Odisha Education / 71 Government High Schools in Odisha to Offer Plus Two Education

Bhubaneswar, Jul 27: In a major boost to Odisha’s school education system, the Centre has approved ₹140.74 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for upgrading 71 government high schools to include Plus Two education.

The Project Approval Board (PAB) has given its final nod based on recommendations from district collectors and district-level Samagra Shiksha chairpersons.

According to the approval, 60 schools will introduce Arts streams, while 11 schools will open Science streams. Each Arts stream school will receive ₹1.86 crore, while Science stream schools will be allocated ₹2.62 crore.

Also read: Major Achievements of Modi Govt in Education Sector

The funds will be utilized to build new classrooms, laboratories, teaching infrastructure, and other essential facilities.

The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) has formally communicated the Centre’s approval to the Principal Secretary of the School & Mass Education Department.

OSEPA has urged the department to issue necessary government orders at the earliest to operationalize the new higher secondary schools. The communication also included the minutes of the PAB meeting, district-wise school lists, and financial details.

District-wise, Ganjam tops the list with 12 schools set for upgradation. Malkangiri will have six schools, while Nabarangpur, Balasore, and Balangir will each see five schools upgraded.

Other districts benefiting from the scheme include Anugola, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Khordha, Kalahandi, Nayagarh, Nuapada, Rayagada, Sonepur, and Sundargarh, among others — covering 20 districts in total.

This initiative is expected to significantly expand access to higher secondary education in Odisha, particularly in underserved regions, and strengthen the state’s educational infrastructure for future generations.