Bhubaneswar: The Indian Union government has given the green light for the transformation of 71 secondary schools into higher secondary institutions in Odisha through the Samagra Shiksha initiative for the 2026-27 academic year, allocating ₹140 crore for this endeavor.

According to official sources, the Project Approval Board (PAB) under the Union Ministry of Education has approved just over ₹140.74 crore as one-time financial assistance aimed at enhancing the infrastructure of these schools.

An official statement from the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) indicated that this approval came after recommendations were made by the district Collectors.

The selected institutions consist of 60 schools focused on the Arts stream and 11 on the Science stream. The allocated funds will be used to establish essential facilities, including classrooms, science labs, and other necessary infrastructure.

Ananya Das, the State Project Director of OSEPA, has urged the School and Mass Education Department to promptly issue formal government orders so that the upgraded schools can begin operations in the upcoming academic year.

Ganjam district leads with the highest number of approved schools, totaling 12, followed by Malkangiri with 6, Balasore, Balangir, and Nabarangpur each with 5. Additional districts such as Anugola Kandhamala, Kendujhar, Khordha, Kalahandi, and Sundargarh are also included in the initiative.

Officials have stated that this program is anticipated to significantly enhance access to higher secondary education, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions, thereby lessening the necessity for students to travel long distances after completing Class X.