Bhubaneswar: The School and Mass Education (S&ME) Department of the Odisha government on Friday announced the modalities for implementing the ‘Panchasakha Shikhya Setu’ initiative, aimed at revamping school education across the state.
This initiative, designed to foster volunteerism and collaboration, will establish an innovative partnership between citizens and the government. It seeks to rebuild schools, enhance education quality, and promote community engagement while focusing on futuristic education, the department stated.
Previously known as the ‘Mo School Abhiyan,’ the Panchasakha Shikhya Setu extends its scope by encouraging alumni, institutions, philanthropists, and others to contribute to the development of schools in Odisha through funds, materials, or services.
The existing registered body, Mo School Abhiyan Parichalana Sanghathan, will be renamed as Panchasakha Shikhya Setu Sangathan (PSS Sangathan) and will be led by the Chief Secretary of Odisha as its ex-officio chairperson. An executive body will manage daily operations, supported by a governing body and a board of advisers, which will include eminent personalities such as educationists, social scientists, thought leaders, and artists.
A state-level committee headed by the S&ME Department Secretary will oversee the initiative, while district-level committees led by Collectors will implement it locally. For every contribution made under the program, the state government will provide double the amount, with a maximum cap of ₹50 lakh. However, contributions made in materials or services will not receive matching funds.
The funds collected will be utilized to upgrade school infrastructure, including classrooms, libraries, hostels, toilets, drinking water facilities, internet connectivity, and sports facilities. The PSS Sangathan may also appoint officers, staff, and specialists with domain expertise, subject to state government approval. Contributions will only be accepted from credible and legitimate sources.
To ensure accountability, the society will maintain proper accounts, prepare annual financial statements, and submit progress reports along with audited statements and utilization certificates to the S&ME Department. The Panchasakha Shikhya Setu initiative is expected to create a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration and empowerment, driving the transformation of school education in Odisha.
