Source: The Hindu | P.4 | Tags: 13 June 2026, Education, GS2, Human Resource Development, Women Issues
Context: Free Education from KG to PG
Odisha Government announced free education from Kindergarten to Postgraduate level in all government educational institutions to improve access, affordability and educational inclusion.
Key Idea
Education from KG to PG in government institutions will be made completely free.
Significance
- Improves educational access.
- Reduces financial burden on poor families.
- Promotes inclusion of girls and economically weaker sections.
- Supports human capital formation.
- Strengthens productivity and demographic dividend.
- Can improve labour-force participation, especially among women.
Constitutional and Policy Linkages
Article 21A
- Right to Education for children aged 6–14 years.
Article 45
- Early Childhood Care and Education.
National Education Policy, 2020
- Advocates universal access from pre-school to higher education.
Sustainable Development Goal 4
- Inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
Mains Value Addition
This can be cited as an example of:
- Welfare-state approach to education.
- Inclusive development.
- Social justice.
- Human resource development.
- State-led investment in human capital.
