Major Boost to Rural Education; Government Approves School Upgradation Across 22 Districts

Infrastructure, Teachers, and Learning Facilities to Be Strengthened Under New Initiative

Bhubaneswar, Odisha : In a major step towards strengthening the education sector, the Odisha Government has approved the upgradation of 67 Primary Schools into Upper Primary Schools across the state. The initiative aims to improve access to quality education, especially for students living in rural and remote areas.

The School and Mass Education Department has directed the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) to immediately begin the upgradation process by ensuring the required infrastructure, classrooms, teaching staff, and other facilities as per government norms.

According to the official communication, Dhenkanal district will receive the highest number of upgraded schools with 12, followed by seven each in Bargarh and Jajpur, six in Nuapada, five in Kalahandi, and four in Mayurbhanj. Several other districts, including Balangir, Puri, Nayagarh, Baleswar, Jagatsinghpur, Deogarh, Koraput, Malkangiri, Cuttack, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Kendrapada, Rayagada, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh, will also benefit from the initiative.

In a letter addressed to the OSEPA State Project Director, School and Mass Education Department Additional Secretary Bijaylaxmi Patsani directed officials to complete the upgradation process by providing the necessary infrastructure, appointing adequate teaching staff, and fulfilling all regulatory requirements.

The state government said the move is aimed at improving the quality of education and ensuring that children can continue their upper primary education closer to their homes. This is expected to reduce long travel distances for students and lessen the burden on families, particularly in remote regions.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen learning outcomes by expanding educational opportunities and creating a better teaching environment across Odisha.

With this decision, the Odisha Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to quality schooling for children across the state.