The Odisha Government has approved the upgradation of the 67 Primary Schools into Upper Primary Schools across the state with the aim of improving access to quality education for the students living in the rural and remote areas.
The School and Mass Education Department has instructed the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) to begin the upgradation process by ensuring the required infrastructure, classrooms, teaching staff, and other facilities in accordance with the government norms.
Dhenkanal Gets Highest Number of Upgraded Schools
According to the official notice, Dhenkanal will receive the highest number of upgraded schools, with 12 institutions being converted into upper primary schools, followed by Bargarh and Jajpur, with 7 schools each. While Nuapada will get 6 schools upgraded and five schools in Kalahandi, followed by Mayurbhanj with the upgradation of four schools.
This initiative will further cover schools situated in various other regions of the state, which include Balangir, Puri, Nayagarh, Baleswar, Jagatsinghpur, Deogarh, Koraput, Malkangiri, Cuttack, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Kendrapada, Rayagada, Sambalpur and Sundargarh.
The Additional Secretary, Bijaylaxmi Patsani, through a letter addressed to the State Project Director of OSEPA, has instructed the officials to complete the upgradation process and ensure that the upgraded schools meet the prescribed standards before they become operational for the students.
According to the state government, the initiative aims to improve access to upper primary education by allowing students to continue their studies closer to their homes.
Through this, the travel distances for the children will be reduced, especially for those living in rural and remote areas, which will further reduce the burden on their families. The initiative is also expected to expand the educational opportunities and create a better teaching environment.
With this initiative, the Odisha Government shows its efforts to enhance the educational infrastructure, strengthen learning outcomes, and improve access to quality education across the state.