Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: In a major step aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), the Odisha Government has announced plans to establish a unified education board by merging the Board of Secondary Education (BSE) and the Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE).
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond revealed the decision today, stating that employees will be appointed according to the new board’s regulations. Further decisions regarding the board’s structure and functioning will be taken as needed. The government is yet to finalize whether the new board’s office will be located in Cuttack or Bhubaneswar.
This reform comes as part of a broader effort to modernize the education system in the state. Alongside the creation of the unified board, the government has also decided to regularize the services of schematic primary teachers. Under the NEP framework, Odisha is set to fill 44,433 teaching posts over the next three years, with an annual target of 15,000 new appointments.
In a move to strengthen the primary education system, the government also plans to appoint Sishu Sevikas in 45,000 primary schools across the state. These appointments aim to improve the quality of education at the grassroots level.
Further enhancing support for students, the state government will provide free textbooks for Class 9 and 10 students in all government and government-aided schools. Additionally, recognizing the importance of student health, especially in hostels, the department has announced plans to appoint one Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) for every 300 students.
These reforms reflect Odisha's commitment to improving the quality of education, student welfare, and the overall learning environment in line with the objectives of the NEP.
