High School Transformation Programme Fast Tracked
*Chief Secretary set timelines for completion of the projects

Bhubaneswar, 17 May ( Pratyusha Bureau):
Implementation of High School Transformation Programme under 5-T doctrines set by Chief Minister Sri Naveen Patnaik was fast tracked with Chief Secretary Sri Suresh Chandra Mahapatra taking a review of its progress in a high level meeting held on digital mode from Lokseba Bhawan wherein Principal Secretary School and Mass Education Sri Bishnupada Sethi outlined the reformative interventions and their implementation for discussion.
Taking a project wise review of the progress, Chief Secretary Sri Mahapatra set timelines for completion of different tasks against each project. Collectors were asked to review the progress regularly and ensure completion within the scheduled time. Sri Mahapatra also directed to make a robust arrangement for maintenance and upkeep of the electrical system, computers, laboratories equipments, campus set up, and sports materials. Safeguarding of the assets created under the programme especially during the night hours was also discussed in the meeting. Chief Secretary also directed to train the staff and teachers of the schools regarding emergency use and upkeep of the fire safety equipments fixed in the schools.
Development Commission Sri Pradeep Kumar Jena urged upon the teachers and school managing committees to make best use of the assets in enrichment of teaching learning ambiance in the schools. He also asked the department to explore the possibilities of integrating English medium teaching systems in schools for making the students at par with English medium students in private schools.
Discussions in the meeting showed that so far 4536 high schools were included under high school transformation programme. A number of projects were planned and implemented for enhancing modern academic eco-system in the schools. The major projects included upgrading schools building, class rooms, boundary walls, water supply system, toilets, power supply system, procurement of IT equipments, regular maintenance of electronic assets, procurement of furniture, fitting of the wall hangings, wall clocks, and wall paintings, development/upkeep of the lawn/gardens, plantation, arrangement of regular cleaning of the school and campus, procurement of books, e-learning materials for e-library, procurement and maintenance of laboratory equipments, development of nutri-garden, procurement of sports equipments and development of play ground, physical fitness training for students, fitting and upkeep of the fire safety equipments etc.
Review showed that these projects were already completed and put to use in 1076 schools taken up for transformation during the 1st phase; and around 75 percent of different works in balance 3460 schools (taken up in 2nd phase) were nearing completion. Chief Secretary directed for adhering to the timeline for completion of the balance works.
Development Commissioner Sri Pradeep Kumar Jena, Principal Secretary School and Mass Education Sri Bishnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Smt Ranjana Chopra, Commissioner BMC Sri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director Odisha School Education Programme Authority Sri Anupam Saha, Director Special Projects Sri Arindam Dakua, State Project Director Odisha Adrasha Vidyalaya Sri Prem Choudhury, Director SC and ST Development Smt Guha Poonam T. K. along with senior officers of concerned departments participated in the discussions.