Bhubaneswar, Jul 22: In a significant move to restore access to education in Odisha, the BJP-led government has begun reopening schools that were shuttered under the previous BJD administration.

The School and Mass Education Department has successfully reopened 46 schools that were closed due to mergers prompted by low student attendance. Building on this initiative, the department has now approved the reopening of four additional schools, with 22 in Dhenkanal, 10 in Deogarh, 7 in Bargarh, and 3 in Khordha.

The decision to merge approximately 7,751 schools during the BJD government’s tenure had sparked widespread criticism. Opposition parties, including the BJP, argued that merging schools, particularly in remote and underserved areas, would lead to higher dropout rates and deprive students of access to education.

Critics highlighted that children in rural and tribal regions faced significant challenges traveling to distant schools, resulting in educational disparities. Despite these concerns, the previous administration did not take adequate measures to address the issue.

The current BJP government, prioritizing educational access, has taken decisive steps to reverse these closures. By reopening schools, the government aims to reduce dropout rates and ensure that students, especially in remote areas, have access to quality education closer to home. The move has been welcomed by local communities, who see it as a step toward addressing long-standing grievances about the inaccessibility of schools.

The School and Mass Education Department has emphasized that the reopening process is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the state’s education system. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring no child is left behind, particularly in marginalized regions.

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