Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya (OAV) project at Sasan Ambagaon village in his home constituency Hinjli in Ganjam district. The aim of the project is to provide modern schools on the lines of Kendriya Vidyalayas in the underdeveloped rural pockets of the State.

• The government aims at opening one Adarsh Vidyalaya in each of the 314 revenue blocks of the State.
• Adarsh Vidyalayas are expected to have hostel facility in future and will be affiliated to the CBSE.
• They would have English as the first language and Odia as the second language as medium of teaching.
• These schools will have teacher-pupil ratio of 1:25 and classroom-student ratio of 1:40. Around 50 per cent of total seats would be reserved for the scheduled categories and girls.
• The State government has appointed special teachers and principals and these schools are to be managed by the Odisha Adarsh Vidyalaya Sangathan, formed by the State like the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan.
• The schools will provide free education to students along with free uniforms and other study materials.

Did You Know?

• Odisha was created on 1^st April, 1936 during the British Period. The foundation day of Odisha, also known as Utkala Dibasa, is celebrated every year on the first day of April. The term “Utkala” that appears in our National Anthem denotes this region.
• The Capital city, Bhubaneshwar, is the largest city.
• The Odishi classical dance form is world famous besides fold dances such as Chhau, Chaiti Ghoda, etc.
• orld Famous “Chariot Festival” or “Car Festival” or “Ratha Yatra” is celebrated in a large way.