Mission Suvidya by ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha
Education Programme to Enhance Learning for Backward Communities.
Problem
- Wide disparities across hostels in the state in terms of standards, procedures, and management
- Absence of necessary basic amenities and infrastructural facilities
- No comprehensive database capturing vital information about the department-run hostels
- Lack of Hostel Management Guidelines emphasizing quality assurance
Solution
- NABET-QCI developed relevant criteria to assess and standardize 246 hostels
- An external audit by NABET and ISO Conformity Body was initiated to ensure quality and standardisation
- A move towards digitizing information led to the development of a comprehensive dashboard
- Revision and integration of ISO clauses into the existing Hostel Management Guidelines for uniform quality standards
Outcomes
- Hostels became more self-aware of their strengths and areas needing improvement after the external audit
- Standardization across hostels with the attainment of ISO 9001:2015 certification
- The formation of a robust database for SSD Hostels
- Successful revision and implementation of Hostel Management Guidelines aligned with ISO clauses
Project Details
Category: Education
Project: Mission Suvidya
Organisation: ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha
Start Date: 04-Dec-2019
Problem
The Mission Suvidya programme was necessitated by the evident disparities in standards, procedures, systems, and management of most hostels throughout Odisha. These inconsistencies left gaps in the availability of basic amenities and infrastructure. There was a clear need for a comprehensive database that would offer a holistic view of the state of these hostels. Furthermore, without set Hostel Management Guidelines that emphasise quality assurance, there was no established pathway to ensure consistent and optimal quality across the board.
Solution
Recognizing the state of the hostels and the potential benefits of addressing their disparities, the ST & SC Development Department collaborated with NABET-QCI. This collaboration aimed to evaluate and benchmark SSD hostels, paving the way for process standardization and eventual preparation for ISO 9001-2015 certification. This strategy saw the implementation of a comprehensive external audit, digitizing relevant data for a unified view, and a crucial revision of Hostel Management Guidelines. The inclusion of ISO clauses in the guidelines ensured that all hostels would meet a minimum quality standardization, setting a clear path for consistent improvements.
Outcomes
The solutions put in place by the Mission Suvidya programme led to palpable positive outcomes. The external audits fostered a culture of self-assessment and introspection among the hostels, making them more aware of areas they excelled in and areas needing refinement. The rigorous efforts were rewarded with ISO 9001:2015 certification, providing a seal of standardized quality across the hostels. The digital transformation resulted in a well-rounded database for SSD Hostels, acting as a singular point of reference for stakeholders. Lastly, with the revamped Hostel Management Guidelines in place, which were in line with ISO clauses, there was a clear roadmap for maintaining and elevating the quality of these residential institutions.