Transforming Education for the Vulnerable Sections, ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of Odisha
The commitment to quality education bore fruit, as showcased by the annual HSC exam results, with schools achieving 94.2% pass rate in 2022-23.
Problem
- Lack of ICT infrastructure hindered promotion of critical thinking among students
- Inadequate school and hostel infrastructure to cater to the rising number of enrolled students
- Challenges in distributing scholarships to the vast number of ST&SC boarder students
- Need for a diversified pedagogy to accommodate children from various tribes and communities
Solution
- Establishment of 1,405 Reading Corners and 500 Smart classrooms across schools for enhancing critical thinking
- Upgrading of school infrastructure, with the number of High Schools increased to 422 from 215 and opening of 62 dedicated Higher Secondary Schools
- Allocation of Rs 550 crore for scholarships to 5 lakh ST&SC boarder students
- Regular training for 12,000+ teachers on curriculum, pedagogy, and IT skills
- Establishment of a dedicated School and Hostel Monitoring Cell for 24×7 oversight
Outcomes
- A significant rise in Tribal Female literacy in Odisha by 76.29% between 2001 & 2011, surpassing the national growth rate
- Consistent performance improvement, with the annual HSC exam result of the Department High Schools reaching 94.2% in 2022-23
- Statewide literacy rate surged from 63.08% in 2001 to 72.87% in 2011
- Greater involvement of stakeholders and positive qualitative impacts on the lives of students and communities
Project Details
Category: Educational Reform
Project: Transforming Education for the Vulnerable Sections
Organisation: ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Department, Odisha
Start Date: 01-Nov-2022
Problem
The ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department identified the pressing need for educational reforms for the vulnerable sections in Odisha. There was a conspicuous lack of ICT infrastructure which proved to be a bottleneck in promoting critical thinking among students. The years 2005-06 saw the enrolment of 2.29 lakh students in 1,541 SSD schools, emphasizing the growing demand for better school and hostel infrastructure. While lakhs of ST&SC boarder students were provided with scholarships, the distribution system needed streamlining. Furthermore, considering the unique diversity of students from multiple tribes and communities, a more adaptable pedagogy was essential.
Solution
To combat the challenges faced, the Department initiated a multi-pronged approach. Smart Learning Centres were established, and 1,405 Reading Corners along with 500 Smart classrooms were set up across various schools. The Department took significant strides in infrastructural development, nearly doubling the number of high schools and introducing 62 new Higher Secondary Schools. The scholarship distribution system was enhanced with a whopping allocation of Rs 550 crore for ST&SC boarder students. Ensuring quality education, over 12,000 teachers were trained regularly, honing their pedagogical skills. Moreover, to ensure that these initiatives were effectively implemented and monitored, a dedicated School and Hostel Monitoring Cell was established.
Outcomes
The outcomes of the transformative initiative were both immediate and far-reaching. Odisha witnessed a remarkable rise in Tribal Female literacy, with an increase of 76.29% between 2001 and 2011, surpassing the national average. This commitment to quality education bore fruit, as showcased by the annual HSC exam results, with the Department High Schools achieving a commendable 94.2% pass rate in 2022-23. The overall literacy rate of the state saw a considerable surge, elevating from 63.08% in 2001 to 72.87% in 2011. Beyond quantitative measures, the more profound impact lay in the enriched lives of the students and the increased involvement of stakeholders, reflecting the holistic success of the educational reforms.