Panchasakha Sikshya Setu Approves 862 School Projects Worth ₹12.62 Crore Across 22 Odisha Districts

The third Executive Council meeting of the Panchasakha Sikshya Setu has officially approved a massive developmental roadmap for educational infrastructure in Odisha. A total of 862 school development projects have been sanctioned, spanning across 22 districts of the state. The cumulative cost of these projects is estimated at Rs. 12,62,48,373 (approximately ₹12.62 crore). Among the participating regions, Ganjam district emerged as the primary beneficiary, securing the highest allocation with projects valued at Rs. 1.91 crore.

Collaborative Funding and Community Leadership
The meeting was chaired by Dr. N. Tirumala Naik, the Council’s Chairperson and Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education (S&ME) Department. During the session, Dr. Naik emphasized the transformative power of community involvement, highlighting how the leadership of alumni and local stakeholders is pivotal in revitalizing school facilities. A key highlight of the initiative is its unique funding model: alumni, parents, School Management Committee (SMC) members, and local communities contributed a substantial Rs. 4,41,65,582. To honor and amplify this effort, the Panchasakha Sikshya Setu provided a matching grant that doubled the community’s contribution, bringing the final approved budget to the ₹12.62 crore mark.

Key officials in attendance included Smt. Ananya Das, Member Secretary of Panchasakha Sikshya Setu and State Project Director of the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA). This approval is being hailed as a major milestone in the state’s mission to upgrade school infrastructure. By leveraging collaborative funding and community-driven initiatives, the Panchasakha Sikshya Setu aims to create a sustainable and inclusive environment for students across Odisha, ensuring that the responsibility for educational excellence is shared between the government and the public.