Will Odisha govt reopen schools with less than 20 students? Minister clears air

Schools with less than 20 students will not be reopened in the state, informed School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond in the Odisha Assembly on Friday.

Responding to a question raised by MLA Prasanna Acharya, the Minister informed the House that the previous BJD government had shut down several schools that had more than 20 students. However, the present government has reopened 46 such schools after reviewing requests.

Gond further clarified that the reopening decisions are being taken only after recommendations from district-level and School Managing Committees. 

If district-level committee recommends reopening of the school with less than 20 students, the Odisha government will take necessary steps after thorough consideration.

“Schools are being reopened after careful evaluation and upon receiving formal proposals from district committees,” he said.

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Reaffirming the government’s stand, the Minister emphasised that schools with less than 20 students are not under consideration for reopening at this point.