Bhubaneswar, 23 October (H.S.):

In response to the anticipated impact of Cyclone ‘Dana,’ the ST & SC Development (STSC) Department has issued directives to ensure the safety of students residing in government-run residential schools and hostels. District Welfare Officers (DWOs) of 14 vulnerable districts have been instructed to take all necessary measures for the protection of boarders in hostels under the STSC and School & Mass Education (S&ME) departments.

Although all schools will remain closed from October 23 to 25 as a precautionary measure, the hostels will continue to operate fully. Staff including Assistant District Welfare Officers (ADWOs), Welfare Extension Officers (WEOs), Engineers of ITDAs, headmasters, assistant hostel superintendents, teachers, matrons, cook-cum-attendants, and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) have been directed to remain in their respective headquarters to ensure the safety and well-being of the students in their care.

Headmasters and assistant hostel superintendents have been urged to immediately check and ensure that all hostels have adequate stocks of essential supplies such as food grains, vegetables, and other food items. They are also required to ensure a continuous supply of drinking water and make other necessary arrangements.

The SSD department has communicated these instructions through official letters, stressing the need for complete preparedness in safeguarding the students during the cyclone's potential impact.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda