THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 1, 2026

The Odisha government has provided 48,642 government jobs since June 2024, including 28,693 appointments of teachers, as it continues to fill vacant posts in a phased manner in fulfilment of its pre-election promises, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Sunday.

Addressing the 18th Niyukti Mela (employment fair) at the Krushi Shiksha Sadan Auditorium on the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) campus here, Majhi said empowering the youth through skill development and employment remains a top priority of his government.

At the event, the Chief Minister distributed appointment letters to 2,067 candidates recruited as Sevak and Sevika (school staff) and tribal language teachers in schools under the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development Department.

Of the total appointments made at the 18th employment fair, 1,913 candidates have been recruited as Sevak and Sevika, while 154 have been appointed as tribal language teachers.

"Filling vacant government posts in a phased manner, as promised before coming to power, remains a continuous process. Since the recruitment drive began in June 2024, a total of 48,642 people have received government appointments, including the 2,067 appointed today," the Chief Minister said.

Emphasising the government's focus on strengthening the education sector, Majhi said 28,693 teachers have been appointed in the state so far.

Highlighting the importance of education among marginalised communities, the Chief Minister said nearly 40 per cent of Odisha's population belongs to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and the government has undertaken special initiatives to improve their educational standards and opportunities.

In line with the National Education Policy (NEP), the state government is giving priority to mother-tongue-based education at the primary level. Schools in Odisha are currently imparting education in 10 tribal languages, including Santali, he said.

The government is also implementing various initiatives to prevent school dropouts and improve access to education among tribal students. Under the 'Shaheed Madho Singh Hata Kharcha Yojana', thousands of students are being provided financial incentives to encourage them to continue their studies.

The number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools in the state has been increased to 69, while an overseas scholarship scheme has also been introduced to provide higher education opportunities abroad to 50 meritorious students every year, Majhi said.

Advising the newly appointed teachers, the Chief Minister urged them to create an environment of safety, trust and self-confidence among students and guide them as ideal friends rather than adopting an unnecessarily harsh approach.

"Teachers should inspire a sense of security and confidence in children's minds. Instead of being harsh, they should become ideal friends and guide students in the right direction," he said.

He asked the newly recruited personnel to deal with professional challenges with patience, dedication and a positive attitude, while upholding the principle that "work is worship".

Majhi also stressed the importance of discipline, punctuality and accountability in the discharge of their duties. He warned that irregularities in the implementation of welfare programmes, particularly the mid-day meal scheme, would not be tolerated and asked teachers to remain vigilant to ensure their proper execution.

The Chief Minister cautioned teachers against misconduct that could undermine the dignity of the teaching profession, specifically mentioning alcohol consumption and inhuman forms of punishment inflicted on students.

Maintaining exemplary personal conduct, he said, was particularly important for teachers, as their behaviour and actions have a lasting influence on the younger generation.

Majhi also appealed to Sevak and Sevika personnel posted in flood-affected areas of southern Odisha to extend all possible assistance to people stranded or affected by the floods.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development Nityananda Gond said the long-awaited question among the candidates about when the employment fair would be held had finally been answered.

He described teaching as not merely a profession but a noble service, adding that teachers were nation-builders and the country had every reason to be proud of them.

The dream of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and 'Samruddha Odisha' (Prosperous Odisha) could be realised only when schools became institutions that nurtured good human beings and responsible citizens, Gond said.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari congratulated the newly appointed personnel and wished them success in their professional careers.

He said the responsibility of shaping the future of the coming generation now rested on their shoulders.

Referring to the lives of great personalities such as Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji, Pujari said no one could achieve success without the guidance of a good teacher.

He urged the newly appointed teachers, Sevaks and Sevikas to remain highly conscious, responsible and careful while discharging their duties.

During the programme, Sulagna Das from Khordha and Bijay Kumar Nayak from Keonjhar shared their experiences and expressed their views before the Chief Minister following their selection for government service.

Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh and Development Commissioner D K Singh were among those present at the event.

Senior departmental officials, newly appointed Sevaks and Sevikas and media representatives also attended the programme.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department B Parameswaran delivered the welcome address, while Special Secretary Sujata Mishra proposed the vote of thanks.