100 CBSE pattern model schools to be set up in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 25:

At least 100 model schools on the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) pattern will come up in Odisha in the next academic session (2015-16), School and Mass Education Minister Debi Prasad Mishra said today.

“We are trying to set up 100 CBSE pattern model schools this year in educationally backward blocks from our own resources since the Centre has declined to provide funds for such projects,” Mishra said while replying during the debate on the demand discussion of his department in the Assembly.

These schools will be set up in all 314 blocks of the state in a phased manner. Besides, efforts are being made to establish schools in non-educationally backward regions with corporate funding, he informed.

“We will ensure that such model schools emerge as the centre of excellence in the state where facilities like amphitheatre, virtual class room, mini-stadium, and horticulture will be present,” Mishra said.

Elaborating on dealing with large-scale vacancies of teachers in government schools, the minister said, arrangements are being made to recruit more retired teachers. At present at least 2215 retired teachers are engaged under ‘Teachers on Call scheme’, he said.

Later in the day, the House passed an amount of Rs 9979.49 crore for School and Mass Education department amid opposition walkout.