Bhubaneswar, November 14, 2026: Odisha has inaugurated robotics laboratories in 807 government schools as part of a state initiative to give students greater exposure to practical science and emerging technologies. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the facilities on November 12 during the opening of the three-day Surabhi-2026 children’s festival in Bhubaneswar.
The Chief Minister’s Office said the labs are intended to connect children, including those in rural areas, with science, robotics, coding, artificial intelligence and 3D printing. The state also launched the NIPUN App to strengthen foundational learning in primary education.
What students will learn in the robotics labs
The New Indian Express reported that students in Classes 6 to 10 are expected to receive hands-on exposure to robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, machine learning and 3D printing. It reported that each lab is equipped with four robots, robotics kits, computers and 3D-printing facilities.
The project cost was reported by PTI and several news outlets at ₹164.33 crore. The Chief Minister’s Office announcement confirms the launch in 807 schools but does not state the project cost in its published summary.
NIPUN App and foundational learning
Alongside the robotics facilities, Majhi launched the NIPUN App, a digital learning initiative aimed at strengthening the foundations of primary education. The official state announcement described the app as a measure to support foundational learning. Further details on its rollout, supported classes and usage instructions should be taken from the state education department’s subsequent guidance.
Education awards and scholarships announced
The state announcement said 375 teachers, students and educational institutions received the Chief Minister’s Education Awards. It also said 7,350 meritorious students were awarded the Chief Minister’s Odia Language Scholarship. These announcements were made during the Surabhi-2026 festival, which began on November 12.
What remains to be assessed
The inauguration confirms that the labs have been launched, but it does not by itself establish how frequently each facility will be used or what learning outcomes students will achieve. Those results will depend on teacher training, equipment maintenance, access to practical sessions and the quality of classroom integration. The state has not yet published outcome data for the newly inaugurated labs.
Sources
- Chief Minister’s Office, Odisha – official announcement, November 12, 2026
- The New Indian Express – details of lab equipment and student training, November 13, 2026
- ETGovernment / PTI – project cost and programme details, November 12, 2026
- India Today – independent coverage of the launch, November 13, 2026
Image note: The featured image is a licensed photograph of an earlier Atal Tinkering Lab robotics workshop. It is illustrative and does not depict one of the 807 newly inaugurated Odisha labs.
