Bhubaneswar, July 10: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus of new Kendriya Vidyalaya at Palalahada in Anugola district district through video conferencing. The Union Minister also inaugurated the temporary building of the central institute.

Gracing the event virtually, Pradhan said, “The progress of any region depends on its education system. This Kendriya Vidyalaya, Palalahada, to be established under the guidance of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be very helpful in providing quality and modern education to the students of Pahalahada and the surrounding areas,” said Pradhan.

Notably, Pradhan entered electoral politics in 2000 when he was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Pahalahada constituency.

“I made my electoral debut from Pahalahad. Education is the primary capital of Pahalahad. In the 21st century, we have to provide employment-oriented, skill-based, and business-oriented education to the children of this region as per the recommendations of the National Education Policy. Education becomes truly meaningful only when it is easily accessible to the child from the poorest section standing at the very last row of society. To achieve this, we all will have to make a collective effort,” said Pradhan.

Pradhan also focused on promotion of fish farming in Pahalahad region.

“The Pahalahad region of Angul district is filled with immense potential. Along with conventional agriculture, local fish farming also needs to be promoted on a large scale. With the cooperation of the Central and State Governments, focus should be given on increasing fish production and export. We should transform the unique identity of the local Malyagiri Hills into a strong brand and promote the region's distinctive products,” said Pradhan.