Bhubaneswar, 10 January (H.S.): In a move aimed at safeguarding child rights and curbing prolonged absenteeism in schools, the Directorate of Elementary Education (DEE), Odisha, has directed school authorities to conduct home visits for students who remain absent for seven consecutive days or more.

According to an official notification issued by the DEE on January 8, 2026, all District Education Officers (DEOs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs) have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive at the school level. The decision follows a communication from the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR).

Referring to the notification, the DEE stated that the advisory has been issued to school authorities for undertaking home visits of students remaining absent for a week or longer, in the interest of protecting child rights and ensuring timely intervention. Field-level officers have been asked to act promptly, with the letter clearly stating, “You are, therefore, requested to take necessary steps at your level.”

Under the new instructions, teachers or designated school authorities are required to visit the homes of students who have been absent for more than seven days to ascertain the reasons for their absence and take appropriate corrective measures.

The directive has also been formally communicated to the Chairperson of the OSCPCR and the Additional Secretary to the Government, School and Mass Education Department, for information.

Officials said the initiative is aimed at preventing school dropouts, ensuring the safety and well-being of students, and strengthening monitoring and accountability at the grassroots level.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda