Odisha’s education woes took center stage as Congress legislator Sophia Firdous grilled the government in the state assembly. Her pointed questions uncovered a staggering reality: 1,898 schools operating multiple grades from one cramped room, a practice she branded as a gross violation of children’s educational rights.
In detailed revelations, Firdous highlighted how classes 1, 2, and 5 are often bundled together, creating pandemonium akin to a bustling marketplace. ‘Neither teachers nor kids can thrive in this mess,’ she noted, underscoring that primary education is the bedrock of a nation’s progress. Without solid basics, how can Odisha’s youth achieve independence?
She pressed for urgent budgetary allocations to construct additional rooms, slamming two decades of governmental apathy. On welfare, aligning with Supreme Court views, Firdous pushed for smarter schemes: instead of dribbling out ₹5,000 in bits via Subhadra Yojana, provide ₹50,000 upfront with training to build self-sufficient women.
Addressing AI’s rise, Firdous reminisced about Rajiv Gandhi’s pivotal role in India’s tech boom. Yet, she cautioned that AI demands careful stewardship—strong regulations, ethical guidelines, and real-world application beyond mere summits to ensure benefits outweigh harms.