printing, transportation and distribution of textbooks will follow a transparent and competitive process in accordance with the Odisha General Financial Rules (OGFR) and applicable government procurement guidelines.

The department will also establish a mechanism to collect, verify and validate beneficiary information through field-level checks. According to the reported Cabinet decision, the authorities are expected to ensure that textbooks reach schools before the start of each academic session.

Timely distribution will be important to ensure that students can use the books from the beginning of the school year.

Broader Focus on School Education

The approval comes as textbook accuracy and quality have attracted attention in Odisha. Recent reports have highlighted errors in some school textbooks, including spelling mistakes and incorrect names of prominent personalities.

The state government has separately taken steps to distribute revised textbooks, according to an update published on the Chief Minister of Odisha's official website on September 23, 2026.

The new free textbook scheme expands financial support for secondary education, while the implementation process will be important in ensuring that eligible students receive accurate textbooks on time.