CM Naveen Patnaik Unveils 343 Transformed Schools in Five districts

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik marked a significant milestone on Saturday as he inaugurated 343 revamped schools across five districts, namely Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Koraput, Bhadrak, and Sundargarh, on the fifth day of the fourth phase of the 5T High School Transformation Programme.

The dedication ceremony included 73 high schools in Kalahandi, 46 schools in Kandhamal, 82 schools in Koraput, 60 schools in Bhadrak, and 82 schools in Sundargarh.

With this phase, a total of 6,883 schools in the state have undergone transformation in the first three phases, and an additional 1,794 transformed high schools are set to be dedicated in the fourth phase. Post this phase, a grand total of 8,677 schools will have undergone transformation in the state.

Expressing his gratitude, Chief Minister Patnaik acknowledged the support and cooperation of MLAs, Panchayat representatives, school management committees, teachers, students, and parents in making this ambitious program successful.

Addressing the students, the Chief Minister emphasized the ongoing era of transformation in Odisha, asserting that education plays a crucial role in elevating the collective mindset of society. He underlined that the transformation of schools has triggered a new awakening among the people of Odisha. The ongoing initiatives are not limited to schools; they encompass colleges, hospitals, tourism areas, mutts, temples, panchayats, and villages.

Patnaik asserted that this transformation is steering Odisha towards a new and robust future. Among the various transformation programs, he highlighted the significance of the school transformation program, stating that the future of a nation is constructed within its schools.

Touching upon the future prospects for children, the Chief Minister announced that 15 percent of seats in medical and engineering colleges are reserved for government school children. He emphasized the notable improvement in the education standards of children in government schools, with increased enthusiasm among students and parents to enroll in these institutions.

Kartik Pandian, Chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha, expressed the increased importance of government schools due to the 5T transformation. He lauded the Chief Minister’s encouragement for children to dream big, emphasizing that the transformed schools are the collective asset of the state’s people and called for proper maintenance of the facilities provided.

The dedication ceremony featured the sharing of student experiences in various locations regarding the 5T school transformation. MP Achyut Samanta, MLA Dibyashankar Mishra, MLA Raghuram Padal, MLA Praful Samal, and Sundergarh Aama Odisha Nabin Odisha Coordinator Yogesh Kumar Singh attended the program, highlighting that the state’s schools have been transformed into temples of education through this initiative. Aswathy S, Commissioner and Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department, delivered the welcome speech, and the Special Project Director of OSEPA gave the vote of thanks.