Odisha to upgrade 100 high schools to check dropout rate

After being slammed for the high dropout rate in the State, the Odisha government is planning to upgrade as many as 100 high schools in the next academic session.

The upgradation will be done in the blocks where there are no Plus 2 colleges, informed the State School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the Minister said that the move will not only benefit the students but also help the State check the dropout rate.

Earlier, the news of over 43,000 students being absent from appearing for the Matric examination conducted this year caught headlines and created ripples across the State. 

Later, the State came up with a 5-point yojana to bring dropout students back to schools, as per which, teachers would visit from door to door, discuss with the parents and students and convince the parents to send their children to schools.

As per reports, the attendance percentage in classes from I to V in Malkangiri, Boudh, Gajapati, Sambalpur and Nuapara districts was below 70 percent while the same in classes from VI to VIII was also below 70 percent.

A student in Chitrakonda, Malkangiri said, "I was passed matriculation from this High school but without any colleges, I could not continue my higher studies. I am now searching for work in nearby Andhra Pradesh."

Similarly, in case of Class IX and X, the attendance percentage in 13 districts was far below the State average. Surprisingly, Cuttack and Khordha were also among the 13 districts. 

Parents and teachers were a bit apprehencive about the decision given the dearth of teachers in Odisha schools. Pavitra Mahala, the President of 488 Lecturers Association said, "We welcome the decision provided the government appoints adequate number of teachers in schools and develop the infrastructure. Without it, the announcement looks like an eyewash."