Odisha Launches Mother-Tongue Education and Child Protection Drive

The Odisha government on Tuesday launched a five-year education scheme, ‘Aame Padhiba Aama Bhasare’, along with a 100-day campaign to prevent child marriage and a pilot project to prevent teenage pregnancy and support teenage mothers. The initiatives underline the state’s focus on women empowerment and child welfare as core pillars of inclusive development.

Focus on Early Childhood Education in Mother Tongue

Launching the programmes, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said women empowerment is key to a developed Odisha and ensuring a safe, equal and respectful environment for women and children remains the government’s priority. Under the five-year scheme, early childhood education will be imparted to children aged 3–6 years in their mother tongue, in alignment with the National Education Policy, 2020.

Tribal Languages and District Coverage

In the first phase, the scheme will be implemented in six tribal languages — Munda, Kui, Saura, Kuvi, Gondi and Koya — across Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts. Anganwadi workers will receive language-specific training, teaching-learning materials and audio-visual content to support effective classroom engagement. The government also plans to make anganwadi centres more attractive and child-friendly.

Campaign Against Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy

Alongside the education initiative, the state has launched a 100-day campaign to prevent child marriage and a pilot project addressing teenage pregnancy. The approach focuses on strengthening girl child education, awareness and safety through community participation, youth leadership and the involvement of ASHA workers, anganwadi workers and institutional platforms.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• ‘Aame Padhiba Aama Bhasare’ promotes early education in the mother tongue.
• The scheme aligns with the National Education Policy, 2020.
• Initial implementation covers six tribal languages in Odisha.
• Child marriage prevention involves community and youth participation.

Awareness Drives and Community Engagement

Deputy Chief Minister Parida emphasised that the success of the child marriage prevention drive depends on widespread awareness. Planned activities include cycle rallies, youth conferences, human chains and school- and college-based early warning systems. The government aims to popularise the education scheme on lines similar to the Subhadra Yojana, ensuring broad public participation and long-term social impact.