Bhubaneswar, 09 October (H.S.): Panchasakha Shiksha Setu has approved 707 school development projects worth ₹7.73 crore across 29 districts of Odisha at its sixth Executive Council meeting, focusing on improving school infrastructure and strengthening alumni participation.

The meeting received contributions of ₹2.58 crore from alumni, parents, School Management Committee members, individuals and organisations. With matching grants under the initiative, projects worth ₹7.73 crore were approved.

The projects will cover classroom repairs, drinking water facilities, boundary walls, school gates, campus beautification, bicycle stands and other essential infrastructure. Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Jajpur and Cuttack recorded the highest contributions.

The meeting, chaired by Dr N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department, emphasised strengthening ties between schools and alumni to support institutional development.

Two initiatives—Alumni Podcast and District Spotlight—were also discussed to expand engagement. The podcast will feature successful alumni sharing their experiences and career journeys to inspire students and encourage contributions to their former schools. District Spotlight will showcase school development projects and success stories through social media to promote wider public participation.

The Executive Council also reviewed ongoing initiatives and discussed future plans to strengthen community involvement in school development.

Smt Sangeeta Behera, Member Secretary of Panchasakha Shiksha Setu and State Project Director (in-charge) of the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA), attended the meeting along with other Executive Council members.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda