Diarrhoea scare: Odisha authorises district Collectors to take call on school closure

Amid rising diarrhoea cases, the Odisha government has authorised collectors in three severely affected districts to consider temporary school closures if the situation demands, informed School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond on Thursday.

The minister said clear instructions have been issued to ensure school children in the affected districts are given only boiled or safe drinking water. Cooks serving mid-day meals have been directed to provide hot, freshly prepared food.

Additionally, hygiene in school and hostel premises has been prioritised. Officials of the department have been told to ensure clean environments and monitor any health-related concerns closely.

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Speaking to the media, Gond said, “In the severely affected districts, the collectors have been authorised to take a decision on temporary closure of schools keeping the situation in mind.”

“Keeping the rising diarrhoea cases in mind, necessary actions have been taken. Instructions will be issued to ensure children drink boiled water. Besides, hygiene will be maintained at school toilets, classrooms and campus,” the minister added.