Odisha Launches ‘Jaadu Pedi’ Learning Kits for Early Grade Students

Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards strengthening foundational education, the Odisha Government will begin distributing ‘Jaadu Pedi’ (magic box) kits to students in Sishu Vatika and Classes I and II across the state starting this academic year.

The initiative, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to make early learning more interactive and play-based. Each kit is designed to help children understand the use of everyday objects through practical and engaging activities.

Priced at approximately ₹20,000 per kit, the state government plans to introduce the programme in 45,000 schools, with an overall budget allocation of ₹90,000 crore.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was briefed about the project during a review meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan, where School and Mass Education Secretary Shalini Pandit highlighted the initiative’s goal of improving language, mathematics, and emotional well-being among children aged 3 to 8 years.

The programme builds on the concept of “Learning through Play”, first introduced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in February 2023 as a foundational-stage education tool.

The rollout of the ‘Jaadu Pedi’ kits marks a significant step in Odisha’s efforts to enhance cognitive and foundational learning under the NEP framework.