Odisha Launches ‘Aame Padhiba Aama Bhasare’ and 100-Day Drive Against Child Marriage

Odisha Launches Mother-Tongue Education Scheme and Campaigns Against Child Marriage

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

Early Childhood Education in the Mother Tongue

Launching the programmes, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida stated that women empowerment is central to building a developed Odisha and that ensuring a safe, equal, and respectful environment for women and children remains a key priority.

Under the five-year scheme, early childhood education for children aged 3–6 years will be imparted in their mother tongue , in line with the pedagogical vision of the National Education Policy, which emphasises learning in the home language during foundational years.

Tribal Languages and District-Level Implementation

In the first phase, the scheme will be implemented in six tribal languages—Munda, Kui, Saura, Kuvi, Gondi, and Koya —across the districts of Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri .

To support effective delivery, anganwadi workers will receive language-specific training, dedicated teaching–learning materials, and audio-visual resources. The government also plans to make anganwadi centres more child-friendly and engaging , strengthening the foundation of early learning in tribal regions.

100-Day Campaign Against Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy

Alongside the education initiative, the state launched a 100-day campaign to curb child marriage , as well as a pilot project focused on preventing teenage pregnancy and supporting adolescent mothers.

The approach prioritises girl child education, awareness, and safety , with strong community involvement. Grassroots functionaries such as ASHA workers, anganwadi workers , youth leaders, and institutional platforms will play a central role in outreach and early intervention.

Awareness Drives and Community Participation

Deputy Chief Minister Parida highlighted that the success of the child marriage prevention drive depends on mass awareness and community ownership . Planned activities include cycle rallies, youth conferences, human chains , and school- and college-based early warning systems .

The state government aims to popularise the education initiative on lines similar to flagship social programmes, ensuring wide public participation and sustained behavioural change for long-term social impact.

Exam-Focused Points

• ‘Aame Padhiba Aama Bhasare’ promotes early childhood education in the mother tongue .

• Scheme targets children aged 3–6 years .

• First phase covers six tribal languages in Odisha.

• Implemented across six tribal-dominated districts .

• 100-day campaign launched to prevent child marriage.

• Community