Bhubaneswar, Jul 29: The Odisha government has initiated the Heritage School Scheme to preserve and modernise the state's oldest educational institutions. Under the initiative, schools that have completed 100 years or more will be developed while preserving their historical significance. A total of 49 schools across the state have been identified for inclusion in the ambitious programme.

To facilitate the project, the government has appointed a private agency to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for all the selected schools. The agency has already completed site visits and submitted feasibility reports for 13 schools. The implementation of the Heritage School Scheme has been entrusted to the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC), which has informed district collectors, who also serve as chairpersons of the District-Level Committees (DLCs), about the progress of the project.

According to the official communication, preliminary DPRs have been prepared for seven schools in Cuttack district. These include Pyari Mohan Academy, Bhakta Madhu Vidyapitha, Ravenshaw Collegiate School, B.K. Vidyapitha, Mohan Subuddhi High School, Kalibazar Government Girls' High School, and Ranihat High School.

Similarly, the first phase of the project will also cover Sharada Academy Government High School and B.B. Government High School, Kujang in Jagatsinghpur district, BJB High School in Khordha district, District School, Puri, and Kendrapara High School in Kendrapara district.

The OBCC has directed the District-Level Committees, constituted under the Panchasakha Shiksha Setu initiative, to convene meetings for reviewing the DPRs and conducting field verification. The committees will also ensure that the proposed works remain within the financial ceiling approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC), which has fixed the project cost at ₹3.92 crore per school, inclusive of all development works.

The primary objective of the scheme is to enhance both the academic environment and the physical infrastructure of these historic institutions without compromising their heritage value. The project will include the construction of heritage galleries, alumni halls, and multi-purpose auditoriums, along with the addition of up to three new classrooms and the renovation of a maximum of three existing classrooms, wherever required.

Special emphasis will be placed on preserving old heritage buildings to maintain their historical character. The campuses will also undergo landscaping and environmental improvement, including the development of internal roads, ramps, paved pathways, greenery, boundary walls, and sports infrastructure.

In addition, the rich legacy of these century-old institutions will be documented through audio-visual and print media, ensuring that their historical contributions to Odisha's education system are preserved for future generations.

The Heritage School Scheme marks a significant step towards safeguarding Odisha's educational legacy while equipping its oldest schools with modern infrastructure to meet contemporary academic needs.