Bhubaneswar, July 27: In a major boost to school education in Odisha, the Government of India has approved the upgradation of 71 government secondary schools into Higher Secondary Schools (Classes XI and XII) under the Samagra Shiksha programme for the 2026-27 academic session. The move is expected to significantly improve access to higher secondary education, particularly for students in rural and underserved regions of the state.

The Project Approval Board (PAB) of the Union Ministry of Education has also sanctioned around Rs 140.74 crore as non-recurring financial assistance for the development of essential infrastructure in these institutions. The approved funds will be utilised to construct classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, and other facilities required for the smooth functioning of higher secondary education.

According to an official communication issued by the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA), the proposal was approved based on recommendations submitted by the respective district Collectors. Of the 71 schools selected for upgradation, 60 will offer the Arts stream, while 11 schools will introduce Science education at the higher secondary level.

The State Project Director has urged the School and Mass Education Department to issue formal government notifications at the earliest so that the upgraded schools can begin admitting students from the upcoming academic year without delay.

Among the districts, Ganjam has received the highest number of approvals with 12 schools, followed by Malkangiri with six schools. Balasore, Balangir and Nabarangpur have been allotted five schools each. Other districts, including Angul, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Khordha, Kalahandi and Sundargarh, have also been covered under the expansion plan.

The initiative is expected to reduce dropout rates after Class X by enabling students to continue their higher secondary education closer to home. It will also ease the burden of long-distance travel for students, particularly those from remote and economically weaker backgrounds, while strengthening the state's overall educational infrastructure and improving opportunities for higher learning.

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