New Delhi, Nov 11: The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) on Tuesday to reintegrate out-of-school children into the mainstream education system.

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 According to the official sources, the MoU aims to provide a second chance for thousands of children who had previously dropped out, enabling them to pursue secondary and senior secondary education through flexible learning modes.

The collaboration is designed to address the pressing issue of high dropout rates in several districts of Odisha.

Selected schools across the state will be accredited under the NIOS system to facilitate admissions, ensuring that deprived learners gain access to structured academic opportunities.

This initiative is expected to empower children from marginalized backgrounds, giving them the confidence and motivation to continue their education.

Akhilesh Mishra, Chairman of NIOS, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership. “This initiative will not only create avenues for academic learning but also foster confidence, motivation, and continuity among learners who were once deprived of formal education,” he said. The programme is envisioned as a bridge to help children rejoin classrooms and build brighter futures.

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The MoU was signed by Col Shakeel Ahmad, Secretary of NIOS, and Ananya Das, IAS, representing the Government of Odisha. Both institutions expressed optimism that the partnership would significantly reduce dropout rates and strengthen the state’s commitment to universal education.

By offering flexible learning pathways, the NIOS-OSEPA collaboration underscores the importance of inclusivity in education. It reflects a shared vision of ensuring that no child is left behind, reaffirming Odisha’s dedication to creating opportunities for every learner.