Bhubaneswar, Jan 10: The Directorate of Elementary Education, Odisha, has issued a new advisory mandating home visits for students who have been absent from school for a week or more. This directive, which follows guidelines from the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR), aims to address concerns about prolonged absenteeism and its potential consequences, such as school dropouts, child labor, and early marriage.

Under the new advisory, teachers, headmasters, or members of the School Management Committee (SMC) are required to personally visit the homes of absent students to understand the reasons behind their absence. The goal is to provide timely support and encourage re-enrollment, ensuring that no child is left behind in the education system.

The initiative aligns with the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, which emphasizes the responsibility of local authorities to monitor school attendance and protect children’s rights. The OSCPCR highlights that such home visits can help prevent child exploitation and safeguard the welfare of children, promoting their return to school and continued education.

District Education Officers (DEOs) and Block Education Officers (BEOs) have been instructed to implement the advisory immediately and report compliance. The move underscores the commitment of Odisha’s education system to ensure that every child has access to education and is protected from social risks that could hinder their development.