The Odisha government has approved a five-year scheme to provide free textbooks to students in Classes 9 and 10 studying in government and government-aided schools, extending support to an estimated 28.7 lakh students. The state Cabinet cleared the proposal on Tuesday, with an estimated expenditure of ₹284.07 crore for the period from 2025-26 to 2029-30.
The decision extends the existing textbook assistance programme to secondary-school students who are not already covered by the provisions for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students. Until now, free textbooks have been provided to students in Classes 1 to 8, while eligible SC and ST students in Classes 9 and 10 also receive the benefit.
The expansion is intended to reduce the cost of schooling for families and improve access to learning materials at a stage when students prepare for higher secondary education. Textbook expenses can add to the financial burden on households, particularly those with more than one school-going child.
Under the scheme, the School and Mass Education Department will oversee the procurement, printing, transportation and distribution of textbooks. The government has said that beneficiary information will be collected and verified, and that books should reach schools before the start of each academic session.
The move is also aimed at improving enrolment in government schools and reducing the number of students who leave education before completing secondary school. Access to textbooks is one part of that effort, alongside teaching quality, school facilities, attendance and support for students who face financial or social barriers.
The five-year period provides a framework for continuing the benefit across successive academic sessions. Effective implementation will depend on accurate beneficiary records and timely delivery, so students receive the books they need when classes begin.
For families, the immediate benefit is a reduction in the cost of essential learning materials. For the education system, the next test will be whether the scheme reaches eligible students consistently and supports their transition from elementary to secondary education.
