Bhubaneswar: School infrastructure across Odisha is set for a boost, with projects worth ₹7.73 crore approved under the Panchasakha Shiksha Setu initiative to improve facilities and create a better learning environment for students in 29 districts.
The decisions were taken at the sixth Executive Council meeting of Panchasakha Shiksha Setu, which focused on strengthening school infrastructure through alumni contributions and greater community participation.
The approved projects will be supported by contributions from alumni, parents, School Management Committee members, local residents and various organisations, supplemented by matching grants under the initiative.
According to the meeting details, contributions totalling ₹2,57,90,810 were received for school development. With additional financial support under Panchasakha Shiksha Setu, projects worth ₹7,73,72,430 were approved.
The funds will be utilised for a range of infrastructure improvements, including classroom repairs, better drinking water facilities, construction of boundary walls and school gates, campus beautification, installation of bicycle stands and maintenance of other essential facilities.
The interventions are aimed at making school campuses safer, more attractive and conducive to learning, while addressing infrastructure requirements at educational institutions across the state.
Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Jajpur and Cuttack districts recorded the highest financial contributions, reflecting growing participation by alumni and community organisations in school development.
The meeting was chaired by Dr N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department and Chairman of the Executive Council.
Naik stressed the need to strengthen the relationship between schools and their former students and encourage greater alumni participation in the overall development of educational institutions.
Panchasakha Shiksha Setu has emerged as a platform for mobilising financial and community support to improve school infrastructure and enhance the quality of education.
To expand alumni engagement and encourage wider participation, the meeting discussed two new initiatives—Alumni Podcast and District Spotlight.
Under the Alumni Podcast initiative, successful alumni from different professional fields will be invited to share their educational journeys, challenges, experiences and achievements. The initiative aims to inspire former students to contribute to their schools while providing current students with guidance and motivation for their future careers.
The District Spotlight initiative will highlight school development projects undertaken under Panchasakha Shiksha Setu across various districts. Success stories and improvements resulting from alumni contributions will be shared through social media platforms to raise awareness and encourage more people to participate.
The Executive Council also reviewed the progress of existing programmes and discussed future plans to strengthen community involvement in school development.
Sangeeta Behera, Member Secretary of Panchasakha Shiksha Setu and in-charge State Project Director of the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA), along with other Executive Council members, attended the meeting.
The initiative seeks to build stronger partnerships between educational institutions, alumni and local communities, translating collective contributions into tangible improvements in school infrastructure and the learning environment across Odisha.
