Bhubaneswar: The Union government has approved the upgradation of 71 secondary schools into higher secondary schoolsin Odisha under the Samagra Shiksha programme for 2026-27 and sanctioned Rs 140 crore for the purpose,
Official sources said that the Project Approval Board (PAB) of the Union Ministry of Education has sanctioned over Rs 140.74 crore as non-recurring financial support for infrastructure development in these schools.
According to an official communication issued by Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA), the approval was granted following recommendations from respective district Collectors.
The selected schools include 60 in the Arts stream and 11 in the Science stream. The funds will be utilised for creating necessary facilities such as classrooms, science laboratories, and other essential infrastructure.
State Project Director of OSEPA Ananya Das has requested the School and Mass Education Department to issue formal government orders at the earliest so that the upgraded schools can become operational from the coming academic session.
Ganjam district has received the maximum number of approvals with 12 schools, followed by Malkangiri (6), Balasore (5), Balangir (5) and Nabarangpur (5). Several other districts including Anugola Kandhamala, Kendujhar, Khordha, Kalahandi, and Sundaragada have also been included in the list.
Officials said this initiative is expected to greatly improve access to higher secondary education, especially in rural and backward areas, and reduce the need for students to travel long distances after Class X.