Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: Empowering youth through skill development and employment remains a top priority of the state government, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Sunday while attending the 18th recruitment fair at the Krushi Shiksha Sadan Auditorium on the OUAT campus in Bhubaneswar.

At the event, the Chief Minister distributed appointment letters to 2,067 newly recruited candidates, including 1,913 Sevak and Sevika staff and 154 tribal language teachers appointed to schools under the ST and SC Development Department.

Majhi said the state government was fulfilling its promise to fill vacant government posts in a phased manner. Since the recruitment process began in June 2024, a total of 48,642 candidates have been appointed through 18 recruitment fairs, including the latest batch.

He further said that 28,693 teachers had been appointed so far, reflecting the government's focus on strengthening the education sector.

Highlighting the importance of education among Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, the Chief Minister said nearly 40 per cent of Odisha's population belongs to these communities. The government has taken several special initiatives to improve their educational standards.

Under the National Education Policy, the state is promoting mother-tongue-based education at the primary level. At present, school education is being imparted in 10 tribal languages, including Santali.

He also highlighted initiatives such as the Shaheed Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme, which provides financial incentives to students to prevent dropouts. The number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Odisha has increased to 69, while a foreign scholarship scheme has been introduced to support 50 meritorious students every year.

Addressing the newly appointed teachers, Majhi urged them to create a sense of safety and confidence among students and act as their friends and guides rather than being overly strict.

He advised them to face workplace challenges with patience, dedication and a positive attitude, while maintaining discipline and punctuality. He also warned against irregularities in welfare programmes such as the mid-day meal scheme.

The Chief Minister asked teachers to stay away from behaviour that could undermine the dignity of the profession, including alcohol consumption and inhuman punishment of students. He stressed that teachers must maintain high standards of personal conduct and serve as role models.

Majhi also appealed to newly appointed Sevak and Sevika staff posted in flood-affected areas of southern Odisha to extend help to people still surrounded by floodwaters.

Ministers emphasise role of teachers

ST and SC Development Minister Nityananda Gond said the recruitment fair had brought an end to the long wait of candidates for their appointment letters. He described teaching as a noble service rather than merely a profession and called teachers the builders of the nation.

He said schools must become institutions that shape responsible citizens to realise the vision of a developed India and a prosperous Odisha.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari congratulated the newly appointed candidates and said the responsibility of shaping the future of the next generation now rested on their shoulders. Referring to the lives of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji, he highlighted the importance of a good teacher and mentor in shaping successful individuals.

He urged the newly appointed teachers and Sevak-Sevika staff to perform their duties with care, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.

Two newly appointed candidates, Sulagna Das from Khordha and Bijay Kumar Nayak from Keonjhar, also shared their experiences at the event.

Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, senior departmental officials and other dignitaries attended the programme.

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