57 schools in 14 districts to be upgraded in Odisha

BERHAMPUR: Fifty-seven schools across Odisha will be upgraded as higher secondary institutions for 2022-23 academic year under the Centre’s Samagra Siksha programme. The initiative will see launch of arts stream in these schools in 14 districts.
“The Union education ministry’s project approval board has approved 57 schools to be upgraded to higher secondary institutions. A non-recurring cost of Rs 91.5 lakh per school will be spent for the initiative,” said Anupam Saha, project director, Odisha school education programme authority.
Eight schools will be upgraded in Ganjam district, seven in Kalahandi, six each in Bolangir and Sundargarh, five each in Malkangiri and Nabarangpur, four each in Sambalpur, Deogarh and Nuapada, three in Keonjhar, two in Kandhamal and one each in Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh and Mayurbhanj districts.
“District education officers had submitted proposals to the Union education ministry, seeking the schools to be upgraded. The infrastructure is ready. The secondary education department will ensure appointment of teachers to these schools,” Saha added.
“The move will help students in rural areas who are facing uncertainties regarding admission to junior colleges,” Jayant Kumar Mohapatra, former vice-chancellor, Berhampur University.
“We have been seeking Boripadar Nodal High School to be upgraded for past several years as there is no junior college in the 10-km radius of the village. Students face difficulties going to Bhimagiri, the nearest college. We thank the government for upgrading the school,” said Manoranjan Gouda, sarpanch of Kaithakhandi panchayat.
“If required, panchayat funds would be used to develop infrastructure at these schools,” he added.