Bhubaneswar, October 9: The sixth Executive Council meeting of Panchasakha Shiksha Setu on Friday approved projects worth Rs 7.73 crore for the development of schools across 29 districts of Odisha.

The scheme brings alumni, their alma mater, and community around government-run or government aided schools together to revamp the state school ecosystem. Under the scheme alumni from across the world support their alma mater and contribute while the state government provided double the amount for development of schools.

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The meeting revealed that a financial contribution amounting to Rs 2,57,90,810 were received from alumni and other stakeholders for development of their alma maters. As per the provision, the State Government provides double the contribution amount to the tune of Rs 7,73,72,430.

The approved projects will cover classroom repairs, improvement of drinking water facilities, construction of boundary walls and school gates, campus beautification, installation of bicycle stands and maintenance of other essential infrastructure. These interventions are expected to make school premises safer, more attractive and conducive to learning, thereby providing students with an improved educational environment.

Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Jajpur and Cuttack districts recorded the highest financial contributions. This reflects the growing interest, sense of responsibility and spirit of partnership among alumni and various organisations towards the development of schools.

The meeting was chaired by School and Mass Education Secretary and Panchasakha Shiksha Setu Council Executive Chairman Dr N. Thirumala Naik.

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To broaden and strengthen alumni engagement, the meeting discussed the launch of two new initiatives are Alumni Podcast and District Spotlight.

Under the Alumni Podcast initiative, successful alumni from diverse fields will be invited to share their educational journeys, struggles, experiences and success stories. These interactions are expected to inspire other alumni to contribute to the development of their former institutions. Students currently studying in schools will also benefit from the experiences of accomplished individuals and receive valuable guidance for shaping their future careers.

The District Spotlight initiative will showcase development activities undertaken under Panchasakha Shiksha Setu across different districts, highlight positive changes in schools and present success stories emerging from alumni contributions. These stories will be disseminated through various social media platforms to increase awareness and encourage wider public participation in school development.