Odisha Cabinet Clears Maa Tarini Temple Complex Development & Model Schools Plans

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi approved four proposals from three departments in its 27th meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday.

The Works Department’s proposal for comprehensive development of Maa Tarini Temple at Ghatagaon in Keonjhar district got the go ahead with the cabinet approving the lowest tender worth Rs 146 crore (excluding GST) in favour of Dilip Constructions Pvt Ltd.

The development plan includes a three-storied guesthouse for pilgrims with a capacity of 215 beds, market complex, pilgrim facilitation centre, interpretation centre, food plaza and watchtower, a 500-seat multipurpose hall, new toilets and cloak room.

Two ticket counters, a rest house for drivers, new queue viewing system, two welcome gates and hands and feet washing points will also be developed.

The overall project spread over 59.206 acre, which aims to boost religious tourism and preserve Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, will be taken up at an estimated cost at Rs 226 crore and is expected to be completed within 24 months.

Similarly, the Cabinet also cleared the proposal to set up model schools in every gram panchayat under the Godabarisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (GAV) scheme.

In its first phase (2025-26 to 2027-28), 2,200 model schools will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 12,000 crore. While the estimated cost per school is approximately Rs 5 crore, the actual expenditure will be determined based on a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

According to an official note, the initiative is expected to bridge educational gaps in rural areas and empower communities through accessible and equitable education, aligned with the goals of the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. It will focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) skill development, in line with the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN) Odisha and the National Education Policy 2020.

“The Godabarisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (GAV) scheme is envisioned as a transformative step towards creating an inclusive and quality education ecosystem in Odisha. It reinforces the state’s commitment to equal educational opportunities and the fundamental empowerment of every child,” it added.

These apart, two proposals from the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Scheme Department were discussed and approved.