Bhubaneswar, 07 September (H.S.): The Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE), Odisha, celebrated its 44th Foundation Day on Monday, with speakers calling for greater emphasis on vocational education, digital learning content and the expansion of higher secondary education through the State Institute of Open Schooling (SIOS).

Kotpad MLA Rupu Bhatra, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest, praised CHSE for its effective examination management and stressed the need to maintain and improve the quality of education. He said the Council has consistently worked towards strengthening the educational foundation of students and has introduced significant changes in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, who attended as the Guest of Honour, highlighted several initiatives being undertaken to align higher secondary education with the objectives of NEP 2020.

He said priority is being given to developing a new curriculum based on experiential learning, while steps are also being taken to prepare reference books in Odia for science-stream students to support their preparation for competitive examinations.

Dr. Naik said the Council has been provided ₹10 crore for developing digital educational content aimed at helping students access quality learning resources.

He also stressed the importance of vocational education, saying students should acquire skills in at least one trade by the time they complete Plus Two. Efforts are also underway to strengthen government vocational higher secondary schools, he added.

He further informed that steps are being taken to merge the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) and the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) into a single unified board.

He also said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved the introduction of Plus Two courses through open schooling under the State Institute of Open Schooling (SIOS) in the coming days. The initiative is expected to expand access to higher secondary education for students who are unable to pursue conventional schooling.

Director of Higher Secondary Education Niyati Pattnaik extended her greetings to the Council and its members on the occasion.

Delivering the welcome address, CHSE Chairman Mrunal Kanti Das underlined the importance of strong foundational education and urged teachers to identify students' individual talents and provide them with the necessary support to help them develop their potential.

CHSE Secretary Subhrabala Behera presented the Council's annual report, highlighting its activities and achievements during the year. Controller of Examinations Dr. Prasanta Kumar Parida delivered the vote of thanks.

The programme was attended by CHSE Vice-Chairman Akrura Barik and other officials and dignitaries.

During the event, dignitaries unveiled the Council's annual souvenir ‘Prajna’ and felicitated students who emerged winners in the debate competition. Students who secured distinctions in various categories at the School Games Federation of India competitions were also honoured for their achievements.

The Foundation Day programme highlighted CHSE's continuing efforts to modernise higher secondary education while expanding opportunities for skill development, digital learning and alternative pathways to Plus Two education.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda