Seven Odisha Education Officials Receive National Awards for Innovative School Administration

Bhubaneswar: Seven education officials from Odisha have earned national recognition for innovative initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes, strengthening school safety and ensuring greater student retention.

The officials were conferred the National Awards for Innovations and Good Practices in Educational Administration by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, at a national conference and award ceremony held in the national capital.

The awards recognise education administrators who have introduced innovative, need-based interventions to improve the delivery and quality of school education.

Among the awardees, Sasmita Sahoo, Joint Director, Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA), was recognised for the FLN Summer Course, which uses structured and engaging activities during the summer break to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy among children.

Dr Radhakanta Gartia, District Education Officer-cum-District Project Coordinator, Jharsuguda, received the award for Udiyaan Tara – An Initiative to Improve Learning Outcomes among School Students in Jharsuguda District. The initiative focuses on targeted academic interventions and systematic educational monitoring to improve student performance.

Dr Mayadhar Sahoo, DEO, Gajapati, was honoured for Prayas @ Super 30 Gajapati, which provides focused academic support to meritorious students and helps them prepare for competitive examinations and pursue higher education.

In the area of school safety, Sabita Sahoo, ADEO, Jajpur, received the award for School Safety Corridor: A Way of Life and a State of Mind. The initiative promotes awareness, preparedness and a culture of safety among students and school communities.

Srikanta Behera, ADEO, Keonjhar, was recognised for the Reading Tournament and DEAR Programme, aimed at encouraging regular reading and developing a stronger reading culture among schoolchildren.

Addressing the challenge of school dropouts, Sebashree Bhoi, ADEO, Balangir, received the award for Mission Zero Dropout at Dhankauda Block in Sambalpur District. The initiative focuses on identifying children vulnerable to dropping out and ensuring their continued participation in education.

Trilochan Sahoo, Planning Coordinator, Samagra Shiksha, Jajpur, was honoured for Implementation of Disaster Management Guidelines on School Safety Policy through Creation of School Safety Wall. The initiative uses visual communication and community participation to strengthen awareness and preparedness for disasters in schools.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary, School & Mass Education Department, Dr N. Thirumala Naik, congratulated the seven awardees and said their national recognition was a matter of pride for Odisha.

He said the initiatives demonstrate how innovative and locally relevant interventions by education administrators can bring meaningful improvements to school education. He also appreciated their contribution towards strengthening educational administration, promoting innovation and improving learning outcomes across the state.