Odisha to merge 1,603 UP schools with high schools

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to streamline academic disciplines and extracurricular events in schools, the School and Mass Education Department has decided to merge 1,603 upper primary (UP) schools in the State with their nearest high schools.

After the merger, these high schools will be known as nodal high schools. A modality in this regard will be prepared by September 15, official sources said.

The move came after the School and Mass Education Department observed lack of coordination between UP and high schools due to separate headmasters adversely affecting various events, prayer classes, mass drill and other academic activities in the schools.

As per the decision, the managing committees of both the schools will function separately till end of their tenure. After then, a parent-teacher committee, a managing committee and a development committee will be constituted. The new system will come into force from September 1.

According to sources, a maximum of 145 UP schools in Balasore have been identified to be merged followed by Cuttack which has 135 such schools. Similarly, 125 schools in Jajpur, 120 in Mayurbhanj and 114 in Kendrapara will be merged.