GLOBIVOX

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to take steps towards establishing more Odia-medium schools in the state, citing the growing number of Odia families living and working there. In his appeal, Pradhan stressed that access to education in one’s mother tongue plays a vital role in a child’s academic development and helps preserve linguistic and cultural identity.

According to sources, the Union Minister highlighted that thousands of people from Odisha have migrated to Gujarat for employment and business opportunities over the years, creating a steady demand for schools that follow the Odia medium of instruction. While a few such institutions already exist, Pradhan noted that the current number is insufficient to meet the educational needs of the expanding community.

He also underlined the importance of cooperation between state governments in ensuring inclusive education for migrant populations. Encouraging Gujarat authorities to explore feasible locations and administrative support, Pradhan said the move would strengthen inter-state ties and demonstrate commitment to linguistic diversity within the country.

The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the Gujarat government, with officials likely to assess demographic data, student enrolment potential, and logistical requirements before moving forward. Community groups representing Odia residents in Gujarat have welcomed the suggestion, expressing hope that additional schools would ease the burden on parents seeking culturally familiar education for their children.

If implemented, the initiative could provide long-term educational stability for Odia-speaking students while reinforcing the broader goal of accommodating India’s multilingual and mobile population.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has appealed to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to facilitate the establishment of more Odia-medium schools across the state, pointing to the educational requirements of the steadily increasing Odia population residing there. In his communication, Pradhan emphasised that learning in one’s mother tongue at the foundational level enhances comprehension, confidence, and cultural continuity.

Over the past decade, Gujarat has attracted large numbers of migrant workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from Odisha, especially in industrial hubs such as Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Rajkot. With families settling for longer periods, demand for schooling in Odia has grown, prompting calls from community organisations and parent groups for greater institutional support. Although a limited number of Odia-medium institutions currently operate in the state, Pradhan reportedly noted that they fall short of serving the expanding student base.

The Union Minister also highlighted that providing regional-language education outside one’s home state reflects India’s cooperative federal structure and commitment to diversity. He encouraged Gujarat authorities to work in coordination with Odisha officials, education boards, and local administrations to examine practical options, including setting up new government schools, granting recognition to private institutions, or introducing Odia sections within existing schools where feasible.

Sources indicated that the Gujarat government is expected to study population patterns, school capacity, and infrastructure availability before taking a decision. Officials may also consult community representatives to identify areas with the highest concentration of Odia-speaking residents. Education experts believe such initiatives can help migrant children adapt better academically while maintaining a strong link to their linguistic roots.

Leaders from Odia associations in Gujarat have welcomed the appeal, saying that parents often struggle to find suitable schools that teach in their native language, especially at the primary level. They expressed hope that additional institutions would not only support students academically but also encourage cultural exchange and social integration.

If the proposal moves forward, it could pave the way for a structured framework to accommodate regional-language education for migrant communities in other states as well. Observers say the development may serve as a model for addressing similar demands from linguistic groups across India, reinforcing the principle that mobility for work should not come at the cost of access to familiar and effective schooling.