Bhubaneswar: In a major revamp of its education sector initiatives, the Odisha government officially renamed the ‘Mo School Abhiyan’ as ‘Panchasakha Sikhya Setu’ on Saturday, with a proposed budgetary outlay of Rs 332 crore. The School and Mass Education Department of Odisha made the announcement, with instructions to the State Project Director, OSEPA-cum-Member Secretary, to oversee the implementation of the changes.
As outlined in the recent state budget, the revamped scheme is set to transform the state’s education sector by fostering greater collaboration between alumni, stakeholders, and government schools. The move underscores the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and opportunities, ensuring a more inclusive and participatory approach to school development.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in his maiden budget speech, highlighted the significance of the renaming. He emphasized that Panchasakha Sikhya Setu would not only build on the success of Mo School Abhiyan but also introduce new measures to enhance student welfare and foster collaborative efforts between communities and schools. The detailed framework for the revamped initiative is expected to be released soon.
Launched in 2017, Mo School Abhiyan was a flagship programme of the BJD-led government aimed at improving the quality of government schools across the state. It encouraged alumni engagement and public participation in the development of school infrastructure, teaching resources, and student programs.